The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's 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."

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. The "Emmaus community," made up of those who have attended an Emmaus weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Emmaus Walk typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.

During and after the three days, Emmaus leaders encourage participants to meet regularly in small groups. The members of the small groups challenge and support one another in faithful living. Participants seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community through the ministry of their congregations. The three-day Emmaus experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in mission to the world.

The Upper Room, a ministry unit of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, sponsors the Walk to Emmaus and offers it through local Emmaus groups around the world. Although connected through The Upper Room to The United Methodist Church, The Walk to Emmaus is ecumenical.

Excerpted with permission from What Is Emmaus? by Stephen D. Bryant.

Copyright © 1995 by The Upper Room.

Source: The Upper Room

“It was one of the top three experiences in my life, right up there with getting married and having kids.” –Derwood, Walk #781

“I’ve been running from the Lord all my life and ended up running right into his arms on my pilgrim Walk. I’m eternally gratefully for that lifetime experience and want to share it with all my friends.” –Gail, Walk#830

“No matter where you are in your faith walk, it will touch you where you need it most.” –Kelle, Walk #850

“I thought the Walk to Emmaus was the best way I have spent 3 days in a long, long time. It was like going to a spa for my soul.” –Nancy, Walk #1162

“The Walk to Emmaus has changed me forever. It has shown me the meaning of true agape love. A love that I will show each person I know and meet from this day forward. It was my own glimpse into heaven with angels all around. Nothing can compare to it.” –Teresa, Walk #1374

“Those three days were the best gift anyone has ever given me, and I can't wait to pass on the gift to someone else.” –Cheryl, Walk #1374

The Emmaus movement does not exist primarily for the weekend Walks.

Its purposes are to deepen the faith of individuals, to increase the faith of congregations, and to bring Christianity to the world.