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Meet the Sanctuary

Our Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Team have committed their lives to reach others for Christ. They join in worship with other believers and strive to meet human needs with ministries of love and compassion.

Sam & Ruth Kaunley

Senior Pastor

“I can’t think of a greater accomplishment than leading someone to Jesus. Seeing an eternal soul saved, teaching, and helping someone grow in their relationship with God should be the heartbeat of every follower of Jesus. My passion is to lead The Sanctuary of Hope to love the lost and live the good news of Jesus in their everyday lives. – Senior Executive Pastor Sam Kaunley

“I was raised in a pastor’s home by two godly parents. Their passions, priorities, and love set my focus in ministry. Winning the lost and making disciples is God’s plan and my heart. Caring for the broken and those who can benefit from Biblical Counseling is close to my heart. I hope to love the family of God in such a way that God’s love is always experienced in and outside of our church.” – Pastor Ruth Kaunley

Email Contact: Pastor Sam | [email protected]

                             Pastor Ruth[email protected]

 

Phone: Pastor Ruth Kaunley (417) 527-7339

Benaiah & Natalie Snider

Associate Pastor

“I am passionate about engaging the community of Branson with the message of hope through the transformative power of Jesus Christ. My heart is to train and equip our future leaders by teaching the fundamental truths of spiritual formation and how to live empowered by the Holy Spirit.” Executive Pastor Benaiah Snider

“My heart is to embody who Jesus is to our community through love and servanthood. To meet the broken and bound right where they are with that truth that Jesus sees them and He cares. My mission is to bring mercy and hope that discounts no one, but invites whosoever will to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Pastor Natalie Snider

Email Contact: [email protected]

                                [email protected]

 

Phone: Pastor Benaiah Snider | (417) 294-2337

                Pastor Natalie Snider  (417) 818-6681

Brandon & Kendra Scott

Associate & Youth Pastors

“My passion as a youth pastor stems from a deep commitment to guiding and nurturing the next generation in their faith. I am eager to create a welcoming environment where young people can grow spiritually, build meaningful connections, and grow in their understanding of God’s love. I desire to make a positive impact on student’s lives, helping them to navigate challenges with a foundation of faith, through engaging services, activities, programs, and a personal commitment to impactful mentorship. I hope to guide the next generation to be men and women of Christian character and strong leaders” – Pastor Brandon Scott

“My passion for ministry is to equip the next generation to spread the good news of God’s love. We trust in the Lord to guide and direct our decisions to effectively reach young people who have experienced hurt from this world. My burden is for the lost souls of the youth in our community. I want all children to know they are loved regardless of their circumstances and that the Blood of Jesus Christ can wash them white as snow. As Christians we can walk in the freedom of salvation and not the shame of our past.” Pastor Kendra Scott

Email Contact: [email protected]

William & Amber Clendenin

Men’s Ministry, Restoration Connection & Adult Bible Fellowship

“We believe life transformation happens through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the continual study of God’s Word. It is through the power of God’s Word that we receive salvation and are radically changed. Our desire is to see the gospel preached so that others can come to know Christ and live in freedom from sin. We were freed from lives of addiction and bondage and believe salvation has been extended to all who will receive it. We are dedicated to preaching the message of salvation according to God’s Word to all who will listen. 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”   

Email: Pastor William Clendenin [email protected]

               Pastor Amber Clendenin [email protected] 

 

Phone: Pastor William Clendenin (417) 379-0357

                Pastor Amber Clendenin (417) 414-2150

Brian & Emily Christenson

CFO & Minister of Music

“I desire to be a trustworthy steward of God’s provisions for our church. I strive to take the burden of finances off our pastors, so they can focus on their calling.” – CFO Bryan Christianson

“The Lord has given every believer a mandate, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is my great privilege to have this opportunity to proclaim his good news through Praise & Worship. I desire to follow the instruction the Lord has given all of us, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). My heart is that Jesus alone receives all the glory with every opportunity He has given me.” –  Pastor Emily Christianson

Email Contact: CFO Bryan Christianson [email protected]
Pastor Emily Christianson [email protected]

Phone: CFO Bryan Christianson (417) 699-2810
Pastor Emily Christianson (417) 294-4728

Greg & Julia Scott

Associate Pastor Education and Children

“The souls of our children are our passion for ministry. We see the children as the future of the church. God is very clear in Proverbs 22:6 that we should “train” them when they are young so that they will believe when they are old. Research by Barna shows that what you believe by age 13 greatly influences what you will believe for the remainder of your life. 2 out of 3 Christians came to faith before the age of 18 and 43% came to Christ before age 12. We believe children are our greatest mission field and we are passionate about leading the next generation to Jesus Christ.”

Email Contact: [email protected]

Chaplain Murl Hicks & Caroline Hicks

Veterans, First Responders & Senior Services

“After 20 years in the military and 16 years as a police officer, I understand the unique challenges our veterans and first responders face. It is my desire to minister to them in a way that they know they are appreciated and supported for the sacrifices they have made for our nation and communities. I strive to make myself available to pray, counsel, and encourage our veterans, first responders, and seniors.” – Chaplain Murl Hicks

“I want to make everyone, regardless of age, feel welcome in our church and activities. Most of our seniors and veterans fall into the same age category. It is my hope that they feel included in all things and they know they have a place in our church. I don’t want anyone to feel left out.” – Caroline Hicks

Email Contact: Chaplain Murl Hicks | [email protected]
Caroline Hicks | [email protected]

Phone: Chaplain Murl Hicks (417) 294-6764
Caroline Hicks (913) 638-4115

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