Sponsorship

So, here are 10 things to know about sponsoring:
 
1) The true aim of sponsorship is to bring spiritual revitalization to Christians who, in turn, will bring new life and vision to the work of the church in the congregation, home, workplace, and community.

2) Wise sponsorship is purposeful and prayerful, as opposed to unwise sponsorship that is haphazard and undiscerning. Positive sponsorship eventually will produce a balanced theologically centered movement of the Holy Spirit, which is integrated into the life of the church in the community. This is honored by a variety of churches as an effective instrument for conveying God's grace, the call to committed discipleship, and our unity in Christ. It is done with purpose, prayer and compassionate agape love.

3) Sponsorship is the lifeblood of each community.  We all want a positive weekend to take place and the Pilgrim to start off correctly.  Thus, it is crucial to consider how to and whom to sponsor. 

4) The first consideration in sponsoring is prayer; you should be in prayer for the individual that God is leading you to approach about the Walk.  Ask God to make it obvious to you whom you should be approaching and then pray for the person's openness to God's call to discipleship, not for how to get him or her to go on a Walk.
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5) Be open and straightforward with what you share about the Walk and Emmaus. As you extend an invitation, be clear about the purpose of Emmaus-that is, invite the prospective pilgrim to attend for the sake of a more vital relationship with Jesus Christ, not just an event to go to. Share your faith; explain the basic elements of the Walk, the purpose, and follow-up dimensions that help us live in grace for the rest of our lives. Take the attitude that you are giving the person a wonderful gift rather than that he or she needs to go.

6) Don't be secretive. Answer any questions in as open as possible manner. Recognize that prospective pilgrims will not have any context for many aspects. Reassure them and let them know you are available to talk as they think and pray about attending.

7) Encourage the prospective pilgrim to pray about going. Give the person time to consider going and let them know you too are praying for God's timing in when they attend. If the person is married, speak with both partners and encourage equal commitment by both. 

8) Continue to pray for your prospective pilgrim, prepare agape letters, and enlist the support of their pastor. Collect 8-12 personal agape letters. 

9) Support the Walk through your prayers during the 72-Hour Prayer Vigil and your presence at Send Off, Sponsors' Hour, Candlelight, and Closing. Support the pilgrim's family by house sitting, baby sitting, watering plants, picking up mail, feeding pets, or just checking in with the pilgrim's spouse  and family to see if any help is needed. 

10) Realize that your role as a sponsor is not over after the Walk; in fact, in many ways, your support post-Walk is even more important. Encourage the pilgrim in his or her Fourth Day involvement. Give your friend an opportunity to talk through and appropriate the experience. Help the pilgrim find a reunion group, or be prepared to start a group with him or her for a period of time until others join the group. Take the pilgrim to  Gatherings as your guest for a couple of months. Help the pilgrim reenter his or her church and consider ways to apply his or her new commitment and enthusiasm. Help the pilgrim learn how to be a  good sponsorship.

If you have questions about sponsoring, please contact any member of our Board of Directors

______ will be attending a Walk to Emmaus. The Walk to Emmaus is a weekend of spiritual renewal with many gifts and surprises. One surprise is the mail that those attending receive from their family and friends. As their sponsor, I am responsible for collecting letters to give them on the weekend. I'd like them to get a letter from you. Your letter will be a total surprise so please help me keep this a secret.

This letter is an opportunity for you to express your appreciation and love for them and to tell them what your relationship with them means to you. You might want to recall some humorous event or some happening that has been special to the two of you. This is a letter of love and will be read only by them. We know that our friends love us, but reading why they love us is very special. I can tell you from personal experience that your letter will be a highlight of their weekend. 

Please send only a letter (no gifts). Would you please help make their Walk to Emmaus special by doing the following:


 Write a letter to them and sign it.
 Put it in an envelope and seal it.
 Write their first and last name on the outside.
 Put the sealed envelope in a larger envelope and mail it or deliver it to me


 - or - 
 Email the message to me; I'll print it out, without reading it and place it in an envelope.

I need your letter soon to make sure it gets to the location on time. 

Remember to keep your letter a surprise and to to be in prayer for them. Thank you in advance for your part in making the Walk to Emmaus a very special time in their life.

Here's a suggested packing list of things to take with you when attending the Walk to Emmaus:
Bible
Toothpaste/toothbrush/toiletries
Extra pair of shoes
Comfortable clothes (layers are good)
Jacket
Flip flops for shower
Rain gear
Umbrella
Earplugs (while sleeping)
Medications
Flashlight
Sheets, blanket, and pillow
Towels and washcloths

Please complete all fields on the pilgrim application. Complete applications 2 weeks before the walk.

Please complete all fields on the pilgrim application. Complete applications 2 weeks before the walk.