About the "Walk to Emmaus."
The Gospel of Luke relates the story of Christ is joining two friends on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, walking together and sharing their heart's deepest concerns. The risen Christ walks with them and explains the scriptures: how it was ordained that Christ should suffer and so enter his glory. The illuminating climax of this heartwarming experience comes when Christ takes bread and blesses it, he then breaks it and gives it to them. At that moment, the eyes of the two are opened, they recognize him as the risen Christ, and they rush back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Luke 24:13-35)
The above story provides the image for the Walk to Emmaus, an Upper Room program that calls forth and restores Christian discipleship. The Walk to Emmaus, a three-day experience, takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. The highly structured weekend is designed to strengthen and invigorate the faith of Christian people, and through them, their families, their congregations, and the world in which they live. Emmaus combines the efforts of laity and clergy to renew the church.
What is the purpose? Emmaus exists to develop Christian leaders for the local church and the world. The 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."
Where does it take place? The North Indiana Emmaus Community, comprised of Christians from a variety of churches in our area, provides a place, leadership, and all the support necessary to conduct the Walk to Emmaus weekend.
How do I attend? A person who has experienced the Walk to Emmaus sponsors you. This frees you from any personal responsibilities that might distract you while on the experience and undergirds your 72-hour experience with prayer and other expressions of God's love.
What happens after? Cleopas and his companion immediately returned to tell other disciples about their encounter with Christ. A regular, ongoing time of sharing together our journey with Christ is part of the follow-up to the experience. A monthly Gathering open to all encourages discipleship. Reunion groups are open to all persons wanting to grow in accountability for their relationship with Christ.
