We are devoted to Jesus Christ and His pre-eminence, worshipping Him and seeking to help people find forgiveness, hope and new life in Him. We value expository preaching and seek to communicate His unchanging Word in a dynamic and fresh way that really helps us apply His life-giving truth to daily living. Let's face it: there are many so called solutions to feeding your soul but Jesus Himself said, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again” (John 6:35). We believe Him and have found that to be true, so we point people to Him.
Eternal Perspective
In our world filled with noise and static, it is easy to lose perspective. We are created in God's image and made for His glory and to be on His mission. Man is a vapor that is here for a moment and then passes into eternity. We live for Him, seeking to bring His grace and truth into the world (Matthew 28:18-20; John 1:17; Colossians 3:1-4). Emmanuel is Jesus' church and we want to point people to Him.
The Gospel
The gospel means good news. Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension and return is mankind’s only Hope. The forgiveness of our sins through His sacrifice and substitutionary death, His burial and resurrection is of first importance and the means to the full and overflowing life (John 10:10; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5).
Prayerful Christ Centered Worship
Jesus said, “My Father's house will be a house of prayer for all nations.” Prayer is the air of the Christian and we desire to be saturated with it. Whether it be in our Sunday gatherings, in small groups or personal relationships - prayer is a hallmark of our worship and fellowship (Mark 11:17).
Expository Preaching and Biblical Literacy
We are a people who desire to be informed and empowered by God's unchanging Word. The Bible is our sole authority for life and practice that the Holy Spirit uses to convict, bring new life, guide, counsel and comfort (Ezra 7:6-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:16-18; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
The Holy Spirit's Leadership
When Jesus died, arose and ascended to heaven He sent His Spirit to live in those who have been born again to empower them for life and mission. As we continue to grow in our new life in Him, His Spirit convicts us of sin, brings new life, counsels and comforts. By Him, He forms and guides us to greater holiness. By His Spirit in us, we are never truly alone and are becoming more like Christ because He lives in us. (John 3; John 16:5-13)
Unity and Biblical Community
How we live together bears witness to the world. How we live, love, serve, forgive and go speaks of His resurrection life in us. We desire to be in the world but not of it and we desire to live in such a way that demonstrates this new life (John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:1-3; James 1:27; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Leadership Development for the Next Generation
Emmanuel is looking to the next generation as we think about the future. We are praying and preparing for a gospel presence in our area for the future and are directing resources to build disciples among all generations (Matthew 28:19-20; John 15:16; Ephesians 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:2).
Local and Global Outreach
Emmanuel is surrounded by 130,000+ people. We strive to manage our resources wisely to build relationships and engage the surrounding communities with the grace and truth, hope, peace and mercy of Jesus Christ. God has called us to reach out both locally and globally so His love flows to our neighborhoods as well as to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 15:20).