What is the Walk to Emmaus?
The Walk to Emmaus is a 3-day weekend designed to help maturing adults better understand and grow their faith in God.
The term "Walk to Emmaus" represents two followers from the new testament walking along the road as they headed to a village called Emmaus; when Jesus met them. Though they could not recognize him, their hearts were burning while they showed openness to the unknown stranger. They invited Jesus to stay with them and to join in meal and companionship. Later, while breaking bread, their eyes were opened to reveal that Jesus was with them. Afterward, they immediately returned to Jerusalem and shared this experience with others. The journey of these two followers on their walk to Emmaus symbolizes what can happen when individuals allow God to transform them through the power of His love on an Emmaus weekend.
This will be a time of spiritual renewal that offers many beautiful surprises for those participating. The Walk to Emmaus inspires, challenges and prepares participants for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing them to feel the gift of His love and the presence of His grace.
Participants will explore deep questions about where their faith is right now and what steps they want to take to deepen it. Men and women attend separate weekends and it is typical to have people who are married and who are single attend each of our jointly held Emmaus weekends.
What happens on a Walk?
An Emmaus Walk is three days of group interaction, singing, laughing, learning, praying, and worshipping, with opportunities also for individual introspection. The format features fifteen talks on various topics related to life as a Christian, as well as plenty of time to relax and form new bonds with other Christians.
Clergy and mature Christian adults are on hand and available for participants wanting to go deeper or discuss issues in their lives. The overall experience is both corporate and very personal, and each person's experience will be unique.
Who can go?
Emmaus Walks are open to people from any Christian background or denomination who are 18 years or older. Each participant must be sponsored by someone who has been through Chrysalis, Emmaus or another similar weekend before.
The Emmaus and Chrysalis communities can help people connect with a sponsor if they do not have one. The Walk to Emmaus is primarily designed for maturing Christian leaders who:
- Have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives
- May have unanswered questions about their faith
- Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility
- Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God
What is the cost?
Where is the Emmaus community and how does it operate?
Emmaus communities are located throughout the U.S. and around the World. The local Emmaus chapter is called Central Carolinas Emmaus Community, or “CCEC.” It is centered in Charlotte but reaches as far as Gastonia, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Kannapolis, Mooresville, Marshville, Midland and surrounding areas.
Our community is governed by an independent, 20-member, volunteer board of directors that includes representatives of different denominations, clergy and laypeople. The Emmaus board conducts each Walk with the assistance of many volunteers.
When does an Emmaus Walk happen and where are the Walks?
Emmaus Walks are held once or twice a year, for the CCEC they are most often held at a retreat center called Bethelwoods. All participants arrive in the evening on a Thursday and depart on Sunday.
Visit our Event Schedule for more information about the dates and locations of our most current upcoming Walks.
Where does the Walk to Emmaus weekend originate?
The Walk to Emmaus itself originates from the “Cursillo” movement. There is also another weekend called "Chrysalis" which is the youth version of the Emmaus weekend.
The Chrysalis and Emmaus programs are sanctioned by the Upper Room and the United Methodist Church. Flights and Walks are Methodist in expression, but sensitive and welcoming to participants of all denominations.
Where do I get more information?
Please continue exploring this website for information about sponsorship, upcoming Emmaus Walks, and CCEC contact information.
Visit the national Emmaus website (emmaus.upperroom.org) to find other Emmaus communities in the U.S. and around the world. For information about “Chrysalis” for youth, visit centralcarolinaschrysalis.org.