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The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to
strengthen the local church through the development of Christian
disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the
model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act
in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."
The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course
in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the
themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what
it means to be the church. The course is wrapped in prayer and
meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy
Communion. The "Emmaus community," made up of those who have attended
an Emmaus weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil,
by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving.
The Emmaus Walk typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday
evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.
During and after the three days, Emmaus leaders encourage
participants to meet regularly in small groups. The members of the
small groups challenge and support one another in faithful living.
Participants seek to Christianize their environments of family, job,
and community through the ministry of their congregations. The
three-day Emmaus experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew
Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of
the body of Christ in mission to the world.
Where Does Emmaus Come From?
The name Emmaus is taken from the story in Luke's gospel
concerning two disciples of Jesus and the stranger they met on their
way to the village of Emmaus. The disciples were weary and
disheartened. Their world was in ruins, their dreams shattered.
The one on whom they had pinned all their hopes had been cruelly
crucified. They shared their disillusionment with the stranger while
they walked along the road. As they did so, their hearts were lightened
and hope re-kindled. Later, when they were at supper they recognized
the stranger as Jesus. |
