At Emmaus, your spiritual growth is just as important as your academic growth. We believe that your faith in Jesus Christ has a broad reach, informing every aspect of life and learning. Therefore, at Emmaus, we make it a top priority to root you in God’s Word and give you ample opportunities to firmly establish your relationship with Christ. That is why you'll find many ways to get involved in various ministries, bible studies, service projects and other great opportunities!
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1 9-10, ESV)
Our chapel program is an essential part of the educational experience at Emmaus. Each chapel seeks to enhance Christian life and character by encouraging the discipline of corporate worship and addressing issues from Christian living to current events. Undergraduate students are required to attend chapel with eight absences each semester permitted.
Corporate Chapel
Corporate chapel convenes in the Glock Auditorium on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:20 a.m. and include messages from Emmaus faculty, local pastors, alumni, and students.
Floor Chapel
In addition to our normal chapel service held in the auditorium, each Thursday at 10:20am, students will meet by residence floors for chapel. Under the leadership of the floor RA, these meetings normally include a time of fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. Occasionally RAs will ask various members of faculty or staff to come speak during their floor Chapel; these can be great opportunities for questions and personal interaction with faculty and staff. Floor chapel promotes community on the floor and provides a rich atmosphere for developing life-long friendships centered on the Word of God.
Campus Community Groups
Campus Community Groups (CCGs) seek to create an atmosphere for spiritual growth through accountability, prayer, open discussion and loving community. CCGs are led by fellow students who are mentored by faculty/staff members and under the direction of the Director of Campus Life. These meetings take palce at various times throughout the week.
Spiritual Emphasis Days (SED)
SED is a three day event held each September for the purpose of spiritual encouragement, refreshment, and renewal. This event is a combination of uplifting music and challenging messages from a notable guest speaker. Past speakers include:
- Alexander Strauch (Pastor, speaker and author)
- Dr. Tom Constable (Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary, author and speaker)
An important part of every believer's life is committed fellowship in a local church. Therefore, Emmaus requires all students to become involved in a local evangelical church. Below are some of the churches where many of our students serve and attend.
Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel
Anchor Community Church
Christ Church of Dubuque
CrossRoads Church
Galena Bible Church
The Great Adventure Church
Hope Church
New Life Church
Radius Church
River City Church
Tri-State Community Church
Serving is an essential part the Christian experience and a vital component of the learning process at Emmaus University. Through its academic and student development programs, Emmaus purposes to develop servant-leaders, equipped for service, ministry, and professional life.
Servant Leader Training (SLT)
The SLT program provides each student the opportunity to develop as a servant-leader through engagement in service to the church and the community. Students are encouraged to participate in regularly-scheduled service opportunities in church, para-church, in the community at large and in the broader community.
Ministry & Service Opportunities
Below are just a few of the ministries that our students are often involved in.
Almost Home
The Clarity Clinic
The Dubuque Dream Center
Local AWANA Clubs
Opening Doors
Christian Ministries Seminars (CMS)
Christian Ministries Seminar takes place each February to showcase and challenge students to consider summer and full-time ministry opportunities. Camps, ministries, and organizations from across the U.S. and Canada come to the university to present opportunities for both short-term and long-term service and ministry. Visit the CMS website for more information.