In 1988, Iann Schonken came to the United States from his country of birth, South Africa, to complete his college education. During this time, he served as an associate pastor in Ridgecrest, CA. After receiving his Master's degree in Religion (Church Leadership), he went on to assist various evangelistic ministries in over a decade of ministry, administration, traveling, and speaking. In 1996, he went full-time on the road as a traveling and crusade evangelist.

From 2002-2006, he assisted Pastor Benny Perez in launching a church plant in Las Vegas, NV. He co-authored "MyPrayerpartner: A Systematic Approach to Prayer," and created The School of Prayer with his brother, Dr. Johann Schonken. His latest book is "Go Vertical: 21 Days To An Improved Prayer Life."

​Iann Schonken has over thirty years of ministry experience and ministers the Word with great compassion for his audience, expecting signs and wonders to follow. He became Lead Pastor at Family Fellowship Church in Oceanside, CA in October 2006 and served in that capacity for 10 years. In 2016, he joined the executive pastoral leadership team at Visalia First in Visalia, CA. He has been married for over twenty five years to his wife Melodi, and is the proud father of three boys.