Quick Facts
Founded
Oldest Ethiopian/Eritrean Evangelical Church in Phoenix
Denomination
GMC
Service Times
Sundays 10:00 AM
Men's Ministry
No
Kids Ministry
No
Pastor Credentials
Not published
10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
GMC affirms historic Christology.
Strong
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
GMC affirms inspiration and authority of Scripture.
Strong
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
Not stated.
Strong
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Wesleyan-Arminian.
Strong
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
GMC complementarian by polity. Surafel Gebretsadik (male pastor).
GMC complementarian by polity. Male pastor Surafel Gebretsadik.
Strong
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Surafel Gebretsadik (male) is pastor.
Strong
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Wesleyan preaching tradition with Ethiopian/Eritrean diaspora flavor.
Strong
Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Diaspora Ethiopian/Eritrean evangelical ministry in Phoenix.
Strong
Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
Conservative Wesleyan posture; oldest Ethiopian/Eritrean evangelical church in Phoenix.
Strong
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
GMC Western States Provisional Conference.
Strong
Assessment
Phoenix Maranatha Church is described as the oldest Ethiopian and Eritrean Evangelical Church in Phoenix, AZ, now affiliated with the Global Methodist Church via the Western States Provisional Conference. Pastor Surafel Gebretsadik leads Sunday worship at 10am.
#gmc#az#phoenix#ethiopian#eritrean#diaspora#global-methodist#western-states-conference
Sources & Evidence
These are the URLs consulted to arrive at this church's scoring. Score-note claims are synthesized from homepage content, denominational directories, and public statements of faith at the time of review. Church websites change frequently; we're progressively adding Internet Archive snapshots to prevent link rot.
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[1] Live source
phxmaranatha.org
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[2] Live source
westernstatesgmc.com/find-a-church/
Transparency note: MOOP ratings are researcher judgments about publicly available theological and ecclesial evidence. They are not infallible. If a church's public posture has changed since our review, or if we've mis-read evidence, tell us — we publish corrections.
Last reviewed:
2026-05-16
— Annual review recommended
1601 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015
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