What is the Walk To EmmausŪ?
The Gospel of Luke relates the story of the risen Christ appearing to the two disciples who were walking the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus:
They were sharing their hearts' deepest concerns when the risen Christ joined them. He explained the scriptures as they walked, and their hearts were warmed. The illuminating climax of the experience was when Christ took the bread, said the blessing, then broke it and gave it to them. The two had their eyes opened and they recognized him! (Luke 24:13-35)
The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day, discipleship-renewing experience that takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly-structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian adults, and, through them, their families, congregations and the world in which they live.
A similar three-day experience is offered for youth and young adults. It is called ChrysalisŪ. For more information about Chrysalis, please see our About Chrysalis page.
The Walk to Emmaus is a ministry program of The Upper Room, a ministry unit of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. The Upper Room sponsors the Walk to Emmaus and offers it through local Emmaus communities around the world. Although connected through The Upper Room to The United Methodist Church, The Walk to Emmaus is ecumenical: persons of all Christian denominations are welcome and encouraged to attend.
What happens on a Walk to Emmaus weekend?
The "Walk to Emmaus" is a 72-hour experience. The weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening. On a Walk to Emmaus weekend, you will spend three busy but very enjoyable days at First United Methodist Church in Newark, Ohio. You will live, learn, sing, pray, and worship together with other 'pilgrims'.
The learning centers around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God's grace, and how that grace comes alive in the Christian community and expresses itself in the world. You'll discover how God's grace is real in your life and how you can live in a life full of His grace.
What happens after a Walk to Emmaus weekend?
One of the primary strengths of the Walk to Emmaus is the follow-up. Your weekend lasts only three days, but you are invited to build on it for the rest of your life.
Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus weekend are encouraged to do two things following their weekend:
- continue their spiritual growth through study, worship and action; and
- become more active disciples of Christ in the world through their churches.
To support these endeavors, the Walk to Emmaus offers these tools:
- Small groups or 'share groups' are encouraged to form and meet weekly to support the members' quest for spiritual growth, to uphold one another in prayer, and to hold each other accountable on their faith journeys.
- A praise and worship service, called a "Gathering," is held monthly; all those who have attended a Walk to Emmaus and their guests are invited to sing, pray, worship, and fellowship with one another.
Who should attend a Walk to Emmaus?
First, as stated previously, the Walk to Emmaus is an ecumenical ministry of The Upper Room, and Christians of all denominations are invited and welcome. The Walk to Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who:
- Wish to strengthen their spiritual lives
- May have unanswered questions about prayer,
study, or sharing their faith - Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God
in an ongoing manner - Have positions of responsibility in the church and the world
How do I sign-up to attend?
To attend a Walk to Emmaus weekend, you must have a sponsor -- someone who has previously attended a Walk to Emmaus weekend and is willing to support you in love, prayer and service for your weekend.
If you know someone who has been on a Walk to Emmaus weekend, please feel free to talk to him/her about sponsoring you. If you are interested but do not know anyone who could serve as your sponsor, please talk to your pastor about who might sponsor you, or contact us.