Who We Are
God, who is ever faithful, was pleased to establish us as a congregation in Lacombe, Alberta Canada on May 13, 1987.
The means which God used to establish us were the evangelistic efforts of the First Protestant Reformed Church of Edmonton under the labors of Rev. Richard Moore and Rev. Thomas Miersma. For some eight years already, families had been traveling 180 miles (round trip) to sit under the pure preaching of God’s Word. The number of families increased over the years, until it became evident that it was the Lord’s choosing to have the Immanuel Protestant Reformed Church organized as a congregation. The 7 families, a total of 34 souls, all members of the Edmonton congregation would comprise the new congregation in Lacombe.
At present our congregation consists of 24 families, with a total membership of 122 souls.
What We Believe
Being a Reformed church, we find our roots in the great Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. More specifically, we hold to the great Biblical truths that mankind is hopelessly lost in sin and deserving only of God’s eternal punishment. However, in His grace and through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ, God has provided full and free salvation for a people who He has eternally chosen to Himself. Their salvation is secured by the death of Jesus on the cross and is received and enjoyed by faith alone in Jesus Christ.
God irresistibly draws His people to Jesus Christ by faith through the power of His Word, especially as that Word is preached. God also preserves His people in their salvation through His Word, ultimately bringing them to the eternal glory of Heaven. We profess that we are saved only by God’s sovereign grace.
These Biblical truths are summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dordt which we hold as our confessional standards.
Church Leadership
The Protestant Reformed Churches, while honoring the authority of its major assemblies, emphasize that each congregation is a self-governing body of elders, chosen from the members of the congregation. The designation of churches reflects this strong belief in the autonomy of the local church.
Our Church Council is made up of both elders and deacons.
Our many committees provide additional opportunities for members to exercise and develop their gifts of leadership.
Church Membership
We will receive as members all those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior and confess the truth of Scripture as explained in our Reformed creeds – the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt. In keeping with the fact that God’s covenant is in the generation of believers, we also receive as members the children of believing members. These children are received as minor members of the church through baptism. Their membership becomes full when they come to a mature faith in Jesus Christ and can make a credible confession of their faith before the church.
Membership classes are provided for those interested in joining our church.
You can also click HERE to read or listen about Church Membership.
Affiliation
We are affiliated with the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRCA). Click HERE for a video introduction to our churches.
The Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRCA) is a denomination located in the USA and Canada, with a membership of approximately 7,600 souls. The PRCA maintains its own seminary located in Grandville, Michigan for the training of pastors. The denomination also has mission works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the Philippines.
The PRCA holds to the Presbyterian form of church government. It is divided into 2 regional classes which meet periodically through the year. Representatives from each classis meet for an annual synod in June.
The Protestant Reformed Churches, while honoring the authority of its major assemblies, emphasize that each congregation is a self-governing body of elders, chosen from the members of the congregation. The designation of churches reflects this strong belief in the autonomy of the local church.