The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies began its ministry in the Fall of 2019. Our aim was at once simple and yet profound: to lead God’s people into deeper conversion through a life-giving encounter with God in his Word. We never could have imagined the divine adventure that would ensue since opening our doors nearly seven years ago.
Through many courses, seminars, retreats, talks, parish missions, pilgrimages, book studies, independent studies, and informal conversations, we have been blessed to accompany countless individuals in their journey of faith. Often times, this type of journey is regarded as “pursuing faith” or “seeking God.” While in some sense this is true—necessary, even—if these years have taught us anything, it is that this mission is not merely one of pursuing or seeking, but of listening to the God who has spoken first and awakening to Him who first pursued us. As the Apostle John writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
With confidence in the initiative of that love, at the close of the year I will be transitioning out of my role with Emmaus and into new paths which the Lord has prepared, both for me and for this Institute. It is a bittersweet time as I look back with wonder and gratitude on what the Lord has accomplished these few years, while also looking forward with hope and enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
This time of transition will usher in a new chapter for the Emmaus Institute. Since our inception, we have devoted ourselves to faithful ministry and to work of the highest standard. Despite this commitment and the many fruits of our mission, we have not been immune to the challenges of our age that many apostolates and small businesses also face. Major cultural shifts and economic hurdles have changed how people engage with and support faith-formation ministries. Many like-minded apostolates have faced closure or restructuring. At Emmaus, we find ourselves in a similar situation.
Looking ahead, the mission of Emmaus will move forward under the leadership of Chad Steiner, our Director of Academics. As a founding member of this Institute, Chad carries with him the spirit and integrity of this apostolate, as well as a deep conviction for the Church’s mandate to provide the lay faithful with the type of formation in Bible reading and study which this ministry offers. Dr. Vern Steiner, President Emeritus, will continue in a limited capacity alongside him, together with others whom the Lord is already bringing onboard.
We are profoundly grateful for you—our many friends, students, and donors—who make it possible through your generosity to offer the learning opportunities available here. This restructure represents an affirmation and deepening of our commitment to you and the Lincoln faithful that ensures ongoing fidelity to the emphatic call of the Church for “a greater ‘biblical apostolate,’ not alongside other forms of pastoral work, but as a means of letting the Bible inspire all pastoral work,” and that “centres of formation . . . be established where laity and missionaries can be trained to understand, live and proclaim the word of God” (Verbum Domini, §§ 73, 75).
The mission of Emmaus continues with the enthusiastic support of Bishop James Conley, as well as our Board of Directors. It also continues because of the numerous lay faithful and religious in the Lincoln diocese and beyond who believe in God’s presence here at Emmaus and who will see it through as a tool in his hands to go about the building up of his kingdom (cf. Eph 4:12).
I extend a most heartfelt and personal thank you to everyone who participates in this Emmaus community, however great or small. I am filled with the spirit of the psalmist who writes, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad” (Pss 126:3). The Lord has done great things, indeed, and my spirit abounds with gratitude. In fact, the whole of Psalm 126 is an appropriate evaluation and prayer for the future of this mission:
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD ,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Please join me in praying for wisdom and courage for my colleagues for the days ahead. We ask for your friendship and support as we reorganize for the future of this crucial work. Restructured though it will be, the central mission and vision are unchanged, and we look forward to your participation.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Joshua Burks
Executive Director
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