Rev. Montgomery Johnson, Senior Pastor
Pastor Monte Johnson (he/him/his) was called to Immanuel in June 2003. He enjoys serving a diverse urban community and a congregation with such a long history of welcoming friends and neighbors—especially children and youth. In addition, Immanuel’s commitment to beautiful music and liturgy makes him feel spoiled to preside at worship each week.
Pastor Monte earned his master’s degrees in 1993 from the University of Chicago Divinity School and The School of Social Work Administration. His ‘Lutheran year,’ including Clinical Pastoral Education, field work, and full-year internship were administered through the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He obtained a B.A. from St. Olaf College in 1985. Immanuel is the third Metro Chicago congregation he has served in since being ordained in 1993.
Pastor Monte was remarried in 2004. He currently lives in Evanston with his wife, Kari, their 18-year old daughter Leah, 19-year old Mehari (who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Eritrea and became part of the family in 2019), and 3-year old dog, Ogie. In addition, his three twenty-something-aged boys—Russell, Joe, and Sam– are all living in Chicago and are eagerly welcomed home at every opportunity. In his free time, Pastor Monte enjoys working in his yard, riding his bike, reading books and going to plays.
Contact Pastor Monte Johnson at 773-743-1820
Jordan Collins-Brown, Minister for Youth and Households
Jordan Hasuan Malik Collins-Brown, also known as JCB or Mr. Everything, is delighted, blessed, and honored to serve as the new Director of Youth and Family Households for the Immanuel and Ebenezer Lutheran Churches.
Since his involvement with ECT since 2016, JCB has evolved in ministry and call. The connection with the youth, paired with Pastor Emily’s and Adriana’s passion for God and ministry, helped JCB answer the call and step up to help bring his talents to another level. Currently a student at Wartburg Seminary (fresh off orientation week), JCB is in pursuit of his MDiv and is in the Entrance portion of the Candidacy track for Word and Sacrament. JCB looks to become a rostered ELCA minster!
In his little spare time, JCB enjoys cooking, watching either the Food Network/Cheers/or ER, studying, and discovering new music. JCB is an open-book, and you have any questions/comments/concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Getting Here
Public Transportation: We are conveniently located one block east of the #22 Clark bus, three blocks east of the Metra UP-N Peterson station, and a ten-minute walk west from the Thorndale red line station.
Parking: Unrestricted street parking on Elmdale, Norwood, and Thorndale Avenues. An accessible drop-off location is located directly in front of the church entrance on Elmdale Ave.