The Walk to Emmaus, also known as Emmaus Walk, is a spiritual retreat program intended to strengthen the faith and discipleship of Christians. It aims to renew believers’ understanding of God’s grace and their call to discipleship. The program originated within the Catholic Cursillo movement and is now affiliated with the Upper Room ministry of the United Methodist Church. The name “Walk to Emmaus” comes from the Gospel story in Luke 24, where Jesus appears to two disciples traveling on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection.
The retreat typically takes place over a three-day weekend at a retreat center or camp. Participants, called pilgrims, are paired with sponsors who have already attended a Walk to Emmaus and help guide the experience. The weekends follow a structured program intended to guide participants on their “walk with Christ.” This includes talks by clergy and laity on topics relevant to discipleship, daily worship services with Communion, small group discussions, and times for personal reflection and prayer. Pilgrims are also assigned to table groups of 6-8 people for shared meals and fellowship throughout the weekend.
Some key characteristics of the Walk to Emmaus retreat according to the Upper Room Ministries are:
- It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.
- It is an opportunity to understand how grace, love, and servanthood work in your life.
- It is an opportunity to understand how to live a life of piety, study, and action.
- It is an opportunity to experience Christian love and fellowship.
- It is an opportunity to further enhance your discipleship and become closer to Christ.
Origins in the Catholic Cursillo Movement
The Walk to Emmaus originated in the Catholic Cursillo movement which began in Spain in the 1940s. Cursillo, meaning “short course” in Spanish, was intended to train lay people for leadership roles in the church. The retreat format aimed to strengthen faith, fellowship, and evangelism among believers. The Cursillo movement spread internationally and to the United States in the late 1950s.
In 1978, two Episcopal priests who had experienced Cursillo partnered with the Upper Room ministry of the United Methodist Church to create the first Protestant version of the retreat called Walk to Emmaus. It adapted the Catholic model for a Protestant setting, with some modifications. For example, Walk to Emmaus allows both single-gender and mixed-gender retreats, unlike the Catholic weekends which are gender-specific. The Walk to Emmaus also has less formal follow-up structure than Cursillo groups.
Overview of the Walk to Emmaus Weekend
The Walk to Emmaus retreat follows a structured schedule over a 72-hour period, usually from Thursday evening to Sunday evening. The full schedule helps minimize distractions and focus participants on their spiritual journey with Christ during the weekend.
Preliminary elements may include:
- Sponsor’s Hour – Pilgrims meet their sponsors and review the weekend ahead.
- Registration – Pilgrims check-in and are assigned to table groups.
- Candlelight service – Pilgrims receive candles representing Christ’s light.
Main components of the 72-hour retreat include:
- Talks and reflections – 15 talks are given by clergy and laity on grace, discipleship, study, piety, changing our world through Christ.
- Worship services – Held daily, including Holy Communion services.
- Table group fellowship – Shared meals and small group discussions, prayer, Communion.
- Prayer vigils – Prayer partners pray for pilgrims throughout weekend.
- Music – Uplifting music and singing.
- Agape feast – Shared celebratory meal toward end of weekend.
Closing aspects involve:
- Group photo.
- Candlelight closing service – Pilgrims carry lit candles representing taking Christ’s light into the world.
- Ruggles – Personal notes of affirmation written from team to pilgrims.
The structured weekend aims to build Christian community and reenergize participants’ faith and commitment to serving Christ. Pilgrims are encouraged to take what they learned back to their local church and community.
Emmaus Walk Themes
The 15 talks given during the Emmaus Walk weekend focus on themes related to grace, discipleship, and Christian living. Common topics include:
- God’s redeeming grace
- Means of grace/spiritual disciplines
- Christian community
- Sacraments and worship
- Study and learning
- Service and ministry
- Discipleship and leadership
- Obedience and commitment
- Changing our world through Christ
Through the talks and discussions, pilgrims are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Christ, understand God’s grace more deeply, and strengthen their commitment to serving and sharing their faith when they return home.
Typical Emmaus Weekend Schedule
While the details may vary between Emmaus communities, a typical schedule looks like:
Thursday
- Afternoon – Leaders team arrives and prepares
- Evening – Pilgrims arrive, sponsors meet pilgrims, gather for welcome and introduction
- Late evening – Pilgrims receive candles at Candlelight service
Friday
- Morning – Breakfast, first 2-3 talks, reflection time
- Afternoon – Lunch, additional talks and reflections
- Evening – Dinner, worship service, music, fellowship
Saturday
- Full day of talks, meals, worship services, music, and activities
- Candlelight service in evening
Sunday
- Morning – Sunrise worship service, breakfast
- Late morning – Closing talks, Holy Communion
- Afternoon – Agape feast, celebration
- Evening – Group photo, candlelight closing service, departure
What Happens After the Emmaus Walk?
A key part of the Walk to Emmaus is returning home to live out what participants learned and recommit to discipleship in their local church. Pilgrims are encouraged to find ways to apply their retreat insights through ministries of piety, study, and action.
Ongoing small group communities called “Fourth Days” provide spiritual accountability and fellowship. Reunion groups meet regularly to share experiences, pray, study, and encourage one another. Gatherings and monthly events at local Emmaus chapters also help participants continue walking with Christ.
Those who have attended an Emmaus weekend can volunteer to serve on future retreats to offer the same opportunity to new pilgrims. After some time has passed, pilgrims may sponsor someone else to attend and share their preparations and insights to enrich their experience.
Criticisms and Concerns About the Emmaus Walk
While many Christians find the Walk to Emmaus meaningful, some have raised criticisms or concerns such as:
- Lack of clear gospel message – For some, the weekend focuses more on spiritual disciplines versus repentance and the gospel.
- Emotional manipulation – Music, fatigue, seclusion may improperly manipulate emotions versus true spiritual growth.
- Non-denominational aspects – Catholics and Protestants note inconsistencies with their traditions.
- Follow-up community – Emmaus groups can become too insular versus serving the church.
- Unbiblical mystical practices – Prayer labyrinths, lectio divina, and mysticism incorporated by some groups.
Supporters respond that the weekend aims to build up those already saved through focused discipleship. The schedule is intended to minimize distractions not manipulate. The community follows up the weekend to live out discipleship long-term. While non-denominational, the Walk adapts across traditions. Concerns can be addressed by staying rooted in Scripture and Christ-centered teaching.
Is the Walk to Emmaus Biblical?
The Walk to Emmaus is not mentioned directly in Scripture. However, supporters believe its retreat format and discipleship goals are biblical and consistent with Scripture’s teachings about Christian growth and fellowship.
Reasons why Walk to Emmaus is considered biblical by supporters:
- Teaches spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, worship, fellowship encouraged in Scripture (Psalm 1:2; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25).
- Focuses on grace, discipleship, and servanthood modeled by Jesus Christ.
- Builds Christian community as described in early church (Acts 2:42-47).
- Encourages obedience to Christ and sharing faith as biblical mandates (Matthew 28:19-20; Micah 6:8).
However, critics argue the lack of clear gospel presentation and emphasis on experience and emotion over Scripture study makes its biblical basis unclear or questionable.
Relevant Biblical Passages
Beyond the Walk to Emmaus name, several biblical passages connect to its purpose and goals:
- Luke 24:13-35 – The road to Emmaus story which gave the retreat its name.
- Acts 2:42-47 – Model of the early church community and discipleship.
- Romans 12:1-2 – Appeal to be transformed and serve God.
- Ephesians 2:8-10 – Teaching on grace and being created to serve God.
- Hebrews 10:19-25 – Exhortation not to forsake fellowship and meeting together.
- 1 Peter 4:7-11 – Encouragement to love, serve, and use gifts to serve others.
In summary, the Walk to Emmaus aims to renew believers’ commitment to serving Christ through an intensive retreat focused on discipleship principles in community. Supporters find it consistent with biblical values. Critics urge caution about unbiblical practices and lack of gospel focus. As with any ministry, discernment and testing it against Scripture is wise.