The Walk to Emmaus
The Walk to Emmaus is a 3-day experience that develops Christian disciples and leaders by inspiring, challenging, and equipping active adult church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. It also benefits less active members who are seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, or discover firmer foundations for their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re considering attending a Walk or simply want to learn more about the experience, you may have questions about what to expect. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about the Walk, its purpose, and the Emmaus experience.
What is the Walk to Emmaus?
The Walk to Emmaus is a Christian spiritual renewal experience designed to strengthen and encourage disciples of Jesus Christ. The three-day experience provides time to step away from everyday routines, grow in your understanding of God’s grace, and consider how you can live out your faith more fully in your church, home, workplace, and community.
Why is it called the Walk to Emmaus?
The name comes from Luke 24:13–35. On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, two discouraged disciples walk to Emmaus—about 7 miles from Jerusalem—discussing recent events. Jesus joins them, though they do not recognize Him, and explains how the Scriptures foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory. Through conversation, Scripture, and the breaking of bread, their eyes are opened to His presence, and then He vanishes. Filled with renewed faith and joy, the two men hurry back to Jerusalem to share that the risen Christ is truly alive.
The story reflects the hope of the Walk to Emmaus experience: that participants will encounter Christ in a fresh way and return to their daily lives with renewed faith and purpose.
What are the origins of the Walk to Emmaus program?
Who should or should not attend the Walk to Emmaus?
The Walk is intended for adults who want to strengthen their relationship with Christ and grow as Christian disciples. Participants come from many different Christian denominations and backgrounds. Some are longtime church members and leaders, while others may be seeking spiritual renewal or a stronger foundation for their faith.
Do participants have to be of a certain denomination?
No, the Walk to Emmaus is an ecumenical Christian ministry and welcomes participants from many Christian denominations. Although the ministry is connected with The Upper Room and has roots within The United Methodist Church, Emmaus focuses on the beliefs Christians share and encourages participants to become more active in their own local churches.
Further, Emmaus is designed to strengthen participation in the local church, not replace it. Participants are encouraged to take what they experience and learn through Emmaus back into their own congregations, families, workplaces, and communities.
How long is the Walk?
The Walk is a 72-hour experience, typically beginning on Thursday evening and concluding on Sunday evening. Participants remain at the retreat location throughout the weekend.
What happens during the Walk?
The weekend includes a series of talks led by clergy and laypeople on God’s grace, Christian discipleship, and what it means to live as part of the body of Christ. There are also opportunities for worship, prayer, reflection, discussion, fellowship, and Holy Communion.
The weekend is carefully planned so that each part builds upon what comes before it. For that reason, we encourage first-time participants to come with an open heart and mind, without feeling that they need to know every detail in advance. There are no tests, and you are not expected to have any particular level of biblical or theological knowledge.
Why don’t people tell me everything that happens during the Walk?
While the general structure and purpose of The Walk to Emmaus are openly shared, past participants are encouraged to leave details for new pilgrims to experience firsthand. This is not because there is anything secret about the Walk. There are no secret teachings, beliefs, rituals, or expectations associated with Emmaus.
Rather, some moments are more meaningful when they are experienced without knowing exactly what to expect. By not revealing every detail in advance, each pilgrim has the opportunity to experience the Walk personally, without expectations or comparisons based on someone else’s experience.
If you have questions or concerns before attending, we encourage you to talk openly with your sponsor. We want every pilgrim to feel comfortable and confident about participating.
Why are there separate Walks for men and women?
Men and women participate in separate Walks. This is part of the established Walk to Emmaus model and helps create an environment in which participants can focus on spiritual reflection, conversation, fellowship, and building relationships with others during the weekend.
What should I bring?
Before the Walk, participants will receive information about what to pack, what time to arrive, and other practical details. Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate. You do not need to bring study materials or prepare anything in advance unless specifically instructed.
Can I use my phone during the weekend?
Specific information about phones and communication with family will be provided before your Walk, but participants are encouraged to step away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life as much as possible so they can be fully present during the experience. For this reason we ask that participants not bring a phone or watch.
What if my family needs to reach me?
Information will be provided before the Walk explaining how family members can reach you in the event of an emergency.
What is a Sponsor, and do I need one to attend?
Every first-time participant, or “pilgrim,” has a sponsor who has previously completed a Walk to Emmaus. Your sponsor helps you prepare for the weekend, answers questions, assists with the application process, and supports you before, during, and after your Walk.
Sponsorship is an important part of the Walk to Emmaus experience. If you are interested in attending but do not know someone who has participated in Emmaus, contact us and we can help you learn more about the next steps.
What does it cost to attend?
[ORBEC’s current registration fee and payment is [INSERT COST].
We do not want cost to prevent someone from experiencing the Walk. [Insert information about scholarships or financial assistance, if applicable.]
When and where are ORBEC Walks held?
Depending on participation interest, ORBEC typically strives to host two walks a year: one in October, and one in March. The men’s and women’s Walks are typically held on back-to-back weekends during each month. The Walks are currently held at Camp Collinswood in the Lake Oconee area in Buckhead, Georgia (zip code 30650).
How do I apply for a Walk?
Start by reviewing our upcoming Walk dates and completing a participant application. You will also need an Emmaus sponsor to support you through the process.
What happens after the Walk?
The weekend is often described as the beginning rather than the end of the Emmaus experience. After completing a Walk, participants are encouraged to continue growing in their faith through their local church, small reunion groups, Emmaus Community Gatherings, and opportunities to serve.
In Emmaus, the rest of your life after the three-day Walk is often called your Fourth Day—an ongoing journey of living out your faith through prayer, study, Christian action, and service.
What is a Reunion Group?
A Reunion Group is a small group of people who have completed the Walk and meet regularly to encourage one another in their Christian lives. These groups provide friendship, accountability, prayer, and support as members seek to continue growing as disciples of Christ.
What are Emmaus Gatherings?
Gatherings bring members of the Emmaus Community together for worship, fellowship, Communion, and encouragement. They are also a way to stay connected with the community after your Walk.
Can I serve on a Walk after I attend?
Yes. After completing your Walk, there are many opportunities to serve the Emmaus Community. Some involve helping during future Walks, while others include prayer, hospitality, sponsorship, Gatherings, and other forms of service. Serving others is an important part of the Emmaus experience.
I attended a similar Christian renewal experience. Can I participate in the Emmaus Community?
The Walk to Emmaus is part of a broader family of Christian renewal experiences sometimes referred to as Fourth Day movements. You may be familiar with programs such as Cursillo, Tres Dias, Via de Cristo, Chrysalis, or another similar three-day Christian experience.
While these ministries have their own traditions and structures, they share many of the same foundations: strengthening Christians in their relationship with Christ and encouraging them to live out their faith through their local churches and communities.
If you have completed a recognized Fourth Day experience, you do not necessarily need to complete a Walk to Emmaus to become involved in an Emmaus Community. You are welcome to connect with ORBEC—or another local Emmaus Community—to attend Gatherings, find a Reunion Group, and explore opportunities to serve.
If you’re unsure whether your previous experience qualifies, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Still have questions? Contact XXXX at XXXX.
