About Emmanuel
A welcoming congregation serving Kettering and the greater Dayton area with the love of Christ.
Our Mission
Glorify God. Know God. Share God.
At Emmanuel Lutheran Church, everything we do flows from this simple mission. We exist to glorify God in worship, help people know God through His Word, and share the good news of Jesus Christ with our community and world.
We are a diverse congregation — families and singles, young and old, lifelong Lutherans and new believers — united by our desire to share God's love. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or looking for a church home, there's a place for you here.
Glorify God
In worship, we gather to praise God, receive His gifts, and respond with gratitude. Both our traditional and contemporary services center on Word and Sacrament.
Know God
Through Bible study, Sunday School, and small groups, we help people of all ages grow in their understanding of Scripture and deepen their relationship with God.
Share God
We share God's love through local outreach, community connection groups, and support for missions around the world. The Gospel compels us to serve others.
What We Believe
Our Faith Foundation
As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we hold to the historic Christian faith as revealed in Scripture and expressed in the Lutheran Confessions.
Scripture Alone
The Bible is God's inspired and inerrant Word — the sole authority for faith and life. In Scripture, God reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Grace Alone
Salvation is a free gift from God, not something we earn. God loves us despite our sin and rebellion, offering forgiveness and eternal life through His Son.
Faith Alone
We receive God's gift of salvation through faith — trusting in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. This faith itself is a gift from God, created by the Holy Spirit.
Christ Alone
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished salvation for all people. He is the only way to the Father.
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God in three persons: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all people and rose to life again in victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments.
Holy Baptism
In Baptism, God graciously brings us into His family, washing away sin and granting us new life in Christ. We baptize people of all ages, including infants, recognizing that salvation is entirely God's gift — not dependent on our understanding or decision.
Holy Communion
We believe that in Holy Communion, when we receive the bread and wine, we actually receive the Lord's Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins and strength to serve God.
As part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we practice Close Communion. By communing, you are publicly declaring your oneness in faith with us. If you have questions or desire to commune regularly, please speak with Pastor.
Want to learn more about Lutheran beliefs?
Visit LCMS.orgOur Team
Meet Our Staff
Our staff is here to serve you and walk alongside you in your faith journey.
Mark Carlson
Senior Pastor
Emmanuel’s Senior Pastor, Mark Carlson, was ordained into the ministry on June 12, 1983. Pastor Mark served two previous congregations before beginning his pastorate service at Emmanuel in November of 2011. Pastor Mark and his wife Carole have been married since April 28, 1979. Pastor Mark has been guided in his life and ministry by the personal mission statement – “A Passion for God and His heart for people”.
John Cross
Director of Operations
John Cross serves Emmanuel as our Director of Operations. Additionally, John is an active member of Emmanuel’s Campus Ministry and Communications Teams, as well as the Endowment, Stewardship, and Worship Committees.
Randy Holdeman
Director of Connection Groups and Worship
Randy Holdeman serves Emmanuel as the Director of Adult Discipleship, Connection Groups, and Worship. He and his wife Karen have been married since 1983 and have 3 married daughters and 15 grandchildren. His passion is for faith and family, and his life verse is “Proclaiming God’s wondrous deeds to the next generation” (based on Psalm 71:17-18).
Elisha Foreman
Manager, Children's and Youth Discipleship
Elisha Foreman serves as Director of Missions, Children, and Youth Discipleship at Emmanuel, with a mission to lift and encourage children and youth to know and follow Jesus. Elisha directs all areas of youth ministry including Kingdom Kidz (grades 2–5), Adoration 2 Jesus (A2J) (grades 6–8) and Beyond Belief (BB) (grades 9–12). Elisha provides direction for Emmanuel’s youth Confirmation program and youth mission trips in which teens grow deeper in faith finding community and support. Additionally, Elisha supports Emerge (our college student ministry), our annual children’s Vacation Bible School, and the church’s missions and outreach programs.
Our Heritage
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a member congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), a denomination of nearly 2 million members in over 6,000 congregations across the United States.
The word "Synod" comes from the Greek meaning "walking together." While each congregation is self-governing, we walk together in a shared confession of Jesus Christ as taught in Holy Scripture.
Our Lutheran heritage stretches back to the Reformation, when Martin Luther rediscovered the biblical truth that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone — as revealed in Scripture alone.
Learn About the LCMSCome Visit Us
We'd love to meet you and welcome you into our church family. Join us for worship this Sunday.