Vineyard Via De Cristo

What is Via de Cristo?

Via de Cristo, which means "Way of Christ" in Spanish, is a short course in Christian living designed to strengthen and renew faith, knowledge, and love of Jesus Christ.

How Did It Originate?

Via de Cristo has its roots in the Catholic "Cursillo de Cristiandad" ("Short Course in Christianity"), which began in Spain in the 1940s. By 1957, it had spread to the United States, and Lutherans were introduced to the method in 1971. Today, organized groups, such as Vineyard Via de Cristo, are found across various Protestant denominations, including Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist. The Vineyard Via de Cristo is ecumenical, rooted in a Lutheran base but open to individuals from many Christian traditions.

What Is the Purpose?

The purpose of Via de Cristo is to build Christian leaders by:

● Renewing and strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ.

● Providing a simple method for small group sharing and support, encouraging participants to live and share grace-filled lives.

What Happens on a Weekend?

A Via de Cristo weekend begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. During the weekend, a team of clergy and laypeople presents 15 short talks on topics such as Grace, Christian Living, and the Church. Activities include:

● Group discussions and reflections

● Prayer and spiritual counseling

● Communion and worship

● Singing, fellowship, and fun in a loving Christian community

Who Should Attend? 

The weekend is designed for Christian adults from all walks of life who desire a deeper knowledge of Christian living. Married couples are encouraged to attend together. However, the weekend may not be suitable for individuals experiencing significant emotional or family challenges, as these may hinder their ability to engage fully with the program’s message.

What Happens After the Weekend?

Participants are encouraged to continue their spiritual journey by:

● Joining a small renewal group to share their progress in Christian living.

● Attending monthly gatherings with the larger community for mutual support and encouragement.  These activities are opportunities to give and receive support as participants strive to Christianize their environments.

Who Organizes the Weekends?

Vineyard Via de Cristo weekends are organized by a Secretariat of volunteers composed of laypeople and clergy. The Secretariat coordinates training for weekend teams, plans the retreats, and manages logistical needs. The Vineyard Via de Cristo is affiliated with the National Lutheran Secretariat Via de Cristo.

How Does One Get Involved? 

If you are interested in attending a Via de Cristo weekend, submit a registration form through someone who has already attended a weekend. Early registration helps with administrative processing and planning.

Is the Weekend for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

● Do you want a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian?

● Do you desire fresh insights about the Church and your role in it?

● Do you long for a closer, personal relationship with Christ?

● Do you hope to grow as a more effective Christian leader?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a Via de Cristo weekend may be the perfect opportunity for you!

Contact Us

For more information, reach out to us or visit our website.



We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you!