Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry encourages students, faculty, and staff to join us in ministry. We have a group of dedicated leaders who use their gifts serving, supporting, and equipping others to live out their faith in Christ! Get to know them below.
Pastor Samuel Smith
Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church
Pastor Smith grew up in Broadlands, IL, where he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.
For undergrad, he attended Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, NE, where he received a Bachelor of History with a minor in Philosophy.
In 2024, Pastor Smith graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a Master of Divinity.
Pastor Smith has began his first call to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston, Illinois following his Ordination and Installation in July 2025. He is currently living in Charleston, IL, and pursuing a Master of Sacred Theology, with a focus on Medieval History.
Student Leaders
Rachel Wisner
Rachel Wisner is from Forsyth, Illinois. She is a first-year graduate student pursuing her MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Outside of ILCM, Rachel is part of the EIU Dancers.
Blaine Burns
Blaine Burns is from Decatur, Illinois. He is a senior majoring in History with a political science minor. Outside of ILCM, Blaine is a part of the EIU Political Science Association.
Claire Steiner
Claire Steiner is from Lincoln, Illinois. She is a junior majoring in Accounting. Outside of ILCM, Claire is a part of the EIU Choir.