What is a Walk to Emmaus?

In Luke 24 we read the story of the risen Christ appearing to two disciples who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. He explained the Scriptures, and their hearts were warmed. Their eyes were only fully opened to recognize Him when Christ took bread, blessed and broke it, then gave it to them. Filled with joy, they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the news with the other disciples.

This story provides the image of Emmaus. The Emmaus movement came to Southern Africa in 1990 from the United Methodist Church in the USA, which in turn developed it from the Spanish Roman Catholic Cursillio de Christiandad (a short course in Christianity), which started in the late 1940’s. The Emmaus movement is true to Protestant theology, with some Methodist emphases, but is ecumenical in practice. Emmaus is seeking to find authentic expression in the cultures of Africa, while retaining the wealth of Christian experience from other cultures. God is using Emmaus in Southern Africa to bring reconciliation between races, and renewal to Christians and their churches.

The purpose of Emmaus:

Emmaus aims to bring spiritual renewal to Christians who will, in turn, bring new life and vision in their church, home, workplace and community. 

Who should go to Emmaus?

Emmaus is for growing Christians who are open to experience the grace and love of God in new ways through the Christian Community. Moreover, it is for those who are likely to be committed to make a difference as a result of this experience.

What happens on an Emmaus Walk?

Each Walk is a 72-hour experience (Thursday to Sunday afternoon). This time is spent studying, discussing, worshipping and living together as a Christian community. Fifteen talks, given by clergy and laity, form the basis of the discussions and projects. These present the theme of God’s Grace and how grace comes alive in the Christian Community. You will have the opportunity to celebrate Holy Communion daily, and begin to understand more fully the presence of Christ in the body of His believers. The prayers and acts of love of a lively supporting community enhance this.  The 72 hours is a sacrificial offering on your part – we therefore ask that you leave your cell phone at home.

The place of Gloriosa in Emmaus:

Emmaus Gloriosa Community stretches from Rustenburg in the West to Witbank in the East, and from Centurion in the South to Polokwane in the North.  Gloriosa is one of many regional communities that falls under Emmaus Ministries South Africa.