About

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of many bodies within the Lutheran Church Via de Cristo (Way of Christ) is a Lutheran "Fourth Day" movement comparable to Roman Catholic Cursillo® but autonomous from any church body. In regards to recent actions by the E.L.C.A., Via de Cristo maintains that we do not, as a matter of policy, endorse, denounce or pass judgment on actions by any church body. This includes the recent action taken by the E.L.C.A. pertaining to human sexuality/homosexuality. We believe strongly that taking any formal stance would be contrary to our purpose.

Via de Cristo is based on the fundamentals of Christianity, concentrating on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the movement is to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. The focus is not on Via de Cristo itself but on developing leaders within the church. We emphasize a method of living the faith that people can use in daily life. All participants are encouraged to develop a vital relationship with their own pastor. As a "Fourth Day" movement, we strive to build up the one true church as described in Ephesians 4:1-6 and remain consistent with the historical Lutheran confessions.

Again, we do not take any official stances on the actions of any organized church body - we are not a church, a church within the church, nor a para-church organization. As a simple movement within the church, our priorities remain on teaching the gospel of grace, assisting participants to influence their environments with the gospel, and encouraging a renewed personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our prayers will continue for all persons embroiled in controversy. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the authentic love of God our Father, and the true fellowship that is provided by the Holy Spirit, embrace us all.

We welcome honest inquiries as to who we are and about the role and function of our movement. Further information is available at our website, www.viadecristo.org.

A sponsor is a person who has previously attended a Via de Cristo Weekend and makes it possible for new attendees (Pilgrims) to enroll and attend a weekend.

Sponsors pray first about asking a baptized individual to consider attending a VdC Weekend. They then facilitate the process by continuing to pray for the first time attendee, assuring the attendee is equipped to attend, and provides transportation to and from the weekend venue.

The sponsor prays for the attendee throughout the VdC Weekend, and helps the attendee transition into the Fourth Day and participating in a Reunion Group with other Fourth Day members and attending Ultreyas.