Walk to Emmaus
The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program to strengthen the local church by developing 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 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, supports 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.
The Walk to Emmaus and Luke 24:13-35
The resurrection story illustrates what happens for pilgrims on the Walk to Emmaus: faith is re-explained, grace is re-experienced, the Christian community is realised, and the body of Christ is renewed through the renewed commitment of church members, Christ’s disciples.
Faith Is Re-explained
As the two disciples walked to Emmaus, Jesus joined them as a stranger and explained the meaning of the Scriptures concerning himself. Likewise, during the Walk to Emmaus, our faith is re-explained through fifteen talks and discussions, addressing essential aspects of God’s grace and Christian discipleship.
Grace Is Re-experienced
Upon arrival in the village of Emmaus, the disciples recognised Jesus in the breaking of the bread and remembered how their hearts had burned within them as they walked with him on the road. Likewise, during the Emmaus Weekend, grace is re-experienced through rich worship services, daily Holy Communion, the support of a caring Christian community, and other expressions of God’s love.
Christian Community Is Realised
The disciples returned immediately to the little Christian community in Jerusalem to share their stories and hear their friends’ stories of seeing the risen Christ. Likewise, on the Walk to Emmaus, people live in a Christian community for three days and have opportunities to share their lives in fun-filled moments, profound moments, small group discussions, shared meals, singing, worship, and communion.
The Body of Christ Is Renewed
The disciples became the body of Christ in the world, supporting one another over the long haul as they walked in the spirit of Jesus and shared the gospel of grace with those around them. Likewise, after the three-day Walk to Emmaus, discipleship is sustained with a strong follow-up emphasis, which we call the “Fourth Day.” This emphasis involves participation in church and small, weekly support groups for mutual encouragement, guidance, and accountability.
The Purpose of Emmaus
The purpose of Emmaus is the renewal of the Church as the body of the risen Christ in the world through the renewal of church members as faithful and committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Emmaus expands participants’ spiritual lives, deepens their discipleship, and rekindles their gifts as Christian leaders in their churches and communities. These aims are accomplished during the three-day Emmaus Walk and through participation in group reunions and community Gatherings, sponsorship and support of Walks, and service on teams. Persons whose spiritual lives are renewed and strengthened through Emmaus are called to share the grace they receive in their community and to be leavening influences in their local churches. Emmaus’s purpose is not fully realized during the event’s three days but on the Fourth Day.