Immanuel Ann Arbor is a new church, so we’re small and growing. It also means that all ages worship together and the service is simple. We worship through song, prayer, the preaching of God’s Word, and communion.
You can wear whatever you want and please come hungry, literally. All are invited for a free lunch immediately after the service.
At the center of our life together is the good news of Jesus. The truths of Gospel Doctrine are absolutely vital. But Gospel Doctrine is not just meant to be believed—it’s meant to be lived.
This shared way of life is what we call Gospel Culture. It shapes our relationships, our words, and the atmosphere of our community.
Gospel Culture is what happens when the beauty of Gospel Doctrine comes to life among us. Truth creates beauty. Belief shapes behavior. And together, they make Jesus visible.
Marks of Gospel Culture:
HONESTY
1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
HONOR
Romans 12:10 - Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
REJOICING
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
HOSPITALITY
Romans 15:7 - Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
The healthy Christian life consists of three overlapping spheres of love: love for God through Jesus Christ, love for our brothers and sisters in Christ (Community), and love for our neighbors (Calling). These are not three equal loves existing alongside each other; rather, Jesus Himself is the beating heart of the church. Jesus is the one we worship and the center of everything. It is out of our participation with Jesus that all else flows.
I can only love my brothers and sisters in Christ when I truly feel loved by Him. My strength to love my neighbors comes from remembering how Jesus became my neighbor and loved me. Jesus has dignified our lives with community, giving us a profound sense of purpose and calling.
Jesus - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the center of all things. He reminds us that Jesus is the beating heart of the church, the focus of our worship, and the foundation of everything. Our relationship with Jesus is where everything flows from; it is through him that we find our purpose, identity, and belonging.
In this light, all human pride is humbled, for it is God alone who saves. The essence of our faith is to know Jesus Christ crucified, to delight in him as our Savior, and to allow him to transform our lives for his glory.
Community - Romans 15:7
The gospel is meant to upgrade our relational life as God's people. We believe we are nothing without Jesus Christ, but with Jesus Christ, every aspect of our life together is meant to be different. Ray Ortland says, “The church is not just a new community; the church is meant to be a new kind of community.” The life and community of those who come to know Jesus should be unique and singular. The quality of our lives should serve as an apologetic for the beauty of Jesus himself. The Bible places a high premium on this. John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” It is not by being more impressive, more put together, or strong enough; it is by our being unimpressive and Jesus being impressive. We will be known in the world “if we have love for one another.” This love will singularly mark us as being His. Francis Schaeffer once famously said, “Jesus is giving the world permission to judge whether we are true Christian disciples on the basis of if we love one another.” Gospel doctrine leads to gospel culture.
Calling - 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Your life is not an accident. Before time began, he designed your life to be perfect for making his name great in this world. By the sovereignty of God and his tender grace, he takes all our sin, brokenness, and life experiences and has something unique for each of us. As Pastor TJ Tims says, “Right where you are in life is the perfect place for the Lord to use you.” Your current situation is strategic for the Kingdom of God. It’s not what you are going to do for God that gives your life value; it’s what God in Christ has already done for you. In Christ, we are free to embrace God’s calling on our lives as his workers. Each of us has an inherent desire for meaning and purpose, graciously given to us by God. In the beginning, we see the Lord created man, placed him in the garden, and gave him meaningful work. God has called us into his family and called to be his workmen.