Pastor Stephen Meister

Pastor Stephen Meister was saved in 1984 at St. Amant Baptist Church in St. Amant , Louisiana, under the pastorate of his father, Melvin Meister. In 1996 God moved him and his family to Wallingford Connecticut. In 1999 he was called to preach under the ministry of Pastor Thomas Bish and felt God leading him to attend Providence Baptist College in Elgin, Illinois. He graduated from there in 2005.

During his last semester in college, Pastor Meister accepted the pastorate of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, a church of 16 members located in Lemont, Illinois. God has blessed and under his leadership the church is growing and thriving. Despite its growth the church has maintained its close knit family atmosphere and heart for serving people. Emmanuel Baptist Church is a place where families can receive love and nurturing in a Bible-based environment.

Pastor Meister is married to the former Lisa True of North Haven, Connecticut and they have two grown sons and four young foster children whom they are hoping to adopt. His oldest son is serving in the ministry with him.

Lucas Meister - Assistant Pastor

Pastor Lucas is in charge of the children’s ministries. In the summer of 2009 God put the desire in his heart to start a junior church at Emmanuel. That ministry is now reaching many children and families in the surrounding communities. Currently he is a senior at UIC where he is seeking to get a masters in School Counseling.

Tammy Zitzka - Secretary

Tammy is an invaluable part of our staff, performing behind the scenes to organize, keep records and assist in the various ministries of Emmanuel Baptist Church.