Our Staff

Jim Pradke - Preaching Elder

Victory Christian Church founder, Jim Pradke, has been our full-time pastor since 1993.  Jim’s passion for God’s Word is expressed through his creative teaching style and expository preaching each week.  His Christ-like compassion is felt as he visits those who are suffering, giving spiritual counsel to those who seek God’s wisdom.  He is sometimes asked to use his God-given talents to join with the worship team, playing guitar and leading the singing during our weekly Sunday services.  Pastor Jim has been involved in local community ministries, such as the Bella Vita Pregnancy Resource Center, as his heart is burdened for the lives of the unborn.

He and his wife, Brenda, married in 1979.  Having relocated from Chicago, they settled in Knox, Indiana, where they have raised their seven children.  Jim is often actively involved in family activities with their many grandchildren. His days are full, yet he tries to get in a 3-mile walk whenever possible.  He’s an avid primitive camper, canoeist, and health enthusiast.  Jim shares his own cold therapy practices, Wim Hof breathing techniques, and polar plunge experiences with anyone interested. He brews espresso most mornings and makes cappuccino for visitors upon request.  He’s known by family to make the best Greek salad ever, but friends line up when he smokes salmon on the grill.  You’ll often hear him quote, “How about those Packers?”

Denny Manuwal - Youth & Children’s Ministry

Denny Manuwal is the Youth & Children’s Minister. Denny grew up in Plymouth, IN where he attended school. He graduated from Argos High School in 2014 and soon enrolled into the trades to become an electrician for IBEW 153. Denny furthered his education at Ivy Tech graduating with an associate’s degree in Applied Technical Science. He originally attended VCC to hear a close friend, Jim Mitchell, an elder, preach a Sunday sermon. He had met Jim through Fight Club, a local men’s group. From that first visit everything has changed for the better for him. Not only did he hear a great sermon, but he met, Natalie, who would become his wife.

After Denny and Natalie married, in 2022, they lived in North Judson for a short time, before moving to their current home in Knox. They have two children, Melody and Maverick, raising them on a small hobby farm that’s growing along with them every day. As a family, they are involved in the community, coaching soccer and doing 4-H volunteering.

His passion for being a part of the youth ministry started when he devoted his life to Christ in 2019. From then on it grew while he attended New Song Church in Plymouth, IN, where he volunteered in their youth ministry. He connected with the youth there and helped them with any needs that they had. Denny’s passion has continued to blossom since then sparking his desire to become a youth leader. He is excited to be serving God by helping the youth in our community flourish and grow closer to Christ.

Natalie Manuwal - Administrative Assistant

Natalie is the wife of Denny Manuwal, Youth & Children’s Minister. Natalie grew up in North Judson, In where she attended school. After graduating North Judson San-Pierre High School, she went to college at Purdue Northwest. While doing her schooling at PNW, she worked at First Farmers Bank and Trust. In 2018, she graduated PNW with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Since August of 2018, she has worked at North Judson San-Pierre Schools. She still resides there teaching 3rd grade. All of her life she grew up at VCC. She currently teaches Sunday School and Children’s Church, volunteers in the Nursery, and helps Denny with the Youth Group. Natalie has two beautiful children, Melody and Maverick. Her family live on a hobby farm with horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, and everything inbetween. She enjoys doing office work and is eager to get the job done.

Elders:

Jay Barnhart
Jim Mitchell
Jim Pradke
Tim Stonecipher