Discover Emmanuel

Emmanuel is about Jesus and His Grace

Emmanuel is a family of believers—a non-denominational, Bible-believing, Baptist church where Jesus is first, people are loved, and the gospel of grace is center stage. We are serious about God’s truth and Jesus’ mission. We love God and each other, we grow together in God’s word, and we seek to serve others with authentic grace and humility.

Everyone wants a life of hope, meaning, and real love—but many people are struggling to find it, and most are done with “religion.” Emmanuel is home to hundreds of people who have discovered a flourishing personal relationship with God through Jesus.

“It’s not about religion; it’s about a relationship.” 

We invite you to discover the same journey by visiting soon. Don’t miss the joy of taking a truthful and careful look at the real message of Jesus. Come and see Emmanuel, experience spiritual renewal, and discover God’s heart for you!

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Our Purpose

Love God.

This begins in the heart with a personal relationship with Jesus. This love grows as we gather together in worship and hear the teaching of God’s word.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)

Grow Together.

We grow together through God’s word and through community. Community is the fellowship we enjoy as Christians. The Bible is taught in every worship service, in every Group, and one-on-one through Continue Discipleship.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Serve Others.

Jesus adds people to His church and gifts them to serve by His grace. We desire to help all members of our Emmanuel family discover and use their gifts to serve others through outreach, missions, and care.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Our Core Values

We Believe In The Good News of Jesus
We embrace a gospel that both saves and shapes us and is central to everything we believe and practice.
We Grow in Biblical Truth

We stand upon the historical truths of God’s word. We study these truths chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

We Celebrate in Christ-Centered Worship

We desire to live fully surrendered, Spirit-filled lives marked by genuine joy. 

We Forge Authentic Relationships

We cultivate gospel friendships that advance God’s transforming work in our lives. 

We Embrace Missional Living

We steward our gifts and resources for the advancement of Jesus’ kingdom.

We Prioritize Growing Young

We passionately hand off the baton of faith to the next generation, always valuing mission over methods.

We Nurture a Grace-Based Culture

We desire organic, flourishing environments that are never performance-driven and are thoroughly led by Jesus.

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Our History

1916–1919

A Gospel-Focused Start

In 1916, 125 believers launched Emmanuel Gospel Church in New Britain, Connecticut, with a clear mission—to declare the gospel, disciple in truth, and resist theological compromise. Under founding pastor Milton Anderson, the church quickly became a thriving hub for reaching central Connecticut with the Good News of Jesus.

1920–1966

The First Fifty Years

By 1920, Emmanuel had outgrown its early gathering spaces and moved into its first building. Over the next decades, despite pastoral transitions, the church became a stronghold for biblical preaching and regional influence. Pastor Ralph Williams’ 28-year leadership laid a foundation of faithfulness and gospel clarity.

1967–1987

The Building Years

Relocating to Church Street in Newington in 1967, Emmanuel grew in vision, health, and impact. Under Pastor Ralph Wingate’s leadership, weekly attendance surpassed 800, and Emmanuel Christian Academy was founded in 1976. Growth continued, culminating in the prayerful purchase of a new hillside property and the dedication of the current facility in 1987.

1988–2011

The Deepening Years

Blessed with a new building but burdened by internal challenges, this era tested the resolve of Emmanuel’s people. A faithful remnant remained rooted in God’s promises and heritage. Through trials and transition, God prepared the church for restoration, especially during Pastor Rob Pitts’ five-year season of healing leadership from 2007 to 2012.

2012–2018

The Restoring Years

In a divine intersection of stories, God brought Pastor Cary Schmidt from California to lead Emmanuel into a new era. United in prayer and vision, the church experienced
rapid spiritual renewal, gospel growth, and rising attendance. A new team formed, momentum returned, and Emmanuel began to thrive once again.

2019–Present

The Thriving Years

Since 2019, Emmanuel has experienced explosive growth in attendance, ministry reach, and spiritual momentum. With restored facilities, vibrant worship, expanding discipleship, and a deepening global vision, the church is unified in mission and moving forward in faith—believing the greatest days are still to come.

“Our future is as bright as the promises of God!”

—MILTON ANDERSON (Founding Pastor, 1916)