The Walk to Emmaus

The Walk to Emmaus - A Development Programme for Christian Growth and Leadership

The Gospel of Luke relates the story of the risen Christ appearing to 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 recognised the risen Christ.  Then they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the good news with others. (Luke 24:13-35)

The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience which helps participants to explore the Christian faith and ways of putting faith into action.  Through the combined efforts of a small international reunion group and the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Walk to Emmaus was first made available to Irish Christians in 2001, with the first Irish Walks being held 4 years later in February 2005.

Emmaus is open to members of any Christian denomination who:

• wish to strengthen their spiritual lives;
• may have unanswered questions about prayer, study and sharing their faith;
• wish to explore their gifts for Christian service;
• understand that being a Christian involves responsibility;
• are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner.

The purpose of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, local community and places of work. 

The structured weekend is a 72-hour experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation.  Discussions centre around fifteen short talks given by laity and clergy.  These talks present the theme of God's grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community, and expresses itself in the world.   Participants leave with an experience of Christian love in action that will equip them for new levels of grace-filled service and leadership within their churches.  The Walk to Emmaus seeks to strengthen and complement the participant's church life; it is not intended as a substitute or alternative.

Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus will be encouraged to servant-leadership and to expand their own spiritual lives through worship, study, and active participation in their local church and become more active disciples of Christ in service to the world.

For more information on Emmaus and the programme of future weekends in Ireland, contact Alan Shiel (email ) or visit www.emmauswalks.ie