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 joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked. Toward the end of the day's travel, they urged the stranger to eat with them. As the stranger took bread, blessed, broke, and shared it with them, their eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Christ. Then they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the good news with others (Luke 24:13-35)

It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as he is revealed to you through other believers. The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with prayerful discernment and an invitation from a sponsor. After one accepts this invitation an application is completed. The Emmaus leaders prayerfully consider each applicant and in God's time, the person is invited to attend a three-day experience of New Testament Christianity as a lifestyle. Following the three days, people are given an opportunity to join in small groups to support each other in their ongoing walk with Christ. Through the formational process of accountable discipleship in small groups and participation in the Emmaus community, servant-leadership skills are developed for use in the local church and its mission.

The Walk to Emmaus continues through a 72-hour experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation. You will enjoy three busy days singing, learning, laughing, praying, worshiping, and participating in small groups. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. The theme of these talks is God's grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community, and how it 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 body of Christ. You will experience God's grace through the prayers and acts of anonymous service offered by the Emmaus community. You will leave with an experience of Christian love in action that will equip you for new levels of grace-filled service and leadership.

You are invited to walk with Christ for the rest of your life. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to servant-leadership and to:

• Expand their own spiritual lives through worship, study, and active participation in their local church.
• Become more active disciples of Christ in service to the world.
  

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 journey and encourage one another in accountable discipleship. Second, there are monthly community gatherings where Emmaus participants meet for fellowship, worship, and instruction. Third, through a newsletter, members become aware of support needs for upcoming Walks and other opportunities for servant-leadership

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

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

• Are members of a local church;
• Have a desire 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.

Note: Viewing of PDF files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To download this program, please visit the Adobe Website:

(Excerpted with permission from the Upper Room pamphlet "Walk to Emmaus - For the Development of Christian Leaders")