Our Vision

Grounded in God’s Word

We believe the Bible is God’s living and active Word—a firm foundation for our faith, our decisions, and our direction as a church. We are committed to teaching Scripture faithfully and boldly, helping people engage with the Word of God in a way that is both intellectually rich and personally transformative. Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or have been studying it for years, we want to walk with you as you discover God’s truth together with us.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

We seek to be a Spirit-filled church where God’s presence is not just acknowledged but actively experienced. Through prayer, worship, spiritual gifts, and dependence on the Holy Spirit’s leading, we long to see hearts healed, lives renewed, and people empowered to live with bold faith in everyday life.

Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ

The gospel is central to everything we do. We proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior—not only within the church but in our city, on college campuses, in coffee shops, and on street corners. We want every person who visits Emmanuel to hear the good news: that Jesus Christ came to rescue and redeem, and that through Him, there is new life, hope, and freedom.

Transforming Lives in Philadelphia and the World

We believe the church exists not only for itself but for the sake of others. Our heart is to be a redemptive presence in Philadelphia—particularly in the University City and West Philly area—where the gospel is lived out through acts of compassion, justice, hospitality, and intentional community. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, a parent, or someone navigating a new season of life, we want to see God transform your life and use you to help transform the world.

If You’re Visiting for the First Time…

We know visiting a new church can feel overwhelming. At Emmanuel, we want you to feel at home from the moment you walk in. Expect a welcoming, multi-generational and multi-ethnic community. Expect genuine worship, relevant teaching, and opportunities to connect and grow. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking for a church to call home, our hope is that you’ll experience the presence of God, the warmth of authentic community, and the joy of walking with Jesus.

You’re not just welcome here—you’re wanted here.

2025 Theme: 

Reconciled to God, transforming lives through love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

In 2025, Emmanuel Church EC is embracing a renewed call:
To live as a reconciled people, and to be agents of reconciliation—transformed by God’s love and sent out to transform the lives of others.

Reconciled to God

At the heart of the gospel is reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ, we who were once far from God have been brought near. We are no longer strangers, no longer bound by guilt or shame—but beloved sons and daughters welcomed into the family of God. This reconciliation is not something we earn; it is a gift of grace that transforms us from the inside out.
In 2025, we aim to go deeper into this reality—remembering, rejoicing, and resting in the peace we have with God through Christ.

Transforming Lives Through the Love of Christ

Reconciliation doesn’t stop with us—it moves through us. Because we’ve been reconciled, we are now entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This year, we’re focusing on being a community that doesn’t just receive God’s love, but one that actively embodies and extends that love.

That means:

• Healing broken relationships—pursuing forgiveness, peacemaking, and unity in our families, friendships, and neighborhoods.

• Crossing cultural, generational, and economic divides—to reflect the reconciling heart of Jesus in a fractured world.

• Loving our city deeply—not with words alone, but with presence, action, and sacrificial care.

• Raising up reconcilers—discipling people who carry the heart of Christ into their workplaces, campuses, and communities.

What This Looks Like at Emmanuel in 2025

• Sermon Series and Teaching: Exploring themes of grace, identity, forgiveness, and justice through the lens of reconciliation.

• Discipleship Pathways: Equipping every member—from seekers to seasoned believers—to understand and live out their calling as ministers of reconciliation.

• Community Engagement: Increasing our outreach to the UPenn and Drexel communities, serving the homeless, supporting vulnerable families, and partnering with local ministries to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways.

• Global Perspective: Continuing to support missions abroad—so that reconciliation is not just local but global, reflecting God’s heart for the nations.

Our Prayer for 2025

That each person who walks through our doors would not only encounter the reconciling love of Jesus but be empowered to carry that love into a broken world.
That Emmanuel Church EC would be known not just by what we believe, but by how we love.