“Deeply connect people to Jesus, people, and mission.” That’s the driving force behind Emmanuel Reformed Church here in Los Angeles. Established in 1877, Emmanuel Reformed Church has a rich history. It is an organic member of the Reformed Church in the United States. This church traces its roots back to apostolic times. Its history goes through the Protestant Reformation to today.
Emmanuel Reformed Church owes a debt to leaders like Martin Luther. Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and John Knox directed people back to the Holy Scripture’s teachings. Reformed ancestors migrated to North America in the 18th century. They established Reformed congregations in the New World. They followed in the theological footsteps of these men.
Emmanuel Reformed Church believes in one God. This God eternally exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Triune God created the universe in six days. It was not by evolution. He sustains the created order according to His eternal counsel.
Jesus Christ is the only-begotten Son of God. He is true God and true and righteous man. He is the only Savior. Christ secured forgiveness through His death. He died on the cross for our sins. He resurrected from the dead. He imputed righteousness and eternal life for us. People show their appreciation for God’s love in Christ. They commit to living thankful and obedient lives.
God causes His chosen people to persevere in faith. They persevere until Jesus Christ’s bodily appearance. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. The Lord will make our mortal bodies like His glorified body. Then we will reign with Him forever in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Emmanuel Reformed Church adopted the universal creeds. These creeds include the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. They also adopted the Three Forms of Unity. The Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and Canons of Dort are included. These are their confessional standards. These creeds and confessions summarize Christian doctrine. They are subordinate to the Bible. The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God. It is infallible and inerrant. It is fully authoritative in all matters of faith.
Jesus Christ heads the church. He rules His people by His Word and Spirit. He appoints officers for their care. The Consistory guards the church’s temporal concerns. The Spiritual Council watches over its spiritual interests. The pastor and elders make up the Spiritual Council. The officers are accountable to the South Central Classis. They are also accountable to the Synod of the Reformed Church.
Emmanuel Reformed Church’s mission is to connect people to Jesus. It aims to connect people to each other and to their mission. They want to connect people to Jesus resulting in relationships. They want people to devote themselves to God’s mission. The church wants people thinking and acting like Jesus. They want people helping others do the same.
Emmanuel Reformed Church welcomes all people. They are united in Christ. God’s glory is revealed when diverse people worship as one. They welcome people of all ethnicities. They welcome all cultures and generations. They welcome all socio-economic backgrounds. They help them connect with Jesus. “Come as you are, but none of us stays as we are”. That’s the motto of Emmanuel Reformed Church. They develop disciples into leaders. They serve their cities in many creative ways. Emmanuel Reformed Church loves their cities.
Now, as you continue your journey, consider the profound impact this church has on Los Angeles. It provides spiritual guidance and a sense of community. It is a place where faith and action intertwine. Emmanuel Reformed Church strives to make a difference in the world.