today…
Emmaus is launching into its third year of existence. In the last 14 months, we have added three full-time staff members, doubled in weekly worship attendance, purchased property, started EMBER Student Ministries, partnered with La Vida Education – a community development organization in Nicaragua, and shared life with dozens of individuals and families who are being changed by the transforming power of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What is Emmaus?
(eh·may’·us)
In the 24th chapter of his gospel, Luke tells the story of two travelers on a journey together to a city called Emmaus. Along the way they fall into step with a third traveler who listens to their story and shares in their conversation. This third traveler shares a perspective that is so life-giving that the two urge him to stay with them for dinner. And as they break bread together they realize – with amazement and joy – that the third traveler is Jesus Christ, risen from the dead!
We’ve taken “Emmaus” as the name for our community because this story absolutely captures our hearts. We are building a new church community in Lincoln, California committed to sharing life and discovering Jesus. Wherever you find yourself on your spiritual journey, you’re welcome to join us.
A New Day…
Emmaus Church Community started as a dream to create and lead a transformational community of compassion where Christ-followers and spiritual seekers could share life and discover Jesus in a very real and authentic way.
The dream locked into time when Nathan and Carmen Oates, with their children, accepted an invitation from their denomination to move to Lincoln, Ca in July of 2004.
Through the fall and winter months, dozens of individuals and families began to gather around this dream. We would come together to eat, pray, ask questions, and bring form to a new kind of church.
Different Vision: Shaping City vs. Building Church
- What would Church look like if, instead of asking, “What’s our vision for our church?” we asked, “What’s God’s vision for Lincoln, California” and “How could a community of people help to actualize the Kingdom of God in this city?”
Different Focus: Living Life vs. Doing Church
- What would Church look like if, instead of asking, “How should I get involved in church?” people asked, “How should I live my life?”
Different Strategy: Developing Friendships vs. Starting Programs
- What would Church look like if, instead of meeting needs with programs, we sought to meet needs primarily through relationships.
OUR VISION FOR AN EXPRESSION OF CHURCH
The Church is pretty good at behavior modification …but it stinks at transformation.
- Kenda Dean, Godbearing Life
Transformation…
Emmaus Church Community’s ultimate purpose is holistic life transformation. Our passion is catalyzing spiritual seekers and Christ-followers toward a life-long, revolutionary experience with Jesus Christ. Because holistic transformation is our ultimate purpose, our worship gatherings are multi-sensory and interactive. Our preaching and small group discussions apply the teachings of Holy Scripture to all parts of life. And we honor the wisdom, rhythms, and practices of the historic Church.
Community…
Individual transformation fuels, and is fueled by, authentic expressions of Christian community. We strive to intentionally share life together, bearing each other’s burdens and celebrating each other’s joys. Because community is core to our purpose, our worship gatherings are highly relational and highly participatory. We meet often in one another’s homes. We eat together. We share life and ministry.
Compassion…
The expression and end of both personal and communal transformation – the whole point of this church community – is to engage culture with love, mercy, and justice in the name of Jesus. Our mission is to make the world a better place. Our end game is to bring Kingdom realities to bear on our neighborhoods and our world. Because compassion is core to our purpose, we seek to be a church community that goes to the people. We want to reach people by loving people.
