What is Via de Cristo?

Via de Cristo means "Way of Christ" and is the Lutheran expression of Cursillo^®, which is Spanish for "short course in Christianity." It's a method of renewing Christian life. This structured three-day weekend retreat is designed to strengthen and to renew the faith of Christian people, their families, their congregations, and their environments.

It is not a "Charismatic Movement," nor does it actively promote a specific "conversion experience." Via de Cristo is a lay movement involving laity and clergy in the renewal of the church. It is a Christian leadership course.

Via de Cristo is an instrument of renewal of our spiritual life in the church. Its aim is to concentrate on the Person and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The focus of Via de Cristo is not on itself, but on the local church. The objective of Via de Cristo is to inspire, to challenge, and to equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, places of work, and communities.

The Via de Cristo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening. You live, study, sing, worship, commune and pray together daily during the weekend. Fourteen talks, given by laypersons and two pastors, center around the grace of God, its reality in your life, and how you live and share in the life of grace. Each talk is followed by a small-group discussion period and a time to creatively illustrate the message. Each day includes time for food, fun, and fellowship.

Christians who experience a Via de Cristo renewal often serve as leaders in their home congregations through:

• increased worship attendance
• more Bible study participation
• joyous congregational involvement
• increased stewardship
• renewed sacramental life
• sharing the love of Christ

After Via de Cristo, you go back into your home congregation better equipped for ministry and continued spiritual growth. A method is outlined to provide support for this life of faith. The weekend is held at Lake Sharon Retreat Center south of Denton, Texas, three times each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall.

The cost for the weekend is free. It is a weekend of grace provided by the Lutheran Via de Cristo of North Texas Secretariat. If your attendance at this weekend meant something special to you, then you can make a donation in support of others who will also attend this weekend. Please make your check payable to "LVDCNT" and mail to:

Valerie von Bergen
LVDCNT Registrar
142 Quail Circle
Shady Shores, TX 76208

Who should attend Via de Cristo? You, if you are a baptized member of a Christian church who believes in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and if you seek to be renewed and strengthened in your relationship with Christ and the people around you.

For inquiries or more information please send an email to Nelia Thorp, our Communications Director at momtvdc@gmail.com