What we believe

The Bible

• We believe that Scripture is the inspired Word of God. However, we do not interpret it in a strictly literal way but take a more balanced approach, valuing history, science, and reason alongside faith.

• As it was written 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, we acknowledge that the Bible was written in specific historical and cultural contexts. And while we encourage studying these original meanings, we recognize that some contexts do not directly translate to today.

• We focus on a Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture, emphasizing God’s grace and love revealed through Jesus. This shapes how we understand challenging passages, but faithful questioning is always encouraged. We believe that curiosity, and even doubt, can be part of a healthy faith journey.

 

Grace and Salvation

• We embrace a grace-centered theology, emphasizing God's love over strict rules or judgment. Faith is a relationship with God—not a checklist of requirements.  And salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned through good works or personal effort.

• Faith, while also a gift from God, is a lifelong journey. We understand that Christians are both saints and sinners—fully forgiven, yet in continual need of forgiveness and renewal. Faith is more than belief; it is trusting in God’s love and promises.

• We celebrate two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe Christ is present in these sacraments through the power of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is seen as a way of receiving God’s grace as God's love and forgiveness are bestowed upon the person being baptized, regardless of their age.

• Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit comes upon the person being baptized and empowers the baptized person to live as a disciple of Christ with the Holy Spirit guiding, comforting, and strengthening them in their journey of faith.

• Infants are baptized because, they too, are seen as recipients of God's promises, and they are welcomed into the community of faith.  For infants, the faith of the parents and the congregation stands in for the child's own faith until they are old enough to affirm it themselves, typically through Confirmation.  Students participate in our Confirmation program during their middle school years.

• We believe that people are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — meaning that salvation is entirely God’s work, not dependent on human actions.

• Rather than focusing on fear of hell or a single decision for Christ, we emphasize God's love and assurance that we will one day be united with God forever in heaven.

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At Immanuel, we invite you to grow in faith, embrace community, and experience God’s grace in a welcoming and accepting environment.

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Come as you are—all are welcome—you are a child of God, and you belong here.