Sponsorship
by Jim Hix

Sponsorship is the lifeblood of the Emmaus community. Without the sponsorship of new pilgrims, the Walk to Emmaus program would quickly die. It is so easy for us to consider this continuation of the Walk to Emmaus program as the reason for finding new pilgrims to sponsor so that Emmaus will continue to thrive. The perpetuation of Emmaus is NOT the reason to recruit new pilgrims, and should be of little concern as we seek candidates to go on the Walk. The sole purpose of the Emmaus Walk is to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The aim of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. Christ is our priority, and the realization of His kingdom should be the sole purpose of our evangelistic efforts including sponsorship on Emmaus Walks. There are many tools, including the Walk to Emmaus, that are available to us for helping us achieve this goal. Through prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we should use whatever means are appropriate and necessary to share the Lord, His Word, and His Grace with others. Only when appropriate (meeting the needs of the prospective pilgrim, not meeting our needs) should we encourage others to experience the Walk.

Much of what follows may be found in any number of booklets available from the Upper Room in the Emmaus Library series. Highly recommend is the "Your Fourth Day" booklet (which you received on your Walk), the booklet on "What is Emmaus", and the booklet on "Sponsorship".

Whom to Sponsor
(page 12, book on Sponsorship)

Sponsorship can be unwise or wise. Unwise sponsorship results from unbridled enthusiasm that wants everyone to have the same experience you did. Sponsors with unbridled enthusiasm approach anybody and everybody with the admonition that "you need to go on The Walk," and that open invitation is the primary (sometimes the only) emphasis. This approach lacks discernment and will result in a burden for the church and the Emmaus Community. Unwise sponsorship results from your trying to meet your needs and not those of your prospective pilgrim or God.

Wise sponsorship is careful, intentional, prayerful, and purposeful because it results from God's leading. The pilgrims return to their churches and community renewed in their commitment to be effective disciples.

Emmaus is not a place where the local church sends its problem members to get them "straightened out"

Emmaus is not an evangelistic tool to reach out and "make" or "convert" new Christians. Do not sponsor people who are not church members or don't attend regularly. Prospective pilgrims should not go on a walk while suffering from a serious physical or emotional problem (surgery, divorce, loss of a loved one, loss of job, etc.) They should go on God's time, not yours.

Consider sponsoring those persons who are committed to living a life that is pleasing to God, those who want to grow and increase their knowledge and understanding of God and God's will. These persons evidence an excitement about being a Christian and recognize God's work in the lives of those around them. Sponsor active church leaders - anyone actively involved in the church - including both those in visible leadership roles as well as those who silently serve behind the scenes.