At the last board meeting in December we were talking about who best benefits from going on the Walk to Emmaus. The Walks are coming up shortly on April 15-18 (Men’s Walk #77) and April 22-25 (Women’s Walk #78). Of course, the answer to that question of “who best benefits” is whoever enters into it seriously, prayerfully, and willingly.
Some mentioned marriages that have been put back together because of commitments made on the Walk. It’s certainly a great way for a couple to start their marriage, because Emmaus helps with setting priorities for life and marriage. But Emmaus was never intended to take the place of marriage counseling or enrichment. It is certainly not for troubled marriages.
Others mentioned individuals who were basically lost and without Christ who made commitments to Christ on the weekend. And, certainly Emmaus has that capability of taking you wherever you are and then taking you another step or two or three on down the road with the Lord. But Emmaus is not designed for the unbeliever; it is designed to renew and restore one’s faith to its former glory.
Still others mentioned individuals who had just lost someone very close to them through death, especially a spouse, and how Emmaus brought healing into their lives. But Emmaus is not geared for grief counseling. If the death is recent (within a year), then Emmaus can actually get in the way of real healing. It can actually take people to the brink of emotions they’re not ready to deal with yet.
And, some mentioned individuals with addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, work) who have gone on the Walk and experienced Christ. I’m sure those individuals did. But Emmaus is not intended as a recovery tool. And even though these individuals may have a Christian experience on the Walk, they oftentimes later wonder why (if God is so big) they weren’t able to overcome their addiction. And so, they give up on God.
Some also mentioned individuals who were literally dragged to the Walk. They went either because their wives/husbands or a friend or their pastor wanted to go. But they didn’t really want to go and they were blessed. I can tell you that I know of many, many more individuals who went unwillingly and they either went home before the Walk was over, or they were disruptive at their tables during the Walk, or they speak against Emmaus to this day.
So “who best benefits” from going on the Walk? I’m convinced that the nominal church member with a casual commitment will best benefit. I frequently hear the testimony from them, “I just never knew Jesus was so real.” But even those with a serious commitment will find benefit. Emmaus is designed to make disciples of Jesus Christ and raise up leaders in the local church.
Won’t you pray about someone who could best benefit from going on the next Walk to Emmaus! And then won’t you sit down with them, tell them everything about it, and then sign up some very willing pilgrims. The time is now!
De Colores,
Dan Patman
Cross Point Walk to Emmaus #1
Table of Mark
