Emmaus: The Way of Faith
£22.50 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
‘A course designed to welcome people into the Christian faith and the life of the Church. It aims to involve the whole Church in evangelism, the nurture of new believers and ongoing Christian discipleship.’ Very popular and well-used.
What do you get?
Use second edition. Books: Introduction, Leading an Emmaus Group,
- Stage 1: Contact (outreach ideas in 4 sessions);
- Stage 2: Nurture (15 sessions on basics of Christian life and faith);
- Stage 3: Growth (4 x short courses: Knowing God; Growing as a Christian; Christian Lifestyle; Your Kingdom Come: 4 or 5 sessions each).
CDs with handouts for participants. Bible Resources also available.
Who is it for?
Enquirers, beginners, refresher for Growing Christians
Cost?
Course books £22.50 from CHP. Booklets around £6. Some material downloadable.
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Very good. Great content, nicely presented.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Emmaus aims high so there is much introductory material concerning the main outcome, which is a comprehensive experience of the Christian faith and life. A lot to take on board but individual session aims are clear.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Extensive, exhaustive, inspiring. Detailed guidance on running group included. Sessions are clearly set out and easy to read, but need familiarisation in advance. Some own teaching input required. Helpful icons.
Who could lead it?
Main church leader recommended, supported by two co-leaders. Teaching input required, so a leader with commitment and some biblical knowledge and Christian life experience would be ideal.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Good, focused handouts.
How good is any digital material?
CD: handouts, liturgy, advertising, extra material ... everything one could possibly want. Easy to access.
How much prep will I have to do?
Designed for overall church strategy rather than stand-alone course. Teaching input varies in approach and is sometimes supplied in ideas form only. Therefore, much preparation required. Each session involves options, for example, film clip ideas, helpful reading. Themes need understanding in advance and applying to group. But content is worth it. The Growth stage has more pre-prepared notes for input.
Is there website support? Links?
N/A
Is it dated?
Use second, updated edition (2003).
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Discussion, worship, prayer, buzz groups – all very interactive. Growth stage builds on this even further.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Good recognition of need for this, and of how groups work. Mix of styles. Few hands-on activities in Nurture stage, but many creative exercises to explore theme; and more active ones as course goes on, especially in Growth stage. Group learning emphasis.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
A confident leader could adapt this quite widely, but it would need a proper investment of time and thought to make it work well in any situation. Session layouts and timings are suggested only, so adaptable.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Lots of buzz group discussion about implications. Based on group understanding of applying faith. Ideas for application between sessions.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
A variety, depending on topic.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Well sewn in to the focus of the sessions. Questions which provoke interaction. Liturgical use included.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
All grounded in reality. Discussion around biblical material are aimed at application to life.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Developed in an Anglican parish. Linked to Anglican liturgy and priorities, but translatable to churches which relate enough to this.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
Starts with contacting non-churchgoers, and grows through basics, and into the Christian life. Really thorough and applied, including theological understanding.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Very practical. Both in thinking things through, and applying in worship and action.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Breadth and depth of Christian life potential explored with inspiration and clarity.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Great foundations for connecting with life.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
It's there, but not major emphasis.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
It's there, but not major emphasis.
How well does it connect with the global issues?
Some engagement with ethical issues, and recognition of them is always in the background.
How well does it encourage global mission?
It's there, but not major emphasis.