The History of CECF

Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship (CECF) shines as a beacon of light in the midst of the chaotic inner city. Under the spiritual direction of Bishop Michael E. Dantley, Ed. D. & Pastor Carol B. Dantley, M.Ed., the church boldly declares its mission: to Equip, Encourage and Edify an army of believers in Jesus Christ to grow in fellowship and relationship with the Lord; to pursue destiny, build families, support community, change lives and turn the world upside-down with the gospel.

Vision-driven and spirit-directed; CECF advocates for families, the working poor, and the overlooked in our society. It is a place of refuge for the broken, and a training center for those whose wounds are healing. The unique worship experience at Christ Emmanuel emphasizes the power of Prayer, Worship and the Word of God in changing the hearts and minds of broken men and women.

front view of church building 2324 May Street

The congregation is known as a giving church that has been blessed with favor and resources in order to bless others. With a global perspective and an unconventional philosophy, Dr. Dantley demands that each member impact his or her world and world systems with the Kingdom of God.

To accomplish its vision, CECF has developed numerous ministries and programs such as the EXODUS Program, confronting the systems of poverty and government by teaching job and life management skills to disenfranchised males and Christ Emmanuel Christian Academy which offers “ Education at a Higher Standard” to inner city boys and girls, grades K-8. IMPACT! Online Broadcast with Bishop Michael E. Dantley can be heard, Monday through Friday at 11:00 am on www.myurbangospel.com.

Pastor Dantley began to advise local and national leaders, who submitted their ministries to his oversight. In 1996 he was ordained a Bishop, and began to function in his apostolic calling by teaching, preaching and consulting with churches across the nation and world.

Christ Emmanuel entered into community ministry by joining the Walnut Hills Area Council, building low-moderate income housing, and offering tutoring to neighborhood
children. The Equipping Center was purchased in 1996 to house the Christ Emmanuel Christian Academy, the offices and classrooms of Christ Emmanuel, and local businesses. In 2005 we moved to the Present Location of the CECF Executive and Administrative Offices and the Christ Emmanuel Christian Academy at 1225 E. McMillan Street located in East Walnut Hills.

Christ Emmanuel is the product of the merger of two congregations in 1977. In 1981, Pastor Dantley experienced for the first time the manifest power of the Holy Spirit, and taught on the baptism of the Spirit to his members. In 1989, the Dantleys decided that the church would be non-denominational. Pastor Carol Dantley suggested the name Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship. The congregation grew in faith and in number until it was forced to hold three Sunday morning services to accommodate everyone. Aware that they had exceeded the capacity of their current facility; in 1993 Christ Emmanuel entered it’s newly built sanctuary.

Christ Emmanuel trains and equips leaders to impact their spheres of influence with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ Emmanuel has supported missions and missionaries in Africa, China, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The church has trained spiritual leaders in such fields as global business, arts and entertainment, healthcare, and education to display through their lives the radical change they have experienced through knowing Jesus Christ.