The Essentials - National Lutheran Secretariat Via de ...

1 The Essentialsof theVia de CristoA Manual for the Training of Leadersin the Via de Cristo Method of RenewalA Publication ofThe National Lutheran SecretariatforVia de CristoEdited byLuther PeilPaul SchmidlinCarroll Lang1997 Essentials of the Via de CristoTable of 4 Chapter 1 - Brief History of Cursillo and Via de Cristo Movements .. 6 Chapter 2 - Mission Statement and Purpose of VdC.. 9 Chapter 3 - Strategy of the Movement .. 12 Chapter 4 - New Movement Startup (Implementing the movement) .. 16 Chapter 5 - Secretariat Leadership and Organization.

2 18 Chapter 6 - Leaders Training (Leaders Guild) .. 21 Chapter 7 - Pre-Weekend (Definition, Candidate Selection/Preparation, Palanca) .. 23 Chapter 8 - Weekend .. 29 Introduction and General Principles ( essential vs. Adiaphorous)Site Selection, needs for the Via de Cristo WeekendEssential Elements (Short Form & Detailed Instructions)Progression and Dynamics of the Weekend, & Sample Schedule .. 34 Developing a Talk .. 49 Talks and Meditations 1 Rector s Opening Talk13 Action 2 Know Yourself14 Obstacles to Grace 3 Waiting Father15 Leaders 4 Three Glances16 Christ s Message to the Participant 5 Ideal17 Environment 6 Grace18 Life in Grace 7 Laity19 Christian Community in Action 8 Grace in Action20 Total Security 9 Piety21 Fourth Day10 The Figure of Christ22 OR Total Security in the 4th Day11 Study23 The Closing and 4th Day Entry12 Means of Grace(Sacraments, Day in the Life)Spiritual Director Selection and Responsibilities.

3 59 Rector and Team Selection and Responsibilities .. 61 Job Descriptions/Role of the TeamTeam TrainingChapter 9 - Post-Weekend .. 67 Description of the post-weekend ministryGroup ReunionUltreyaPurposeEssential Elements/Explanation? 75 76 NLS Constitution .. 86 Sample Rector s Script .. 91 Suggested Write Downs .. 1033 The EssentialsNLS Leadership TrainingPrefaceJust what is that universal quality that makes one Via de Cristo or Cursillo weekend like anyother weekend, even though every weekend is unique?They are the same because the Essentials of a Via de Cristo weekend are the same as the essen-tials of the Cursillo weekends that spawned the Lutheran Via de Cristo movement.

4 They are uniquebecause every team is unique, and each team member relates the message of the weekend in her orhis own are those Essentials that are basic to a weekend and what are the extras that are wovenaround those Essentials making weekends in Florida have a different flavor than weekends in SouthDakota?This book attempts to clarify that which is essential to a weekend, whether it takes place inMinnesota or in Arizona, and also identify that which is adiaphorous, but gives the weekend itslocal flavor. A companion book, NLS Team Formation Manual is being developed to assist leaders in train-ing teams for weekends.

5 Together these publications are similar to the Roman Catholic Leader thanks to Mr. Luther Piel, Rev. Paul Schmidlin, Rev. Carroll Lang and countless others fortheir efforts in compiling this book, but a special thanks to all who by their faithful teamwork havedeveloped the Via de Cristo while preserving the Cursillo method. It is this accumulation of knowl-edge and expertise that has been woven into this de Cristo endorses non-sexist language. However, in an effort to keep this manual clear,consistent, and easy to read we favor the masculine when referring to God, and the feminine whenreferring to members of the Church, Christ s bride, as well as to leaders and EssentialsNLS Leadership TrainingIntroductionAny attempt to speak of what Lutherans believe is risky.

6 Historically, Lutherans would havepreferred never to be known as anything other than The Church and would likely say with pride, Ifit s Christian it s Lutheran . For more clarification they would likely point you to the confes-sions found in the Book of Concord. However, to accomplish the ecumenical spirit of Via de Cristowe must be a bit more pragmatic. So we will say that there are at least some key thoughts to whichvirtually all Lutherans would emphasize good doctrine that has been revealed by God (I Corinthians 1:19-21). Inseveral of Martin Luther s writings he highlights the theme all men are sinners.

7 Further, there isa story that, at Luther s death, he had placed a paper in his pocket that read simply, It is true, we areall beggars. If it is true, that all people are sinners and beggars, then Christians must look behindany person s behavior, before any person s ideas, and beyond any person s opinion. People so easilydeceive themselves that the ideas and opinions of God s people will stray from God s true revela-tion if not carefully grounded. Lutheran Christians emphasize that no human can use magic or logicto discover and know God.

8 Even if a person shows great personal ability, intelligence, and devo-tion, when it comes to knowing about God, that person is still completely dependent. We are allbeggars seeking the revelation of God s Word. The hope for purity and the watchword for healthlies in consistent good doctrine derived from revealed truth and only revealed truth. Martin Luthersaid it well, Word alone! Grace alone! Faith alone! Having said this, do we wish to imply that other church writings are inferior? May the Lord keepus from arrogance; we are all beggars!

9 Our churches have both strengths and flaws. Think of adiamond, a stone with many cut facets. In their development each church has chosen to emphasizeparticular facets of Christianity, and as a result there developed a sparkling diversity withinChristendom. Lutheran Christians emphasize some specific facets that reflect brightly in this addition to good doctrine, Lutherans emphasize the clear expression of Law and Gospel. Lawis that which condemns. Gospel is that which frees. Law is that which humanity attempts. Gospel isthat which God accomplished.

10 Law brings us to repentance. Gospel sets us free to live in from Law! Life from Gospel! Both must be proclaimed. By grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) represents a third facet for Lutherans to see. We bristleat any hint of personal freedom to approach God. This is fundamental in any Lutheran work; salva-tion is all in God s hands! It is all God s work! We Lutherans are so sensitive that, rather chance amisrepresentation, we will pass by a good theme, a good song, and even question a good move-ment, if it appears to give humans authority.