In today's world, can Christianity penetrate all areas of our secular lives? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past, yet in keeping with the times? Those in the Via de Cristo movment think so! Via de Cristo proposes no new type of spirituality - only a simple method through which one's grace-filled life may in a natural loving way, be lived and shared with others.
The purpose and intent of Via de Cristo is to provide a means whereby each of us can become increasingly equipped with the power of God's grace to be an effective servant in the body of Christ.
The Via de Cristo is a method for spiritual renewal, proclaiming the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. This is effected through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. We believe that we cannot by our own reason or understanding believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to Him but as the Holy Spirit calls us through the Gospel, englightens us with His gifts, and sanctifies and keeps us in true faith (Luther's Explanation of the Third Article).
As an instrument of renewal, Via de Cristo is One of Many methods available to the church today to help Renew the faith that is already a gift to believers. Via de Cristo weekends are intended primarily for baptized individuals who already know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and seek to be renewed and strengthened in their relationship with Christ and the people around them. Via de Cristo provides a particular method for living out our renewed faith, for spreading the Good News, and for being active servants in the work of God's kingdom.
Laypersons are encouraged to strengthen their partnership with their pastor, to be "extensions," building up the body of Christ. The focus of Via de Cristo, therefore, is on the local church .... your church and my church - to supplement what we learn in our own congregation, equipping us to help strengthen and renew the faith of other Christians and, through them, their family, congregations and environments in which they live, work and play. Through the use of this method we are encouraged to grow in our faith, to become an effective channel of God's love to others, and to strengthen a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
ll activity during the Via de Cristo weekend, including the talks and meditations, is undergirded with prayer and total dependence on God.
We are not a church or spiritually elite organization.
Our community members come from all walks of life, ethnic groups and income levels.
We are not a form of group therapy or a silent retreat, although there are opportunities for healing and for personal reflection.
We are not a weekend long party, we DO have lots of fun, and our focus is on spiritual growth.
Last Updated (Monday, 22 March 2010 08:32)