“God with us.” That is the meaning of Emmanuel. Today, we explore Brisbane Emmanual Church. It is a unique community with a powerful story.
Brisbane Emmanual Church started in 1975. It was part of a worldwide spiritual awakening. This awakening was known as “charismatic renewal.” It blossomed after the Second Vatican Council. A small group of lay people responded to a call. They committed deeply to Jesus Christ and to each other. They experienced baptism in the Holy Spirit. They wanted to share God’s love and power. The rapidly growing community was named ‘Emmanuel’. This means ‘God with us’. This is the heart of the good news they share.
From ecumenical beginnings, Emmanuel embraced its Catholic identity. The Church has gratefully supported it as a lay-led community. Archbishop Mark Coleridge noted its significance. He said that 40 years ago the Second Vatican Council was still hot news. The charismatic renewal seemed seriously exotic. He added that Emmanuel Community has stood as a witness since then. It shows that the Council has borne rich fruit. Its reception is far from a thing of the past. Communities like Emmanuel have shown the whole Church the way into the future.
Brisbane Emmanual Church underpins some amazing ministries. Ignite Youth, Emmanuel City Mission, and Emmanuel Worship are some of them. It partners with NET Australia and Men Alive. They share a heart for a new evangelisation in the Church. All activity is underpinned by prayer. Community life and support are also essential. The domestic church is lived out in relationships, homes, and families. That’s where the gospel is lived.
This renewal is a current of grace in the Church. Pope Francis spoke about this in 2014. Emmanuel has been on a mission for over 40 years. They’ve been to Africa, the Philippines, East Timor, and the Kimberley. They have supported the growth of other communities. They run national conferences. They provide outreach and formation. This includes youth ministry, worship, leadership, discipleship, and spiritual gifts. They are members of CHARIS. This is the international body instituted by Pope Francis. It serves the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It connects like-minded communities and networks.
Brisbane Emmanual Church welcomes everyone. It invites all to experience Jesus. They want people to experience the power of the Spirit. They create ways for all generations. People can find their home in the Catholic Church. They can thrive in faith. They can live out their calling as missionary disciples.
Brisbane Emmanual Church is more than Sunday Mass. It is a home for many expressions of mission. All are called to use their gifts. They build the kingdom together. Emmanuel helps people find a place to serve. This aligns with their gifts and passions.
The story of Brisbane Emmanual Church continues to unfold. God leads them into an exciting future. They walk in committed life together. They worship Jesus in the power of the Spirit. They live their lives ‘on mission’. If you seek a home for mission, you are welcome here.