Exploring Christian faith & spirituality (The Emmaus course)
We are committed to helping people explore the Christian faith and deepen their understanding whether they are new enquirers, young Christians or people who have been Christians for many years. This is achieved through our worship (sermons), occasional study courses (Advent & Lent for example), membership of house groups and also through specific courses designed to help nurture Christian faith.
One of the ways in which we do this is through a 12 week study series called Emmaus. This is a course of study to help enquirers as well as committed Christians to explore Christian spirituality and faith providing an opportunity for learning and growth.
What is the EMMAUS course
Emmaus - The Way of Faith, is exactly what it says it is. Drawing upon the experience of the disciples 'on the way' with the risen Lord, this exciting programme of contact, nurture and growth is firmly based on the understanding that coming to faith in Christ is a journey. Emmaus concentrates on three stages of our faith journey: Contact, Nurture and Growth providing study material to help with each of stage:
1. Contact - refers to the ways in which people outside the church first come into contact with the message and challenge of a living faith. It may be through Christian friends or through events organised by the church to reach particular groups.
2. Nurture - this stage comes after someone has responded to a contact by asking to find out more about faith. It involves a series of 12 meetings during which the basics of the faith are explored. Enquirers are linked to members of the congregation for support and encouragement and are invited along to church for prayer at key points. Emmaus provides a framework for the series.
3. Growth - None of us has reached the end of our journey of faith. The Growth material provided by Emmaus gives resources on which to base House Group series, Lent courses etc. The material is aimed at increasing our knowledge and also our ability to apply our faith in everyday life.
What do we do here?
We have been running courses based on Emmaus since 1997. The material is excellent and generally well received. Our House Groups also sometimes use Emmaus resources. The Benefice runs a Nurture series when there are a sufficent number of people interested in taking part, usually at the beginning of a year. People who attend Emmaus often express a wish to be Confirmed at the end of the course. The groups of people who attend these courses often become close friends and sometimes stay together as a home group afterwards. Details of home groups and courses are available from any of the ministry team.
Want to know more?
If you would like to find out more details, please contact any member of the ministry team.
