Not ready for church yet? A calm place to start
You can begin with Scripture and an honest prayer before you feel ready to walk into a church. Here is a gentle way to begin your first week, with one chapter a day and time to reflect.
Say it honestly
You might pray: “God, help me understand what I read and take one step toward you today.”
Read one chapter, in plain language
Emmaus guides you through the whole Bible one chapter a day. Its path begins with Proverbs, then the New Testament, then everything else. Read a chapter and put your questions into your own words.
Ask about any verse and be pointed back to the passage
Ask Emmaus about a verse in plain language. It points you back to the passage so you can read the text for yourself. You can type or use talkback to speak and hear a reply.
Emmaus can get things wrong, and faithful teachers understand hard passages differently. Test what you learn against Scripture.
When you are ready: a person and a church
Consider reading with a trusted believer and visiting a local church when you feel ready. Use Emmaus as a tool alongside those relationships, rather than a replacement for church, pastoral care or counselling.
If church has hurt you
You can be honest about that hurt in prayer. Take time to find a trusted person you feel comfortable talking with. You do not have to put every experience into words at once.
Questions about starting
Where does the reading path begin?
The Emmaus reading path starts with Proverbs, then the New Testament, then the rest of the Bible, one chapter a day.
Can I ask about a verse?
Yes. Ask about any verse in plain language and be pointed back to the passage. You can type, or tap the orb to speak and hear a spoken reply.
Do I have to start with a long prayer?
You can start with a simple prayer: God, help me understand what I read and take one step toward you today.