About the Walk
Discover the history, purpose, and heart behind the Walk to Emmaus movement in the Dakotas.
What is the Walk to Emmaus?
The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's 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."
The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.
De Colores!
You will often hear the greeting "De Colores" (Spanish for "The Colors") among the Emmaus community. The phrase comes from a traditional Spanish folk song widely sung during the weekends. It represents the many colors of God's grace and love that we experience in the world and in each other.
The Origin
The Walk to Emmaus is an adaptation of the Roman Catholic Cursillo (pronounced cur-see-o) Movement, which originated in Spain in 1949. Cursillo de Cristiandad means "short course in Christianity." In the 1970s, The Upper Room (a ministry of the United Methodist Church) adapted the program for a Protestant audience, initially calling it The Upper Room Cursillo, before changing the name to The Walk to Emmaus in 1981.
What Happens on a Walk?
The "Walk" is a 72-hour experience. It begins on a Thursday evening and ends on late Sunday afternoon. During the weekend, participants (called "pilgrims") live and study together in singing, prayer, worship, and discussion.
Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God's grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community, and how it is expressed in the world. You'll also discover how grace is real in your life, how you live a life of grace, and how you bring that grace to others.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 72 hours (Thursday evening to late Sunday afternoon)
- Format: 15 talks delivered by clergy and laity
- Sponsorship: Every pilgrim must have a sponsor who has previously attended a walk
- Men & Women: Walks are held separately for men and women
