My Emmaus Walk

This past weekend I went on something called an Emmaus Walk. Basically this is a 72-hour spiritual "retreat"-- a course in Christianity that has "lectures," worship, and times for prayer & meditation. Brett went on one back in October, and ideally husbands and wives are supposed to each go on a walk so they can share in the experience (they are separate for men & women). We were sponsored by Brett's friend Steve, who goes to a Methodist church. It is primarily a Methodist "thing," although they claim to be non-denominational. I got there Thurs. night at 7pm and left around Sunday night at 7pm. The entire weekend, we were not allowed cell phones or watches, or any contact with the outside world (except in case of emergency, of course). So here are the positives & negatives I got out of the weekend:

Positives-

- It was a great getaway from everyday life. I didn't have to worry about cooking or cleaning or taking care of Leah. I could just spend time focusing on myself and my relationship with God.

- The times of worship were really meaningful, very reverent, and powerful. The music was really worshipful and I was really able to focus on what was important during them. (However, there is a negative to the worship services too-- see below.)

- There is a great sense of community among the people on my walk and among all people who have been on an Emmaus walk. There were tons of people behind the scenes the entire time we were there (all who have been on Walks), serving food, cleaning, praying, etc... and all because they genuinely care about our experience and want to make it meaningful. They really emphasize joining a "reunion group," or accountability group, once you are home so that the experience is not just a "mountain top" thing but rather a life change.

Negatives-

- Although they claim to be non-denominational, many of the "talks" (or lectures) were Methodist doctrine, some of which I didn't necessarily agree with. Now, I don't think that Methodists are not Christians, nor that they are not going to heaven because of things they believe. I went in with an open mind, knowing that there were some differences in beliefs. I went to Baptist seminary-- I was taught to be discerning of what the Bible teaches. So during most of the discussion times, I just listened, didn't try to contradict or judge. So this was not necessarily a "negative" thing, but I thought some of the talks could have been used to talk about things that were more important.

- At some points, it felt almost like I was becoming part of a cult, or that I was part of a service that was specifically crafted to make me emotional. I don't want to give away some of the "secrets" but there were certain "ceremonies" where I felt like I was supposed to get all sentimental and if I didn't maybe I wasn't really allowing God to work on my heart. Now, many of the people who attend are young in their faith and have never experienced anything like this before. So many of them probably were experiencing surrender for the first time. They were experiencing a turning point in their spiritual relationship. Again I tried to keep an open mind, but many times I just didn't feel it. I just felt like I was being forced to find areas in my life that needed work. And I'm sorry, but I don't know who in their right mind can pray silently for over an hour when it's well past 10pm.

- I had to share a room with 10 other women, many who snored. I don't normally sleep well, even in the comfort of my own bed. I am 4 months pregnant and the bathroom was all the way downstairs. I don't think I need to say more. (I will say, though, that by night 2, they've tired you out enough that it's not nearly as difficult to get to sleep.) And when you wake up in the middle of the night with no idea what time it is, it can be hard to get back to sleep. (That was the only time that not having a clock really bugged me, though.)

Overall I had a great weekend and I'm glad I did it. I would recommend it if you have an entire weekend that you can get away. I did learn a lot and renewed my relationship with Christ.