Community Life is becoming the way we do life and ministry at Immanuel. We are getting off the corner of Braddock and Backlick and into the community so we can Share Him Boldly.

With a grass roots and geographic structure that includes leadership from Area Pastors, Community Coaches, and Neighborhood Group Leaders, Community Life encourages the seamless interaction of life, ministry, and relationships right where people live.

Through Community Life, God's people in neighborhoods and communities all around the Washington D.C. area become the expression and extension of His body, the church, 24/7/365. You can belong, believe, become, and go beyond at Immanuel!

What is an Area Pastor?
An Area Pastor is a new staff position we are creating to support the Community Life initiative. An Area Pastor provides pastoral care and support and is responsible for implementing the Community Life ministry strategy (Belong, Believe, Become, Go Beyond!) within a specific geographic area in a way that fulfills the vision of the church to Seek Him Constantly, Serve Him Faithfully and Share Him Boldly.

People living in a particular geographic area enjoy a unique relationship with their Area Pastor. We have identified ten geographic areas in the greater Washington D.C. area and therefore anticipate needing ten Area Pastors, some from our current pastoral staff and others yet to be hired.

How do I get connected in my community?
Check out our concept communities and see if there is one available near where you live. Of course, while we are in the pilot phase of Community Life, the full complement of Immanuel communities is not available.

Contact the Area Pastor, Community Coach, or a Neighborhood Leader. The best first step is simply to attend a gathering in your neighborhood. People from Immanuel and their neighbors gather regularly for meals and just to hang out together. This is a family-friendly relational event. You are welcome!

When will Community Life come to my area?
We are currently implementing Community Life through a pilot program that will last through approximately August 2009. Check out our concept communities and the schedule for future launches. Only 6-8 communities are part of the pilot program. Once we are through the pilot phase, we anticipate launching as many as 70 or more communities throughout the Washington D.C. area.

What happens to my ABF in Community Life?
Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) will continue to play a significant role at Immanuel by providing quality teaching and serving as a means of connecting new people with the church. In the future, new ABFs will be geographically based so that we can have greater impact in ministry to our communities.