Our Pastor
Our called Pastor and Teacher is Joshua W. Rau, he has served in Ministry for over 25 years as a music director and Pastor.
Joshua grew up in northern WI right on Lake Superior. He spent his time either in church or in the music room at school. He has been a musician since the 6th grade. He was very active in all aspects of music growing up, he was in orchestra, choir, band, show choir, theater. He was principal bass for the Duluth Superior Youth Orchestra, his high school orchestra and after graduation he served as principle bass for Dakota Valley Symphony in Burnsville MN. He was in several choirs in jr. and sr. high school as well as the church choir. He continued his music after graduation when he started directing church choirs which he did for almost 25 years. He has sung semi-professional with the Fargo-Moorhead Master Choral in Fargo, ND and with the Lexington Choral Society in Lexington, NC. Joshua currently sings with the Choral Union at SEMO.
Joshua has a strong knowledge and passion for the music and liturgy of the church. He believes that the Holy Spirit will move in ways you can't explain as we worship God both liturgically and in a more modern style of worship.
Joshua obtained his EMT certification in 2004 and has been active on both full time and volunteer service ever since. He currently runs with the South Scott County Ambulance District. He also served as a volunteer fire fighter as well as in Law Enforcement for about 4 years, in addition to his EMS work. He also serves as a Chaplain for Missouri EMS Honor Guard.
In his years in church music ministry, Joshua always felt a call to lead, not knowing that one day it would lead him to the pulpit. He was asked several times to fill in on a Sunday and it just really continued to weigh on his heart and when Joshua was given the opportunity to look at Synodically Authorized Minister within the ELCA, he felt that it was time to answer the call. Joshua has a passion for the church, for serving others and for proclaiming the word of God. He is a Licensed Pastor with the UCC and is seeking full ordination within the church.
Joshua’s family consist of his wife Alyssa, together they have a blended family of 6 children and 3 grandkids. Alyssa has 3 boys, and Joshua has 3 girls.
Pastor Joshua is a member of many ministry and civic organizations.
~ Jackson Ministerial Alliance
~ North Cape County Ministerial Alliance
~ Eastern Association MMS Conference Care Team
~ Cape Extension Board for University of Missouri
~ The Optimist Club of Jackson
Pastor Joshua serves as the Missouri Mid-South Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.
Pastor Josh has been appointed to serve as Fire Department Chaplain for the City of Jackson Fire Department. This appointment was made by Chief Jason Mouser on February 1, 2026. Chief Mouser stated, “This appointment is made in recognition of his character, integrity, and commitment to serving others.”
In this role as Chaplain, Pastor Josh will provide spiritual guidance, emotion support, and crisis assistance to department personnel, their families and members of the community when requested. As Chaplin, Pastor Josh may also assist during critical incidents, line-of-duty injuries or deaths, ceremonial functions and other department events as appropriate.
Pastor Josh is honored to have been appointed and represent Emanuel in the greater community.