What exactly is Embrace Church?

Embrace is a new church in Chattanooga that came together for the first time on Sunday March 16th, 2008.

What is the vision of Embrace Church?

Embrace was started by 10 friends in their 20s who had a simple but specific vision for a church. They wanted to offer Chattanooga a fresh, casual church that integrated friendship, the arts, and media with passionate worship and Bible teaching. The vision was not one of a church with perfect systems and structures, but rather a growing group of friends that comes together for worship and learns how to love each other and love Jesus as they journey through life together. Most of the people who attend Embrace had either never really been in church or had given up on it, but they were willing to give it another try, and for us, that is the most exciting thing in the world!

Where does Embrace Church meet?

We meet at an awesome place called Loose Cannon Arts and Events in the Southside of Downtown Chattanooga. We turn an art gallery into a worship center! Loose Cannon is located on Rossville Avenue, which is off Main Street. Click here to see a map.

You said you meet downtown...do I have to pay to park or walk a long way?

Fair question. You'll be happy to know there is plenty of free parking right there at Loose Cannon. We also have somebody there to keep an eye on your car while you enjoy the worship service.

When does Embrace meet?

We come together on Sunday mornings. Free coffee and breakfast items are available at 10:30 a.m., and the service starts at 11:00 a.m. (or sometimes a little after)

How long is the Sunday morning service?

We are almost always wrapped up by 12:15 p.m. each week. It's a very focused service - praise and worship, break for coffee, media/dramatic presentation, and the message.

What should I wear?

Embrace is a very casual church, so wear jeans, tee-shirts, shorts, and just be comfortable.

Do you have stuff for kids?

We have a childcare area for kids ages 6 months to 6 years. It features books, toys, and snacks. It is also equipped with first-aid supplies, diapers, and baby seats. We have a sign-in system where you will register your child, notify us of any allergies or special instructions, and give us your cell phone number so we can text you during the service if we need you.

If my baby is "fussy", can I sit back there in the childcare area and get him/her calmed down?

Of course. We even have a big comfortable chair for parents who want to do just that.

What kind of music should I expect?

Generally modern praise and worship. We don't limit ourselves to one type of music, but if you like the music of Passion and Hillsongs United, you'll love what we do.

I might be interested in trying out to play or sing with the band…

You can e-mail our worship pastor at Adam@embracechurch.com for information about the music ministry and the band.

I hate visiting new churches for the first time...

We understand, but we think you'll have a good experience at Embrace. When you come in, there will be friendly folks there to say hello and point you in the direction of the breakfast tables or kids area, but nobody will be in your face. We don't point out first-time guests during the service and you'll never be singled out in anyway. We will ask you to fill out a connect card with some contact info on it. We won't come to your door, but we will drop you an e-mail and postcard from time to time so you know what's going on at the church.

I see that you guys will be doing some theatre and production stuff. I might be interested in acting or helping out with that...

You can e-mail our theatre arts director Mary Christa Jaramillo at MC@embracechurch.com

Can I, or my band/group, come sing at your church?

We appreciate the offer, but no thank you.

Do you guys have Wednesday night services or Sunday night services?

No. Just Sunday mornings.

Do you only meet on Sunday mornings because you don't have your own building?

That's only a small part of it. It's mainly because a vital part of the vision of Embrace is not to "over church" people. We don't believe the church should consume every free minute you've got. We want to offer an enjoyable, meaningful worship experience on Sunday mornings, and then encourage people to spend the rest of the week investing in their marriages and families, friends, relationships, careers, educations, personal health, life goals, and their own journey with Jesus.

Why don't you have Sunday School?

Again, it all goes back to not wanting to over church people. We are very focused in what we do. We put a lot of thought and prayer into the teaching series and messages we do on Sunday morning. We believe that by having messages that combine life lessons and practical everyday advice with theology, doctrine, and history, learning and discipleship can take place at the same time as worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings.

What is the leadership structure of Embrace Church?

The lead pastor and the staff determine the spiritual direction of the church and work to make it a reality on a weekly basis (by the grace of God of course!). There is an advisory board made up of the lead pastor, three staff members, and two pastors from other churches that oversees the financial operation of the church.

Is Embrace Church a part of a denomination?

The people who started and now attend Embrace come from a variety of Christian traditions and backgrounds including Pentecostal, Baptist, Presbyterian, and other Evangelical and Reformed groups. For the purpose of accountability and missions networking, we are a part of a fellowship of churches called the Assemblies of God.

Is Embrace Pentecostal/Charismatic?

Most of the people who started Embrace are rooted in Pentecostal theology and experience, but we have several people coming who are not, and we respect that. For us, it's about Jesus Christ, not trying to get people to embrace certain traditions and denominational differences.

Is Embrace a Prosperity / Word of Faith church?

No.

Is Embrace contemporary?

That's kind of a hard question to answer because it depends on who we are being compared to, but it's safe to say most people would find us to be a very contemporary, informal, and modern church. You may not think that is your style, but you should give it a try first! You might love it!

Did Embrace come out of another church?

No, the core team visited several churchs in the year prior to launch. Although we didn't come from another church we do partner with Hamilton Life Church for friendshipo and accountablitiy. They have supported us faithfully, both spiritually and financially.

Is Embrace "emergent"?

We look like an emergent church in many ways, but no, we do not identify ourselves with the theology and doctrine of the modern-day emergent church movement.

Is Embrace a political church?

No. We encourage everyone to be informed, register, vote, and exercise their rights, but we leave it that. We do not endorse political parties or candidates.

Is Embrace conservative?

We like to say we are having a very old conversation in a new way. We believe that the Bible is God's true revelation of Himself, and we believe in the full Gospel of Jesus Christ, but we like to find new ways to have an old conversation as we present Jesus to our friends, families, and neighbors.

Is Embrace seeker-sensitive?

We are not officially associated with any seeker-sensitive organizations, but we welcome searchers, skeptics, and those with questions at Embrace. We always try to think about what we say and do through the eyes of those who are suspicious of church or who have been hurt by it. Embrace is a place where the convinced and unconvinced alike can come together around the reality of Jesus every week.

I want to talk to the pastor. Can I do that?

Of course. Head over to his blog at www.danajenkins.com and shoot him an e-mail.

What if I have a question you didn't answer on this page?

Click here and we'll get back to you ASAP.