Springfield United Methodist Church

Walk to Emmaus is designed for Christians who are active church members and their leaders who want to rekindle their faith or renew their vision. Less active church members who are seeking to renew a relationship with God, to grow spiritually, or to discover firmer foundations for their lives may also benefit from Emmaus. Emmaus is for people who want to grow spiritually and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ, who want to build up the church in love and contribute to its ministry. Emmaus is not an evangelistic outreach to non-Christians. While the Lord always works His wonders during Walks, the primary purpose of Emmaus is not to heal individuals, marriages or relationships of physical, emotional or social dysfunction or illness. It is not for working through grief or psychological problems. Emmaus teams are not trained for counseling or group therapy. If you tend toward preoccupation with working through personal dilemmas, consider waiting to go to Emmaus when you feel free to focus on the message of the Walk.

Walk to Emmaus is mainstream in theological outlook. The content of the Walk assumes and builds on familiarity with and belief in the basics of the Christian faith and tries to build on each person's positive relationship with the church. Emmaus has room for a great variety of Christians who seek to grow, share, and give themselves to a three-day walk with Christ. Emmaus is a common meeting ground for the great diversity of Christians in our churches who celebrate their unity in Christ and feel they can learn from one another.

Emmaus is for fostering unity in Christ, not for theological debate and arguments about denominations. Emmaus tries to foster appreciation and openness to the different faith-perspectives of the participants. Bring a spirit of Christian tolerance and charity toward others, including members of other denominations. If you cannot affirm your unity with other kinds of Christians, if you tend to define Christianity narrowly and legalistically or are intolerant of those who see things differently, then Emmaus is probably not for you.

Emmaus is a concentrated three-day course in Christianity, not a relaxing retreat. Don't bring work from the office or have hopes of taking an afternoon off to read. Except for break times, Emmaus is a very full experience. Come with empty hands and open hearts, planning to give yourself completely to the Emmaus Walk. Plan to meet with Jesus, to walk with Him, to talk with Him, and to be changed forever by Him.

Please contact Pastor Larry at 703-451-2375 for more information!!

Chrysalis is the Emmaus walk for young people under 25 years old.