Joe and Sara Banks are the lead pastors of Abundant Life Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church that has been gathering every week for over 100 years! Since it began in 1913, Abundant Life has a rich history of being known for its life-giving culture that focuses on leading people to an intimate relationship with God. Joe and Sara have been leading Abundant Life since the summer of 2023.

Pastor Joe holds a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Nelson University. Before serving as lead pastor of Abundant Life, he served as location pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Previous ministries include serving as the Georgia District Youth Director, preceded by seasons of youth pastoring in Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. Joe and Sara have a strong desire to see people know God, grow together, and make a difference. They have been married since 2008 and have three incredible kiddos and live right here in the Riverbend area.

Pastor Sara is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University. Her vocational career has led to church ministry, educational leadership, and children and family services. She has served alongside her husband, Joe, in various ministerial capacities, providing leadership to teen girls and young adult women.

Currently, Sara provides leadership at Abundant Life as the Pastor of First Impressions and Connections, Pastor of Abundant Sisterhood, as well as teaching and preaching in multiple environments. For fun, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, shopping, and decorating spaces. Her life purpose is to cultivate healthy and fun spaces for people to find life-giving community.