Rooted in Faith Since 1890

About ImmanuelLutheran Church

A rural congregation of just over 200 souls in Buffalo, MN, bound together by the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What We Believe Our Heritage

Over 130 Years in Rural Buffalo

We’ve gathered in this same peaceful rural location since 1890, sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ across generations.

Many of our members have family histories dating back to the very origins of our church. Although we have lived through countless changes over the past 125+ years, one thing that has never changed is What We Believe.

1890

Congregation Founded

A small group of faithful pioneer families gathered in rural Wright County to establish Immanuel on God's unchanging Word.

1891

The First Sanctuary

Our first church building was completed and dedicated in 1891, serving our rural congregation faithfully for nearly four decades.

1928

Historic Brick Church

A new brick sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1928 to God's glory—the enduring house of worship we cherish and use today.

1979

Spacious Narthex Entry

A more spacious entry and narthex were added to welcome our growing fellowship and provide warm community gathering space.

2004

Accessible to All

An elevator and accessible restrooms were added to make Immanuel welcoming and easily accessible to all members and guests.

Today

Steadfast in Truth

Just over 200 souls gathering weekly for worship, continuing our mission to nurture believers and win the lost for Christ.

What We Believe

Being “Lutheran,” Immanuel accepts and preaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther and the 16th-century Reformation.

Our faith is anchored in three historic, scriptural principles:

Grace Alone

God sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly through His unmerited, unconditional love.

Sola Gratia

Faith Alone

God creates faith in Christ and freely gives us forgiveness through Him—a gift received, never earned by our works.

Sola Fide

Scripture Alone

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the sole rule, norm, and authority for Christian doctrine and life.

Sola Scriptura

The Triune God

We believe there is only one true God—the Triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who created, redeemed, and sanctifies us.

The Inerrant Scriptures

We believe the entire Bible is the only source of Christian teaching and that it is the inspired word of God without error.

Christ’s Redemption

We believe we are all sinners and deserve God’s eternal punishment, but that Jesus came to earth, suffered, and died to pay our penalty, rising physically from death to assure our forgiveness.

Salvation by Grace

We believe the gift of salvation is freely received through faith in Jesus Christ, and that none of us can earn salvation through our own efforts or good deeds.

The Great Commission

We believe it is our privilege and our responsibility to share the good news that Jesus is the only Savior of the world. He directed us with that mission when He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

God with us.

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” · Matthew 28:20

Affiliated with the WELS

Immanuel is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Described as theologically conservative, WELS is the third largest Lutheran church body in the United States, with approximately 390,000 members and 1,300 congregations across all 50 states, Canada, and mission fields worldwide.

Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, WELS unites our congregations in doctrine, pastoral training, and international missions to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all corners of the world.

Visit WELS.net →
WELS Synod Mission Statement
“As men, women and children united in faith and worship by the word of God, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod exists to make disciples throughout the world for time and for eternity, using the Gospel in Word and Sacrament to win the lost for Christ and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service, all to the glory of God.”
— Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Education, Fellowship & Service

Rooted in Wright County, Immanuel partners with area schools, volunteer organizations, and church ministries to live our faith in action.

K–8 Education

Salem Lutheran School

Immanuel proudly partners with and donates to Salem, our sister congregation in Greenfield, MN (just 9 miles away), offering Christ-centered K–8 education with dedicated teachers.

High School

West Lutheran High School

Along with 18 other WELS congregations, Immanuel supports WLHS in Plymouth, MN (~20 miles away), providing students an excellent academic foundation and faith-filled community.

Charity & Thrift

Wise Penny Thrift Shoppe

A nonprofit charitable thrift shop in Buffalo supported by area WELS churches, helping fund WLHS, Christian Life Ministries, and the Lutheran Institutional Ministry Association (LIMA).

Youth Ministry

The Fishers Group

For youth in 1st–12th grades! Meets the 3rd Tuesday each month (6:30–8:30 PM) for sports, crafting, Bible study, and projects. You don’t need to be a church member to join.

Fellowship

Ladies Fellowship & Cradle Roll

Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month to host event lunches, decorate for holidays, and support families at funerals, while guiding new parents through Cradle Roll.

Music & More

Adult Choir & Committees

Our adult choir prepares vocal anthems for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Members also serve through VBS, Jesus Cares, LWMS, and our Outreach Committee.

Organization & Transparency

Official non-profit registry details, charitable identification, and statement of programs.

Official Record

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Organization Name IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Charity ID 41-1418518
Tax Status 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Church
Synod Affiliation WELS (Waukesha, WI)

Mission Statement & Description of Programs

Immanuel Lutheran Church exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament, nurture believers in Christian faith and holy living, provide Christian educational opportunities in partnership with area Lutheran day and high schools, and serve the spiritual and physical needs of our rural community in Buffalo, Minnesota, all to the glory of the Triune God. Our ongoing programs include weekly Sunday worship services, adult Bible classes, children's Sunday school, youth fellowship and service groups (Fishers), Christian day school education partnerships (Salem Lutheran School & West Lutheran High School), charitable community service (Wise Penny Thrift Shoppe), family support (Cradle Roll), and seasonal community outreach.

Join Us This Sunday

Whether you’ve grown up in church or are exploring faith for the first time, you are warmly welcome here.

Sunday Worship9:30–10:30 AM

Adult Bible Class & Sunday School: 10:30 AM (during the school year)

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