Walk to Emmaus

THE UPPER ROOM

For the Development of Christian Leaders

A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST

Luke relates the story of two disciples of Jesus who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As these two friends were walking together, they shared their hearts’ deepest concerns about the death of Jesus. An unknown person, who was the risen Christ, joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked; how it was ordained that Christ should suffer and so enter his glory. Toward the end of the day’s travel, they urged the stranger to eat with them. The climax happened when Christ took bread and said the blessing, then broke the bread and gave it to them. The two had their eyes opened and they recognized the stranger as the risen Christ. They rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Luke 24:13-35)

WHAT IS THE WALK TO EMMAUS?

We invite you to join in an inspiring experience during which you meet Jesus as he is revealed to you through other Christians. The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience of New Testament Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly structured event designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them their families, their congregations, and the word in which they live. Emmaus is a partnership between laity and clergy toward the renewal of the church.

WHAT HAPPENS AT EMMAUS?

The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour experience. You will enjoy three busy days singing, praying, worshiping, and participating in small groups. Discussions center 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 also discover how grace is real in your life, how you live a life of grace, and bring grace to others. You will have the opportunity to participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion and to understand more fully the presence of Christ in his body of believers. You will experience God’s grace personally through the prayers and acts of service offered by a vital support community.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EMMAUS?

Your event last only three days, but you are invited to build on it for the rest of your life. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to do two things:

          Expand their own spiritual lives through study

          and congregational participation;

          Become more active disciples of Christ in the world

          through their churches.

To nurture this process of discipleship, the Emmaus movement offers specific opportunities. First, groups of four to six people meet weekly to reflect on their spiritual growth and encourage one another in their discipleship. Second, there are monthly community gatherings where Emmaus participants meet for fellowship, worship, and informal instruction. Third, though a newsletter, members become aware of support needs for upcoming Walks to Emmaus and opportunities to work during future events in a variety of ways.

PURPOSE OF EMMAUS

The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.

WHO SHOULD GO TO EMMAUS?

Emmaus is open to members of any Christian denomination. Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who:

          Are members of a local church;

          Wish to strengthen their spiritual lives;

          May have unanswered questions about their faith;

          Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility;

          Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner.