Ministry: Emmaus

A Journey With Christ

The Gospel of Luke relates the story of two men who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The friends were walking together, sharing their hearts' deepest concerns. The risen Christ joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked, how it was written that Christ should suffer and so enter His glory. This experience on the road was a heart-warming one as the risen Christ walked and talked with them. The illuminating climax was when Christ took bread, said the blessing, then broke the bread and gave it to them. The two then recognized him as the risen Christ, and rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Luke 24:13-35)

What is the Walk to Emmaus?

The above story provides the image and basis for Emmaus. The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience, which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Chirstian people, and through them, the world in which they live. Emmaus is a combined effort of laity and clergy toward the renewal of the church.

The Purpose of Emmaus

The focus of Emmaus is God, as known through Jesus Christ, and how knowing and living the example set by Jesus finds expression in the local church. The objective is to inspire, challenge, and equip people for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work.

What happens at Emmaus?

The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour weekend, beginning on Thursday evening and ending on Sunday evening. At Emmaus you will spend three busy but very enjoyable days at a retreat center. You live and study together in singing, prayer, worship, and discussion. Over the course of the weekend, fifteen different talks are given by both laity and clergy. These talks presend the theme of God's grace, and how that grace comes alive in the Chirstian community and expresses itself in the world. You'll discover how grace is real in your life, and how you can live in the life of grace, bringing frace to others. The weekend provides spiritual growth, renewal, and lots of Christian fellowship.

What Happens After Emmaus?

One of the primary strengths of Emmaus is the follow-up. Your weekend lasts only three days, but you are invited to build on it the rest of your life. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to do two things:

1. Expand their own spiritual lives through study and congregational participation.
2. Become more active disciples of God in the world through their churches.

To nurture this process of discipleship, the Emmaus movement offers specific opportunities. First, reunion groups of four to six people meet weekly to encourage one another in their discipleship. Second, Community Gatherings are helpful for fellowship and worship. Third, through the Newsletter, members become aware of support needs for upcoming Walks and opportunities to participate in future weekends.

For more information

To learn more about the Emmaus community at Smyrna First, and how you can participate in a Walk to Emmaus, please contact Lisa Moore at 770-436-4108, ext.312 or lmoore@smyrnafumc.org.

Emmaus Web Site: Walk to Emmaus - Upper Room