In 1992, Reverend Charles E. Becknell, Sr. saw the need for a church in the Rio Rancho community to address the spiritual needs of African Americans. With the help of a committee of Rio Rancho residents, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1993 and Reverend Becknell, Sr. was called as Pastor.
Emmanuel was located in two different locations before God blessed us to purchase two parcels of land at our current location and Mr. Bill Barnhouse—a friend of the church—purchased an additional parcel on our behalf. On Sunday, July 20, 1997, we broke ground and started building the next day.
On Sunday, February 8, 1998 we held our first worship service in our new church building and in 2004, we completed phase II of our building project, which stands today as an early learning center for children and families in the community. In 2009 we began phase III of our building project and on June 10, 2012 we held a dedication service celebrating the completion of a multi-purpose center.
On June 26, 2016, Reverend Charles E. Becknell, Sr. retired as Pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church after almost 25 years of faithful and dedicated service to our congregation. On August 3, 2016 Reverend Charles E. Becknell, Jr. was called to Pastor.
In addition to continuing Emmanuel’s long commitment to outreach and highlighting and empowering young people, Pastor Becknell, Jr.’s vision is to prepare disciples across all generations to advance a gospel movement centered on repentance, healing, deliverance, and community renewal. Pastor Becknell, Jr. is determined to set Emmanuel on a mission to alleviate suffering and break the cycle of marginalization by bringing excluded people in the world into an inclusive relationship with Jesus Christ.
Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church
4848 Huron Dr. NW
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
505-896-6901
If you have questions about our church or it's Ministries, please feel free to contact us via phone or email.
