Who We Are
Immanuel Baptist Church finds its identity in a commitment to follow Jesus through:
Worship that grounds us
Spiritual curiosity that enlivens us
Community that sustains us
Ministry that demonstrates our love for God & neighbor
Vision Statement
God is calling Immanuel Baptist Church to practice the radical, compassionate discipleship taught by Jesus Christ.
Mission Statement
The mission of Immanuel Baptist Church is to share the good news of Jesus Christ, deepen our love for God and others, fully engage our neighbor, and wholeheartedly serve those on the margins of society.
Welcome Statement
All are welcome at Immanuel Baptist Church! We seek to grow in God’s love together without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, special needs, political viewpoints, or theological perspectives. We celebrate God’s gifts and value diversity.
Baptist Identity
Immanuel Baptist Church affirms the historic Baptist principles of Soul Freedom, Bible Freedom, Church Freedom, and Religious Freedom. IBC is a partner congregation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Immanuel is delighted to be hosting the General Assembly of the TN CBF in September of 2023. The Executive Director of CBF, Paul Baxley, will be preaching at Immanuel on February 25, 2024.
Church Governance
We practice a congregational polity, meaning that Immanuel Baptist Church governs itself autonomously with church members serving as the decision-making authority of the church. The congregation is responsible for determining its own criteria for membership, elects its own leaders (both ministers and congregants), and ordains its own ministers and deacons according to the bylaws, which were last amended in 2021.
Community Spirit
An informal survey of Immanuel’s membership asked the question, “What word or phrase best describes Immanuel Baptist Church in your view?” Answers included: family, caring, both tight-knit and welcoming, comforting, beautiful spaces, connected, kind, helpful, generous, and creative.