Serving Downtown Des Moines, Drake, and Foster Care

As a church located between the Drake Area and Downtown Des Moines, we are passionate about serving and making a difference in the heart of the city. We also have a big heart for foster care!


We actively participate in outreach programs, partner with local organizations, and provide support to those in need. Our desire is to be a beacon of hope and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do.

Get to know our Pastors

A Little Bit About Us

We are Pastors Brandon and Hannah Horst, the lead pastors of Emmaus Church located between Drake and Downtown DSM. We serve alongside our ministry partners, Jeremy and Tiffani White, who are 12-year Chi Alpha College Missionaries.


Jeremy and Tiffani felt God saying that Chi Alpha at Drake needed a healthy church close to campus to partner with and that God was calling us to lead that church. After exploring other options with existing churches, we kept hearing God’s call to plant a church. The turning point came when we met with Pastor Rob Seagears, who, without knowing our situation, confirmed that God was calling us to plant a church in partnership with Chi Alpha.


Drake University is one of the most prestigious and academically demanding schools in the Midwest. Producing industry leaders across the country. We aim to create a Spirit-filled sanctuary off campus for students to step into and meet God.


We are also focused on reaching Des Moines’ downtown area, one of the city's most diverse regions. While Jeremy and Tiffani serve as full-time XA College missionaries., Hannah and I are focusing on the downtown community. We dream of a church that reflects every "tribe, nation, and tongue."


Additionally, we are committed to serving the foster care community in Des Moines. As an AG Foster Care Missions Worker, Pastor Hannah is especially passionate about this, and with Des Moines having the highest concentration of children in the foster care system in Iowa, we believe Emmaus Church is called to raise up godly men and women to be part of the solution.

Our Values

We are committed to living out the values of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to love God, love others, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. 


We Walk Together with Jesus

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we believe that when we walk with fellow believers and Jesus, we can be transformed from hopeless to hearts on fire!




We Are Spirit-Filled

We believe that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). We intentionally make room within our services and gatherings to make room for and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.


We Are Rooted

We believe that the faith practices and spirituality of all the Christians who have come before us bring both diversity and depth to the Christian community.


We Are a Sanctuary

We are a sanctuary for our community, a safe space for those in our community to come with burdens, doubts, questions, and discouragements and experience God's love and Christian hospitality.


We Have Hearts for Foster Care, Drake, Downtown

God has called our congregation to make a focused impact in Foster Care (James 1:27), the Drake area of Des Moines, and Downtown DSM (Jonah 4:11).


We Are Diverse

We represent Heaven by welcoming and celebrating people from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages (Revelation 7:9). We desire for everyone who visits our community to feel the warmth of Christ.




We Are Joyful

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)! We love fun and laughter. We don't take ourselves too seriously.

Our Beliefs

We invite you to explore our beliefs and join us in our pursuit of living out our faith in boldness and passion.

  • The Scriptures Inspired

    The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired by God, revealing Him to mankind. They are the infallible and authoritative rule of faith and conduct.


    Scripture References:

    2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21

  • The One True God

    God is the eternal "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Redeemer of mankind. He has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.


    Scripture References:

    Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:22

  • The Adorable Godhead

    a. Terms Defined: The terms "Trinity" and "persons" help explain God's being as One Lord in three distinct persons.

    Scripture References: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, John 14:16-17


    b. Distinction and Relationship: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct in persons but united in essence, though their mode is incomprehensible.

    Scripture References: Luke 1:35, 1 Corinthians 1:24, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 John 1:3-4


    c. Unity of the One Being: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but united in essence as One God.

    Scripture References: John 1:18, John 15:26, John 17:11, John 17:21, Zechariah 14:9


    d. Identity and Cooperation: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in unity and cooperate in divine authority and action.

    Scripture References: John 5:17-30, John 5:32, John 5:37, John 8:17-18


    e. The Title "Lord Jesus Christ": The title "Lord Jesus Christ" refers exclusively to the Son of God.

    Scripture References: Romans 1:1-3, 2 John 3


    f. The Lord Jesus Christ, God with Us: Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, Immanuel, God with us.

    Scripture References: Matthew 1:23, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:10, Revelation 1:13, Revelation 1:17


    g. The Title "Son of God": The title Son of God refers to Jesus' eternal deity, while Son of Man reflects His humanity.

    Scripture References: Matthew 1:21-23, 2 John 1:3, 1 John 3:8, Hebrews 7:3, Hebrews 1:1-13


    h. Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ: Denying Jesus Christ's eternal Sonship or His relationship with the Father is a transgression of the doctrine of Christ.

    Scripture References: 2 John 9, John 1:1-2, John 1:14, John 1:18, 1 John 2:22-23


    i. Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord: Jesus, having purged sins, is exalted at the right hand of God, with all creation to confess Him as Lord.

    Scripture References: Hebrews 1:3, 1 Peter 3:22, Acts 2:32-36, Romans 14:11, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28


    j. Equal Honor to the Father and Son: The Father has given all judgment to the Son, and we are to honor the Son just as we honor the Father.

    Scripture References: John 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:8, Revelation 5:6-14, Philippians 2:8-9

  • The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

    Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human.


    Key Aspects:

    • Virgin birth
    • Sinless life
    • Miracles
    • Substitutionary atonement
    • Bodily resurrection
    • Exaltation to the right hand of God


    Scripture References:

    Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35, Hebrews 7:26, Acts 2:22, 1 Corinthians 15:3, Matthew 28:6, Acts 1:9

  • The Fall of Man

    Man was created good but fell by transgression, resulting in physical and spiritual death (separation from God).


    Scripture References:

    Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-19

  • The Salvation of Man

    Salvation is through Jesus' shed blood and requires repentance, faith, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Conditions: Repentance and faith in Christ lead to justification by grace.


    Evidence:

    Inward: Witness of the Spirit

    Outward: A life of righteousness


    Scripture References:

    Luke 24:47, John 3:3, Romans 10:13-15, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 8:16

  • The Ordinances of the Church

    Baptism in Water: Believers are baptized by immersion as a declaration of their death and resurrection with Christ.


    Scripture References:

    Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:4


    Holy Communion: The Lord's Supper symbolizes sharing in Christ's nature, remembering His death, and anticipating His return.


    Scripture Reference:

    1 Corinthians 11:26

  • The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

    Believers should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit for power, service, and the spiritual gifts. It is distinct from the new birth.


    Scripture References:

    Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12


    Experiences include:

    • Overflowing fullness of the Spirit
    • Deepened reverence for God
    • Consecration to God
    • Active love for Christ and the lost


    Scripture References:

    John 7:37-39, Acts 4:8, Acts 2:42, Mark 16:20


    The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

    The baptism in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by speaking in tongues, distinct from the gift of tongues.


    Scripture References:

    Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28

  • Sanctification

    Sanctification is the act of separating from evil and dedicating to God. It is achieved through the Holy Spirit, resulting in holiness.


    Scripture References:

    Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15-16

  • The Church and its Mission

    The Church is the Body of Christ, tasked with evangelizing the world, worshiping God, and building the body of believers.


    Scripture References:

    Ephesians 1:22-23, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8

  • The Ministry

    The ministry is called to lead the Church in evangelization, worship, building believers, and serving human needs.


    Scripture References:

    Mark 16:15-20, John 4:23-24, Ephesians 4:11-16, Psalms 112:9

  • Divine Healing

    Healing from sickness is part of the gospel and is available through the atonement for all believers.


    Scripture References:

    Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17, James 5:14-16

  • The Blessed Hope

    The resurrection of the dead and the rapture of the living believers is the blessed hope of the Church.


    Scripture References:

    1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

  • The Millennial Reign of Christ

    Christ will return to reign for a thousand years, bringing salvation to Israel and establishing peace on earth.


    Scripture References:

    Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 24:27, Revelation 20:1-6

  • The Final Judgment

    The wicked will be judged and cast into eternal punishment in the lake of fire, while the righteous will receive eternal life.


    Scripture References:

    Matthew 25:46, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:11-15

  • The New Heavens and the New Earth

    God promises new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.


    Scripture References:

    2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21-22