Good sponsorship is vital to the integrity of the Sponsoring to the Emmaus Village Encounter. Many people take sponsorship for granted; they assume that everyone knows the how and why. Yet sponsorship is arguably the most critical job in Emmaus. It is more than just “signing up people”. The quality of sponsorship influences the Pilgrim, the health of the Emmaus Movement, and the churches affected by the movement.

Good sponsorship is your first act of agape before a Walk ever begins; the experience of the Walk for a pilgrim starts with how we handle sponsorship.

Good sponsorship undergirds the encounter with sacrificial love on behalf of each Pilgrim. Sponsors use discernment in recruiting pilgrims, and they embody the personal commitment of the community to each pilgrim. Sponsors also provide personal acts of agape during the three days of the pilgrims. These acts of agape include signing up for the Prayer Vigil, collecting Agape letters, taking their Pilgrim to Send off at your Church if there is one, attending Candlelight and Closing, and following up to help your Pilgrim connect.

Good sponsorship is the foundation for a healthy, effective Emmaus movement fulfilling its true purpose – the development of Christian leaders and the renewal of the Church in ministry. The strength of any Emmaus community is a direct result of its recruiting practices. Suppose the community is committed to recruiting strong church leaders to strengthen the local Church. In that case, the community will be a robust and vital force in the renewal movement. If, on the other hand, the Walk to Emmaus is looked upon as a hospital where every human ill can be cured, it will weaken the entire community.

The following is taken from DAY FOUR: The Pilgrim’s Continued Journey.

Pray for the person’s openness to God’s call to discipleship, not for how to get them to go on a walk.
Make an appointment with the person or couple to discuss their participation in Emmaus.
Extend an invitation. Invite them to attend for the sake of a more vital relationship with Jesus Christ, not just the Village Encounter. Share your faith;; explain the basic elements of the Walk, its purpose, and the follow-up dimensions that help us live in Grace for the rest of our lives. Have the attitude that you are giving them a wonderful gift rather than that they need to go.
Ask them to commit by filling out the registration form. If the person is married, speak with both partners and encourage an equal commitment by both spouses.
Sing up for the Prayer Vigil, prepare agape letters, and enlist the support of their pastor. Collect ten or more personal agape letters. Remind them, “No personal gifts during the weekend.” Agape must be for all pilgrims.
You can support the Village Encounter through your prayers by signing up for a slot during the prayer vigil and by being present at the send-off, sponsors’ hour, Candlelight, and Closing.
Encourage the Pilgrim to be involved in their Fourth Day. Allow your friend to talk through the experience and appreciate it. Help them find a reunion group. Or, be prepared to start a group with them until they find others to be in the group. Take them to Gatherings as your guest for a couple of months.
Help the Pilgrim re-enter their Church and consider ways to act out new commitment and enthusiasm.
Inform the Pilgrim how they can serve the Emmaus community and future walks.
Help the Pilgrim sponsor others after 12 months.

Sponsorship is an act of love for God, the Pilgrims, the Emmaus Community, and the Church. It is a demonstration of agape love. It is making oneself an instrument of prevenient Grace.

SPONSORSHIP IS IMPORTANT

SEEK PRAYERFUL GUIDANCE BEFORE ASKING THE APPLICANT TO ATTEND

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS HONESTLY BEFORE GIVING THEM AN APPLICATION.

HELP RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT ATTENDANCE.

OBTAIN PERSONAL AGAPE LETTERS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

ATTEND THE CANDLELIGHT AND CLOSING SERVICES

PERSEVERE IN HELPING YOUR PILGRIM GET IN A REUNION GROUP.

PILGRIMS ARE PRECIOUS, HANDLE WITH PRAYER

“..serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

WHEN YOU AGREE TO SPONSOR A PILGRIM FOR THE WEEKEND, YOU ACCEPT CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THAT PERSON.

YOU AGREE TO:

PRAY FOR THEM: Before, during and after the Village Encounter.
TELL THEM about the Village Encounter. Do not be secretive, but do not reveal specific details about activities. We want them to be surprised.
PRAYER AGAPE: Make sure your name is on the prayer vigil.
ATTEND CANDLELIGHT.