Emmaus and Chrysalis

The Walk to Emmaus is an ecumenical ministry that welcomes Christians from many backgrounds — such as The United Methodist Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, non-denominational churches, and others — while focusing on the beliefs Christians share in common rather than denominational differences. It is a Christian spiritual renewal weekend designed to help people deepen their relationship with Christ through worship, prayer, music, discussion, community, and spiritual reflection.

The experience takes place over a three-day weekend retreat called a “Walk.” Participants are called Pilgrims, and after completing the weekend they become part of an ongoing Emmaus community in their ‘4th’ days.

The name, ‘Emmaus’, comes from the Bible story in the Gospel of Luke 24:13–35, where two disciples walk with the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus but do not recognize Him until later. The movement emphasizes that Christ walks alongside people in everyday life.

The Walk is not meant to replace a person’s church, but to encourage participants to become more active disciples in their home congregations and communities.

A Chrysalis (often called “The Flight”) is the youth and young adult version of the Walk to Emmaus. It is a Christian spiritual renewal retreat designed especially for teenagers and young adults, ranging from high school through early college age. The name Chrysalis comes from the stage of transformation in a butterfly’s life cycle — symbolizing spiritual growth and transformation in Christ.

Many people involved in Emmaus describe Chrysalis as especially powerful because it introduces young people to Christian community, worship, and leadership at a formative age.