Expository Preaching

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2). 

Expository preaching is the explanation and application of a particular biblical text. This is accomplished primarily by systematically studying through books of the Bible. It may, at times, be appropriate to utilize topical exposition, in which a topic is chosen and relevant passages are selected for exposition. The greatest value of expository preaching is the potential to let The Bible speak for itself.

Theological Diversity

We welcome Theological Diversity within the confines of evangelical theology.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1–6)

While we may hold positions on disputable doctrinal issues (e.g., the age of the universe, charismatic gifts, women in ministry, divorce and remarriage, end–times), we love and appreciate believers who do not necessarily share our views. Fellowship should not be avoided in light of these issues. Our union with Christ is the basis for unity with one another. This dovetails into our passion for the City Church of Thurston County. We actively pursue unity and cooperation with other evangelical churches "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). 

An evangelical believes these three essential truths: 

1. The Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative Word, 
2. Jesus Christ is the only way to God, and
3. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. 

Although we may not share other non-essential doctrines in common, we can still unite as brothers and sisters in Christ. Biblical unity is not uniformity; it is a commitment to love and accept other believers in spite of our differences.

"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,  I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." (John 17:21–23)

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philipians 2:1–4)

This entails a humble declaration that we are finite people, limited in our understanding of God’s Word: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

"until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ," (Ephesians 4:13)

Biblical Freedom

We strive to grant one another biblical freedom in non–essential areas. (See Romans 14) We adhere to the historical creed: “In essentials, unity; in non–essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” Paul writes, “... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God ... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Rom 14:10, 12). 

In this brief interim, there is freedom in Christ: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

But we must be careful not to use our freedom to indulge ourselves: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13)    

"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16) 

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to be holy in all our behavior: "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14–16)

Indigenous missions

We prioritize indigenous missions in our giving:  "and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation," (Romans 15:20)

"But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, or anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:13–16)

Emmanuel has always given 16–20% of its annual budget to missions. While we diversify our funds, we are particularly excited about indigenous missions. Current research and experience demonstrates the most effective means of reaching our world for Christ is through indigenous missionaries. In this day and age, it is crucial to rethink missions and change our paradigm so we can reach as many people as quickly as possible. 

We are particularly supportive of the work of Gospel for Asia and Campus Crusade for Christ. In 2003, we also began supporting Marvin & Cristina Rodriguez who serve as church planters in Honduras. A team of youth and adults served in Honduras in the summers of 2004, 2007, and 2009. In 2010, we joined up with other Thurston County churches and took a team to Poland to assist leaders in the Polish church. We will continue to partner with the native missionaries serving the Lord in Honduras.    

Elder Directed

We believe in elder–directed church government. The overall vision, leadership, and decision–making of the church is the responsibility of a plurality of men called elders. An elder is a spiritually mature man who meets the biblical qualifications laid out in The Bible:

(1 Pet 5:1–5) "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 

• shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, 
• not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; 
• not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 
• not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

(1 Timothy 3:1–7) "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be

• above reproach, 
• the husband of one wife, 
• sober-minded, 
• self-controlled, 
• respectable, 
• hospitable, 
• able to teach, 
• not a drunkard, 
• not violent but gentle, 
• not quarrelsome, 
• not a lover of money. 
• He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 
• He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 
• Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil"  

(Titus 1:6–9) "if anyone is

• above reproach, 
• the husband of one wife, 
• and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. 
• He must not be arrogant or
• quick-tempered or a
• drunkard or
• violent or
• greedy for gain, 
• but hospitable, 
• a lover of good, 
• self-controlled, 
• upright, 
• holy, and
• disciplined. 
• He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." 

Our elders contact information can be found here on our church website. Our elders are readily able and willing to provide prayer and spiritual counseling every Sunday after our worship gatherings or whenever they are called upon. The role of elders in no way diminishes the importance of the congregation. God speaks through His people, and we seek to provide opportunities for the congregation to provide input and feedback.