Our Story

Established in 1970 in Rochester, New York, Emmanuel has served our community for over fifty years. We were planted and nurtured under the leadership of Pastor Carrie Richardson and her son Elder Rudolph Smith, whose faithful ministry shaped our foundation in prayer, holiness, and service.

In 1992, Pastor Rosetta G. Coker—the first ordained female pastor in our organization—was installed as Pastor. She led Emmanuel with tireless compassion, reaching beyond the walls through worship, teaching, and community outreach. In 2019, Emmanuel was prayerfully relocated to Los Angeles, California, where her son, Pastor Eric Coker, continues the legacy—holding fast to the gospel and opening the doors wide for all who seek Jesus.

Our Mission

To know Jesus, make Him known, and love people well.

Our Scripture

“God is with us.” — Matthew 1:23

Our Legacy

• 1970 — Church established (Pastor Carrie Richardson)
• 1970s–1992 — Elder/Pastor Rudolph Smith
• 1992–2019 — Pastor Rosetta G. Coker (first ordained female pastor in our organization)
• 2019–Present — Relocated to Los Angeles, led by Pastor Eric Coker

Worship & Word

Sunday worship, youth & kids church, and small groups throughout the week.

Outreach

Food drives, community partnerships, and prayer support for our neighbors.

Film & TV

Hands-on ministry for storytellers and creatives—writing rooms, production labs, and crew training for live services and original projects.

Teaching & Discipleship

Foundations of faith, Bible survey, and practical workshops on prayer, leadership, and spiritual disciplines for every stage of growth.

Care & Counseling

Confidential pastoral care, grief support, marriage & family counseling, and referrals to licensed professionals when needed.

LGBTQ+ Support & Family Care

Christ-centered community groups, one-on-one pastoral support, and family resources—welcoming conversation, prayer, and care.

Your generosity fuels worship, discipleship, outreach, and real help for real people. This donation link directly supports our media work at EricCoker.Tv to create social change and address toxic masculinity and sexuality—and the harms that flow from them—through teaching, storytelling, and pastoral care.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer, service, and giving.

Give via Givelively

Prefer mobile? Use the Text-to-Give option below.

Text-to-Give: Text THECHURCH to 44-321. Tap to open SMS

Prefer to talk first? Contact us about recurring gifts, in-kind support, or volunteering.

Address

Emmanuel Church of Jesus, AF
21698 Candela Drive
Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Phone

(323) 642-7899

Email

Info@TryChrist.com

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I write the silence most people run from. Born in Rochester, New York, I was raised by my father—the city’s first Black fireman—who taught me courage, quiet rebellion, and that barriers are meant to be broken. My mother, Pastor Rosetta G. Coker, was my spine and guiding light. She spoke life into me, reminding me, “You have the power of life and death in your mouth” (Proverbs 18:21).

In 1992 she became the first ordained female pastor in our church organization, faithfully leading Emmanuel Church of Jesus, AF until her passing in 2019. That same year, Emmanuel was prayerfully relocated to Los Angeles, California. From her, I inherited both this ministry and a legacy of preaching, teaching, and serving beyond the walls. Emmanuel has stood for more than 50 years—established in 1970 under Pastor Carrie Richardson and Elder Rudolph Smith—and today I am humbled to carry that mantle forward.

Now based in Los Angeles, I create television that doesn’t just entertain—it exposes. My work explores Black masculinity, the psychology of silence, and the complexity of truth. I’m the creator of GoodPoison.TV, streaming on 10+ networks, and currently producing White Noise, Tainted, Disquiet Yard, and A Clear Conscience. I’m also a father of ten sons, a pastor, and a storyteller who believes testimony can heal. From classrooms to pulpits to film sets, my call is the same: write stories that matter, stories that refuse to look away.

My Call

To serve God, love people, and tell the truth—on the page and in the pulpit.

Life Verse

“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:20

Our Legacy

Established in 1970 in Rochester, New York, Emmanuel has served faithfully for over fifty years. Rooted in the leadership of Pastor Carrie Richardson and her son Elder Rudolph Smith, carried forward by Pastor Rosetta G. Coker, and now led in Los Angeles by Pastor Eric Coker, our church remains committed to prayer, holiness, and community.