A guide to how Immanuel Church functions as a community and an organisation.
Congregation – Membership – Congregational Meetings
I understand that the relationship between congregation – membership – congregational meeting is not always obvious. Here I would like to share some thoughts on how I see these connections.
Immanuel Church as a Congregation
Immanuel Church is a Christian community for people from all over the world. Everyone is welcome here. We are part of the worldwide body of Jesus Christ, with Christ himself as the head.
We are also a congregation within the denomination Equmeniakyrkan – both a spiritual community and an organisational association.
A week at Immanuel includes:
– services and devotions
– home visits and discussion groups
– activities for children, youth, adults and seniors
– opportunities to sing, play instruments, grow in faith, weave, shower, enjoy a meal, do carpentry, or prepare any of the above – both in and beyond our premises
The congregation is carried by strong voluntary engagement, a rich diversity of people, and historically unique financial resources which enable us to employ staff who help us fulfil our vision:
to be a Christian church in Stockholm that embodies hope, care and faith.
Being a Member of Immanuel Church
Everyone is welcome to participate in our activities, whether or not they are members.
Membership, however, is an invitation to deeper social and spiritual community – and an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding.
As a member, you become part of:
– a spiritual community
– a democratic, member-led organisation
– the body of Christ, where we support one another and follow Jesus as our example
Why do people choose to become members?
1. To share faith
For more than 100 years, people have gathered in Immanuel Church to share their faith in Jesus. On our website you can read more about:
– our vision
– what we believe
– our inclusive welcome of LGBTQ+ people
– our ethnic diversity
– our sustainability policy
– our organisational structure
Immanuel Church is the largest congregation within Equmeniakyrkan, formed in 2012 by the Mission Covenant Church, the Baptist Union and the Methodist Church.
2. To be part of a multilingual community
We offer worship and fellowship in Swedish, English and Korean – a social and supportive community where people can contribute, belong and be supported.
3. To have a voice and influence
Membership gives the right to:
– take part in decision-making
– vote
– influence the development of the congregation
We work actively to strengthen fellowship across our three language groups.
4. To grow and be formed
Through teaching, conversation, pastoral care and shared activities, members have the opportunity to grow:
– spiritually
– socially
– personally
– and to contribute to the growth of others
Taking Part as a Member in a Congregational Meeting
In the congregational meeting, the church seeks God’s will and a shared understanding of its mission in Stockholm.
(Matthew 6:33, Acts 15:28, Immanuel Church’s theological foundation)
Because we are a member-led congregation, the congregational meeting is a central element of how we function. It is the members’ forum for insight, dialogue and decision-making.
Participating is important – both to understand how the church operates and to help shape its future.
Why are congregational meetings important?
1. They are the members’ forum for insight and influence
In a democratically organised congregation, it is the members – not the staff or the elected board – who “own” the work.
The meeting provides insight into:
– finances
– activities
– long-term plans
It is also the place to ask questions, express opinions and formally influence decisions.
The annual meeting (årsmötet) is particularly important as we review the past year and look ahead to the next.
2. They create trust and transparency
When the leadership explains what has happened, what is coming and why decisions have been made, trust grows.
Members gain a clear view of how the work is led – openly and responsibly.
3. They are where community and responsibility meet
Congregational meetings are opportunities to meet, listen and share experiences across languages, backgrounds and worship traditions.
The engagement of members helps the church to develop in ways that reflect its shared values and needs.
4. They ensure democratic and well-grounded decisions
Important decisions are made here regarding:
– budget
– activity plans
– election of board members and other roles
– the future direction of the congregation
Wide participation ensures that decisions are well-founded and democratic.
5. Participation strengthens the whole congregation
When more people participate:
– the discussions become richer
– the decisions become wiser
– engagement deepens
– the community becomes stronger
This contributes to a living and responsible congregation where everyone feels included.