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Meet Our Team

Our Administrators


Pastor John Grohs- pjohn@immanuelrapids.com

Senior Administrative Pastor

I grew up in Western Iowa, Sioux City, where Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota meet along the Missouri River. My Family farmed. I had a variety of jobs and then attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward from 1977-1981 (9-year plan). I served Zion Lutheran as a DCE for 4 years--1980-1984. I began my Seminary experience in 1998 at the age of 44, serving Christ Lutheran my first 7 years and now here at Immanuel as Senior Pastor.

Hometown: Sioux City, IA

  • What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Finish work--like final touches on a wood working project or painting around the trim or pulling weeds to keep landscaping clean!
  • Who is your greatest inspiration and why? I find it hard to keep quiet about Jesus Christ. In an elevator, a hallway, a family gathering, a room full of strangers--I can always bring the coversation to Jesus--(did I answer the question)?
  • What is something that makes me happy? I have two new grandchildren--Oaklynn and Arbor (and Cadyn!).
  • Are you a fan? Minnesota Vikings; Minnesota Twins; Nebraska Cornhuskers; Lincoln Raiders; Immanuel Cougars! And I pull for the Packers when they are in the Superbowl!

  • Mr. Brian Betts- bbetts@immanuelrapids.com

    School Administrator

    I grew up in central Minnesota in a rural community outside of Kimball in which my family had a small hobby farm. I recieved a BA in elementary education with a concentration in Environmental Science from Concordia College St. Paul, MN. I later received a Masters in Educational Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. It has been a blessing to serve at Immanuel in many roles since 1992 and currently serve as principal. I am the husband of Wendy and father to Caleb and Kaity. I enjoy cooking, gardening, and time at the lake.

    Hometown: Clearwater, MN

    Bachelor's Degree: Concordia University, St. Paul, MN

    Master's Degree: Educational Administration, Concordia University, Mequon, WI

  • What chore do you absolutely hate doing?: Cleaning light fixtures in the house.
  • Who is your greatest inspiration and why?: Abraham Lincoln - a person who was self motivated to take on any challenge and grow through the process.
  • What is something that makes you really happy?: Spending time with my family.

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