About Church

ipc immanuel church

IPC IMMANUEL CHURCH

IPC Immanuel Church is a Bible-believing Pentecostal church committed to Christ-centered worship, sound Biblical teaching, prayer, and community outreach. Located in Nellikunnu, Thrissur, our church welcomes people of all ages to grow spiritually through vibrant worship services, Sunday School, youth fellowship, and mission ministries, helping believers experience God’s love and live according to His Word.

Vision

To be a Christ-centered church that glorifies God through worship, discipleship, and outreach, transforming lives and impacting generations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ipc-immanuel-church-nellikunnu-mission

Mission

Our mission is to worship God in spirit and truth, preach the Word of God faithfully, nurture believers for spiritual growth, equip members for ministry, and share the love of Christ through prayer, fellowship, and mission outreach to the community and beyond.

church history

Through The Years

Early Pentecostal Work in Thrissur

The Pentecostal work in Thrissur commenced in May 1932. The earliest believers associated with this movement were from Kunnamkulam. The initial leadership was undertaken by Pastor Isaac and his brother Pastor Paul, along with K. V. Varkey and Mathai, who had embraced an ascetic life.

In the early stages, meetings were conducted for approximately one week in a rented house at the C.M.S. Quarters in Thrissur. Subsequently, gatherings were held at the residence of Taylor Thomas in Nellikkunnu. As a result of these meetings, Thomas and his wife travelled to Kunnamkulam, where they received baptism.

Through the dedicated efforts of the brethren from Kunnamkulam, the first Gospel Convention in Thrissur town was organized from November 8 to 11, 1934, at the Marthoma School Auditorium. The speakers at this convention included Pastors K. E. Abraham, K. C. Cherian, J. N. Philip, and A. U. Mathai. Following the meetings, twelve individuals received baptism under the leadership of Pastor J. N. Philip. Thus, a church was formally established in Thrissur.

For the sake of convenience, the church that originated in Thrissur town was later relocated to the residence of Taylor Thomas in Nellikkunnu. During this period, several pastors rendered their service, including Pastor K. V. Kurien (Kuttappuzha), Pastor V. T. Thomas (Kunnathumkara Kuttiyachan), Pastor T. N. Abraham, and Pastor V. P. Thomas. Pastor V. P. Thomas (Thelappuram Thomachan) and Pastor V. T. Thomas also ministered together for a period of time.

During the tenure of Pastor V. P. Thomas, the ministry expanded significantly across the region.
In the year 1935, land was acquired for the church at Nazarath Angadi in Nellikkunnu. This was made possible through financial assistance received during Pastor K. E. Abraham’s ministry visit to Sweden.

During the ministry of Pastor V. P. Thomas, several instances of miraculous healing were reported within the church. Among them, two incidents are particularly noteworthy.

At that time, a believer named Paulose Yohannan (John), who had experienced salvation and baptism and was residing in Nellikkunnu, was bitten by a rabid dog. The same dog had attacked other animals, all of which subsequently died. Soon after, Yohannan began to exhibit severe physical symptoms.

The pastor and the believers gathered in fervent prayer, accompanied by deep sorrow. During this period, Pastor P. M. Philip had arrived at the church for ministry. Pastor Thomachan spent the entire night in prayer without rest. Pastor P. M. Philip, who was in the adjacent room, overheard his earnest supplication, which was as follows:

“Lord, if it is Your will to take someone from Thrissur into Your heavenly abode, I humbly ask that You take me instead. Please grant healing to Yohannan. Does he not have many children? I have none.” Moved by the heartfelt prayers and tears of His servant, God graciously healed Brother Yohannan. As a result, many individuals were led to faith. Yohannan, having received this miraculous healing, went on to study the Word of God, entered the ministry, and faithfully served the Lord within the same church.

Another incident of a similar nature is also remembered. On one occasion, a man who had arrived from Madras in connection with his employment was bitten by a venomous snake. As he approached death, he was brought to Pastor Thomachan. The pastor, along with the believers, prayed earnestly on his behalf.

On the third day of continuous prayer, in a remarkable manner, the man expelled the poison and was completely healed. Through this event, the name of God was greatly glorified in the region, many came to faith, and the church experienced significant growth.
In the early years, no hall had been constructed on the land acquired for the church. At that time, the congregation lacked the financial resources necessary for such a construction. As a result, church gatherings were conducted in various rented houses.

Following the transfer of Pastor V. P. Thomas, Pastor P. D. John assumed responsibility for the church ministry. Subsequently, Pastor V. K. Abraham took charge of the pastoral duties.
During the initial period of Pastor V. K. Abraham’s ministry, he and his family resided in the house of Brother Chemban Kochappu, from where he continued his work. Later, they moved their residence to Kizhakkekotta, Thrissur.

While residing there, his third child, at the age of one and a half years, passed away and entered eternity. During this time of deep personal sorrow, he spent several days in fasting and prayer. God, in His grace, acknowledged the devotion and prayers of His servant and elevated his ministry to a greater level.

As a result of his earnest prayers, many people from various regions experienced healing from diseases and deliverance from evil spirits. Consequently, many came to faith, received baptism, and were added as members of the church, leading to its growth.

Thereafter, he moved from Kizhakkekotta to Nellikkunnu and resided for two years in a rented house belonging to Brother Pappu Achan, continuing his ministry. During this period, a convention was organized in the courtyard of the house. At this convention, Pastors K. E. Abraham and P. M. Philip proclaimed the Word of God.

Arrangements were made to conduct regular worship meetings at that location. However, when the landowner became aware of these developments, he prohibited such gatherings. This was due to pressure from his own church authorities, who opposed granting space for Pentecostal meetings.

In these circumstances, Pastor Abraham and the believers moved to the land that had been previously purchased for the church at Nazarath Angadi, Nellikkunnu. After clearing the area, they began worshipping under the shade of a jackfruit tree located on the property. This gathering marked the first worship service held on that land.

Subsequently, through persistent efforts, the believers were encouraged and a small hall (shed) was constructed, where regular worship services were initiated. At that time, approximately forty people attended the services. After some time, a small parsonage was built, and the pastor along with his family moved there. Pastor V. K. Abraham faithfully served for thirteen years, enduring many hardships, poverty, and opposition. As a result of his dedicated ministry, many people from different regions were saved, baptized, and added to the church.

During his tenure, the old shed was demolished and a new church hall was constructed. God, in due time, honoured the faithful service and perseverance of His servant and his family.
After Pastor V. K. Abraham, Pastor T. C. Ouseph assumed charge of the church ministry. During his tenure, in 1963, the I.P.C. General Camp was held at the church and was conducted with great blessing. The church hall constructed during Pastor V. K. Abraham’s period was dedicated by Pastor T. C. Ouseph. It was also during his time that electrical connection was installed for the church, and a compound wall was constructed at the front of the premises. After serving faithfully for five years, he was transferred. Thereafter, Pastor P. H. Peter served for one year. In the following years, several pastors served the church at different periods, including: Pastor T. P. Paul, Pastor C. J. Abraham, Pastor K. V. Abraham, Pastor K. C. Kochunni, Pastor Varkey John, Pastor C. V. Paul, Pastor A. M. Abraham, Pastor K. M. Alexander, Pastor K. C. Mathai (who entered eternity while serving as pastor of the church), Pastor Varkey Pandanad, Pastor V. P. Ouseph, Pastor P. K. Varkey, Pastor C. V. Paul, and Pastor C. C. Chacko.

Each of these servants contributed faithfully to the growth and strengthening of the church during their respective periods of ministry.
During the tenure of Pastor V. P. Ouseph, the church undertook outreach activities in nearby regions of Thrissur such as Kodannur, Puthur, and Oorakam. Through regular public meetings and Bible classes conducted in these areas, many people came to faith. As a result, local congregations of the I.P.C. were established in these regions by the grace of God. During the period of Pastor C. C. Chacko, a new parsonage and a baptismal pool were constructed for the church.

Following his tenure, Pastor Joseph George assumed charge of the church ministry. During his leadership, a decision was made to construct a new church hall. In addition to the church committee, a separate building committee was formed, and the preliminary steps for construction were initiated. However, due to delays in obtaining government approvals and the inability to raise sufficient financial resources, the construction of the hall could not be commenced at that time. Subsequently, Pastor K. M. Philip took charge of the church. He actively mobilized the congregation, encouraged financial contributions, and organized systematic arrangements for fundraising toward the construction of the hall.

In due course, government approval for the construction was obtained. Accordingly, in January 2003, the foundation stone was laid following prayer by Pastor George Oommen, who was then the I.P.C. Kerala State Secretary. The construction progressed steadily without interruption and was completed successfully. On September 21, 2004, the dedication service of the church hall was conducted by Pastor K. M. John, the then I.P.C. Kerala State President. The sacrificial service rendered by Pastor K. M. Philip and his family in the construction of the church hall—including their physical effort, mental commitment, and financial contributions—is deeply commendable and remembered with sincere gratitude. Likewise, the dedicated efforts and financial support extended by the members of the church are gratefully acknowledged.

As it is written, God is not unjust to forget the love and labour shown in His name; it is our prayer that He may reward all accordingly.
After Pastor K. M. Philip, Pastor C. V. Mathai assumed charge of the church. During his tenure, an open auditorium was constructed within the church compound.

At a time when such facilities were limited, this auditorium proved to be a great blessing for conducting marriage services and related gatherings. It was also during his leadership that structured financial systems were introduced, enabling the church to generate funds. This facilitated the provision of regular monthly support for pastors and financial assistance for those in need. Following this, Pastor Mathai K. Varkey (popularly known as “Police Mathai”) assumed responsibility for the church ministry. His tenure marked significant spiritual and material growth for the church. A seven-day fasting prayer meeting was organized in the church, during which well-known ministers from across Kerala were invited. Through their ministry, many members of the congregation experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Several infrastructural improvements were also undertaken during this period, including tiling of the church ground, renovation and tiling of the baptismal pool, construction of a guest room and dressing room adjacent to the parsonage, and modernization of bathrooms and toilet facilities.

In 2010, during Pastor Mathai K. Varkey’s tenure, the church celebrated its Platinum Jubilee. The celebrations included various spiritual conventions and numerous charitable activities. Distinguished ministers from the Indian Pentecostal Church, leaders from related Christian organizations, and notable personalities from social, cultural, and public spheres participated in these events.

The charitable initiatives carried out during this period brought glory to the name of God and provided relief and support to many poor and suffering individuals across different regions. As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a commemorative souvenir was also published.
Following the transfer of Pastor Mathai K. Varkey, Pastor P. V. Suresh assumed charge of the church ministry. During his tenure, special emphasis was placed on the spiritual growth of the congregation. Annual twenty-one-day fasting prayer meetings were systematically organized, contributing significantly to the spiritual strengthening of the church.

During this period, roofing work was completed above the fellowship hall. Land was also purchased at Karippakunnu for the establishment of a cemetery. Pastor P. V. Suresh faithfully served the church for four years.

Subsequently, Pastor Joby George took charge of the ministry. His tenure was marked by notable progress and blessings for the church. During this time, ground cells were constructed on the land acquired for the cemetery. The church hall was equipped with air conditioning and soundproofing. A projector was installed for church use, and a large generator (pre-owned) was purchased and set up. Additional roofing work was also carried out for the church hall. After serving for four years, he was transferred.

Following this, Pastor M. A. Thomas assumed responsibility for the church ministry. During the period of severe floods that affected the whole of Kerala, the church, under his leadership, actively participated in relief efforts. Essential materials were distributed in relief camps, and financial contributions were made to the Kerala Government’s disaster relief fund.

Likewise, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when regular church gatherings were restricted, he took initiative to ensure that worship services continued without interruption through appropriate arrangements. During this difficult time, the church extended support to those in need by providing food kits, vegetable kits, and financial assistance, made possible through the dedicated efforts of the pastor and the congregation.

During his tenure, two air-conditioning units were installed in the parsonage. After serving for two years, Pastor M. A. Thomas was transferred upon being entrusted with responsibilities at the I.P.C. Perumbavoor Centre.
Following this, Pastor C. A. Mathews assumed charge of the church ministry. During his tenure, all spiritual gatherings were conducted in a blessed manner, and the congregation moved forward in unity, love, and joy.

Several developmental works were undertaken, including the extension of the auditorium, completion of ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) work, and enhancement of the stage area. Two water purifiers were installed for the church. A lift was also constructed to facilitate the movement of materials to the upper floor of the hall.

After his tenure, Pastor Shajimon K. assumed charge and continues to serve as the present pastor. Since his arrival, both the spiritual and material aspects of the church have progressed steadily. Modern equipment, including cameras and related systems, has been installed to enable live streaming of church services. As a result, believers from different parts of the world are able to participate and benefit from the services.

Sunday School and PYPA (Pentecostal Young People’s Association) activities are conducted in an organized and spiritually enriching manner. Weekly meetings, including the Sisters’ Fellowship, are held regularly and are a great blessing to the participants. Bible study classes are conducted every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and have proven to be highly beneficial for both online and offline participants.

Weekly fasting prayer meetings are held on Fridays, along with extended fasting prayers conducted during the last week of each month, both during the day and at night. Renowned ministers from Kerala are invited to lead these meetings, contributing significantly to the spiritual edification of the congregation.

In addition, as part of evangelistic outreach, public meetings are conducted on the last Sunday of every month at 4:00 PM in different parts of the region under the leadership of the church.
A gospel tract titled “A Fear That Never Departs: Where Is the Remedy?” was prepared and printed under pastoral leadership. During public meetings, the congregation participates with great enthusiasm and commitment.

In order to promote spiritual awakening and growth within the church, a structured list of prayer topics was prepared, and a 24-hour chain prayer was initiated. Following this, the congregation was encouraged and mobilized to actively participate in evangelistic work. As a result, the church has been extending regular monthly financial support to twenty-three missionaries engaged in ministry both within Kerala and outside the state.

In response to the rising cost of electricity, a solar power system was installed to reduce electricity expenses. Additionally, an incinerator was procured and installed for the proper disposal of waste materials.

For the effective management of the church’s temporal affairs, the administrative responsibilities are carried out by a dedicated committee under the leadership of the Pastor.

The committee is structured as follows:

President: Pastor Shajimon K.

Vice President: Brother P. I. George

Secretary: Brother A. C. Timothy

Joint Secretary: Brother Abraham Zachariah

Treasurer: Brother Joyson Jose

Committee Members include Brothers Joy Joseph Chemban, K. L. Joy, C. V. Sebastian, E. M. Varkey, Jomon Timothy, and Anish John. This committee functions with sincerity, unity, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Over the past ninety years, God has faithfully sustained and preserved this church. Although the church has faced various challenges, including difficulties and financial constraints, it has remained steadfast, upheld by divine grace.

At present, the church consists of approximately 110 families, with more than 400 believers regularly gathering for worship. Throughout these years, many individuals from the church have dedicated themselves to the service of God and have ministered across Kerala and in various parts of India. Some among them have since entered eternal rest. In addition, several former members, as well as others connected to the church, continue to serve in different regions.

Currently, sixteen members of the church are actively engaged in full-time ministry—four serving in North India and twelve in different parts of Kerala.

Many members of the church, both individually and as families, are presently residing in various countries across the world for employment and education. These include regions such as the Gulf countries, the United States of America, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.
 God has graciously blessed successive generations and has upheld the church with faithfulness and love.

In remembrance of God’s enduring faithfulness and abundant love, and in order to glorify His holy name, it has been prayerfully decided to gather for the 90th anniversary celebrations on November 28, 29, and 30, 2025.

May the name of the Lord be praised forever.

With gratitude and reverence, this brief history of the church is humbly dedicated for the glory of God, who has sustained and strengthened it through all generations.
Total Members
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Our church family includes over 320 members worshipping together in faith and fellowship.

Mission Fields
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Our church actively supports 30+ mission fields through prayer, partnership, and ministry outreach.

Total Years
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IPC Immanuel Church has been a place of faithful worship, prayer, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

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