About Emmanuel Church International

A global Christian ministry in Knoxville, serving people with the Gospel, compassion, and hope.

A global ministry of hope and service

Who We Are

Emmanuel Church International is a Spirit filled church Knoxville TN, founded in 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee, under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Okese Onatshole. Since the beginning, we have grown into a loving church family where people can worship freely, learn God’s Word, and experience real change through the Holy Spirit.

In 2022, Emmanuel Church International was officially recognized by the State of Tennessee through our constitution and bylaws. Because of this strong foundation, we continue to build with faith, integrity, and long-term vision.

What We Believe

At Emmanuel Church International, Jesus Christ is the center of everything. We believe the Bible is God’s true Word, and we depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and transformation. So, we gather to pray, worship, and grow together, because faith works best in community.

We are also a James 1:27 ministry, which means our faith must be active. We don’t only speak about love, we show love through service.

Our Mission

Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, transform lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and equip believers to walk boldly in their God-given purpose. In other words, we exist to bring hope, healing, and restoration to individuals, families, and communities, both locally and globally.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a global, Spirit-filled church where people from every nation encounter God, grow in faith, and are empowered to impact the world with the love of Christ. We aim to raise disciples, develop leaders, and build a generation anchored in prayer, holiness, and Kingdom purpose.

Our Scriptural Foundation

Our work is rooted in James 1:27, which calls believers to care for widows and orphans in their distress and to live a life that honors God. That is why Emmanuel Church International supports widows, strengthens families, and builds brighter futures through education and discipleship. This is not just a verse to us, it is our daily mission as a James 1:27 ministry.

Our Values

We serve with clear values that guide our church and our outreach:

Christ-Centered Living
The Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit
Prayer & Worship
The Word of God
Love and Compassion
Discipleship
Integrity and Excellence
Community and Outreach
Global Mission

Because of these values, Emmanuel Church International continues to grow as a strong international church in Tennessee with a heart for the nations.

Our Global Calling

Emmanuel Church International is committed to international Christian missions and strong partnerships. We work with pastors, churches, and leaders around the world to spread the Gospel, strengthen new ministries, and support communities in need.
This calling includes global evangelism ministry work, leadership support, and practical help, such as providing needed church equipment and ministry resources. Also, through trusted partners, we help identify widows and orphans who truly need support, so the help reaches the right people with dignity and care.

How We Serve

We believe real ministry touches both the heart and the home. That’s why our work includes:

Widow Support Christian Ministry: helping widows start small businesses and care for their families
Christian Orphan Ministry: supporting education and life needs, including faith based orphan support
Christian Community Outreach: bringing encouragement, prayer, and practical help to communities
Youth Empowerment: helping young people grow in faith and purpose
Vulnerable Family Aid: helping families with essentials, support, and long-term hope

Through every program, Emmanuel Church International stays focused on compassion, wisdom, and lasting change.

Join Our Church Family

Whether you are new to faith, returning to church, or looking for a Knoxville church with global missions, you are welcome here. You can join us for worship, connect in fellowship, grow through discipleship, and serve through outreach.

Partner With Us

If you feel led to support our work, you can donate to Christian ministry efforts that serve widows, orphans, and families around the world. Donations are tax deductible church donations as allowed by law, and we provide clear donation receipts for your records.
You can also volunteer by helping with outreach, youth support, admin help, media/tech, mentoring, or missions.
Emmanuel Church International is here for worship, for growth, and for impact, because with God, lives can change, and hope can reach the world.