You Belong Here

  • Emmanuel Community Church is an American Baptist and Christ-centered Church, reaching out to all through positive acts that reflect God’s love.

  • We are a spiritually growing, diverse community that is active and visible in the West Central area of Florida.

    Through worship, prayer, Christ-centered Bible studies, small group gatherings, and fellowship opportunities, we empower people to share the good news of Jesus Christ by being nurturing and supportive to all we meet.

    We influence and support our community in efforts that highlight and uplifts human dignity, equal rights, religious freedom, and social justice.

    We live our faith by participating in programs that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless through American Baptist missions and other worthy organizations.

History of the Church

The congregation now known as Emmanuel Community Church began in 1979 as a group of fifteen American Baptists who had moved to the Clearwater, FL area and felt the need to be part of a group which would express the combination of beliefs and practices unique to the American Baptist tradition. This community was founded as Suncoast American Baptist Church in 1980, with the name changing to Emmanuel Community Church, American Baptist in 1985 to coincide with the purchase of property in Palm Harbor on which the church stands today. In 2002, a second building was completed on the property which functions as the church’s main sanctuary, while the original building houses receptions and events for both the church and local non-profits.

In its over-40-year history, Emmanuel Community Church has been a welcoming space to worship and engage the community through fellowship and countless acts of service in the name of Jesus Christ. We are proud of this legacy and look forward to continuing it in the years to come.

Membership

Emmanuel Community Church, American Baptist is known as a church of very generous and caring people who are committed to serving God and the community in which we are located. All are welcome at our services, but we would love to welcome you into our tight-knit community so we can grow together. You can become a member by requesting to be a member via Baptism, Letter, or Christian Experience. Speak to the Pastor for additional information.

At Emmanuel, one may become a full member or an associate member. Full Membership is typically granted to baptized believers who are not maintaining membership in another church. Associate Membership is typically requested by individuals who hold membership in another church but are geographically away from that church due to present residence or some other circumstance.

If you are committed to Christ and to Emmanuel Community Church but have not yet made a request to become a member, we ask that you prayerfully consider doing so. Emmanuel Community Church would love to be your home church or your home church away from home.