Mission, Vision and Governance

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

This is the ultimate, preeminent mission and everything else falls short. The reason that the church exists is to fulfill this mission, this purpose.

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Our Mission Statement

We endeavor to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through ever increasing personal holiness and love for one another, as we share and live the Gospel in the world.

Our Vision

Emmanuel Baptist Church, a growing community of Christ's disciples, making disciples to the glory of God.

Our Governance

The Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign head of His church, yet we endeavor to order the local church according to the teachings of scripture.  Emmanuel is, therefore, Elder led and congregationally ruled.  The Board of Elders, under the rule of Christ and the teachings of the scriptures, are tasked with leading and overseeing the doctrine, teachings, and practices of the church.  Since we believe all believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we trust the Spirit will bring the church to a place of unity of mind and purpose.  For this reason, votes are taken to confirm the decisions made by the Elders or committees tasked with making decisions.

The two biblical offices of the church are Elders and Deacons.  Elders are tasked with shepherding and teaching.  Deacons are set aside to administrate the ministry of the church.  They are assigned families, widows, and widowers.  Like the first deacons in Acts 6, deacons are to make sure all members are cared for within the church.  The qualifications for elders and deacons are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.