SPONSORSHIP: without it, there are no Walks
Sponsorship is one of the most important jobs in Emmaus, for without sponsorship, there are no Walks. With the upcoming March Walks, we should focus our prayers on sponsorship. We need to be attentive to God’s leading. Sponsorship is a dynamic partnership between you and God. Begin with prayer, approach the prospective Pilgrim and then wait for a decision. If the answer is yes, you then begin taking responsibility for your Pilgrim.
Who to Sponsor
Leaders in the church:
“Visible” – nursery workers, Sunday School teachers, staff, etc.
“Behind the scenes” – ushers, kitchen workers, committee members, custodians, etc.
These people are usually well respected, listen to others and are prayerful. They willingly do whatever is asked of them and want no recognition as their joy comes from serving God.
Sponsor’s Responsibilities
1. Pray, pray, pray before and especially after the Pilgrim has agreed to attend.
2. Discuss your Walk experience and provide the What is Emmaus pamphlet.
3. Share the following:
Campground facilities, sleeping arrangements, showering, etc.
Meals: identify certain foods, diets that Pilgrim may need
Clothing to bring
Bedding, pillow, towels, CPAP device, etc.
Breaks and free time during the weekend
Golf cart available for transportation (if needed)
Participation in all activities from Thurs. 7 p.m. to Sun. 7 p.m.
No contact with anyone outside the campground (except in an emergency)
Fifteen talks lasting 20-25 minutes each, with brief descriptions (if asked)
Small group discussions
Communion is emphasized
Plenty of good food, fellowship and deepening relationship with God
Enthusiasm for serving Christ
4. Application: Download from www.emmauswalk.net.
Assist the prospect with the application, noting special needs, emergency contacts and pastor signature.
Send the completed form to Kristy Hiner with the $85 fee at least a month prior to the Walk.
If the prospective Pilgrim(s) cannot go on this Walk, sign up for the next one.
5. Next, get agape letters from the:
Minister, Sponsor (you), Spouse, Family members, Church family and Friends
Bring the letters to Send Off Thurs. or NO LATER than Candlelight Sat. night
6. A few days before the Walk, call to discuss:
Time you will pick up your Pilgrim and take your Pilgrim home
Remind what to bring, what not to bring (cell phone, watch)
Check any needs the Pilgrim or the family might have during the weekend.
7. Bring your Pilgrim to Send Off and assist with check in.
Introduce to others
Stay for Sponsor’s Hour, pray over your Pilgrim’s cross
8. Pray for your Pilgrim during the next 72 hours and check with your Pilgrim’s family.
If needed, care for children, pets, house, plants, etc.
9. Attend Candlelight Saturday evening
10. Attend Closing Sunday.
Pick up your Pilgrim’s luggage and take your Pilgrim home
11. Bring your Pilgrim to the Victory Dinner
Take your Pilgrim to the first Gathering after the Walk
Assist in finding a Reunion group.
Before sponsoring you should read the Upper Room’s publication Sponsorship by Richard and Janine Gilmore.
Additional resources are listed on the page 5.
If you have any questions regarding sponsorship, email barry@blkstocks.com
We have all experienced the excitement and enthusiasm that followed our Walks. And, we remember how we wanted to share this experience with others. However, it is not recommended that new members of the Community sponsor for at least a year. This is a time for them to get involved, to serve on Walks and to gain experience and knowledge of Emmaus.
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