Who Leads the Emmaus Experience?
One of the unique features of Emmaus is that, unlike many religious retreats and revivals, it is not a leader-
centered experience. The quality of the three days does not depend on a dynamic preacher, an expert
retreat leader, or a distinguished professor. Rather, the leaders are laity and clergy who agree to work as a
team according to the guidelines of an Upper Room Emmaus manual. Teams differ for each Emmaus
weekend. Though Emmaus teams have clearly defined leadership, the power of the Emmaus experience
comes from the truth of Christ conveyed through the understanding, personalities, and faith stories of
ordinary Christians.
Local boards of directors of "Emmaus communities" select the teams and their leaders, all of whom have
participated in an Emmaus weekend. Normally, team members attend eight to ten sessions of training or twenty to
twenty-five hours of meetings in preparation to be leaders. Individual speakers preview their talks before the
team and receive feedback for improvement. Table leaders receive training for their task of enabling dialogue.
Team members grow together in the spirit of Christ and ready themselves as Christian servants. Every aspect of
the three days is carefully planned to provide space for the pilgrims' encounter with Christ.
No leader said we should, but our table group became a dose-knit community, sharing and
caring for one another in ways that have continued since the Walk. The table groups were
the "web of grace," offering each of us a sense of togetherness.
—Clergyperson from Indiana
