The Gospel of Luke relates the story of Christ joining two friends on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, walking together and sharing their hearts’ 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.
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 celebration open to all encourages discipleship. Weekly, small-group meetings are open to all persons wanting to grow in accountability for their relationship with Christ.
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?
A variety of locations such as churches, retreat sites and camps are utilized within various communities. The Ashland Area Emmaus Community meets and has its Walks at Cornerstone United Methodist Church at 2203 29th Street in Ashland, Ky. We have separate Walks for men and women each Fall and Spring. Check the Walks Page for the dates of the next scheduled Walks.