VIAE
VIAE is the Latin word used to refer to the Roman Roads, all of which ended in Rome regardless of where they began. Viae is a process by which church leaders, staff and laypeople can increase their understanding of theology, particularly those doctrines affirmed by the EFCA Statement of Faith. It is also a way for those who are involved in ministry at least 30 hours a week in an EFCA church to receive a provisional, one year license while working toward a 3 year license. Below is an outline of the process:
I. Understand the issues related to this Doctrine:
A. Read: Selected chapters from Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology OR Bible Doctrine AND David Horton’s The Portable Seminary
B. For further reading: Read from among the recommended books for deeper understanding of the doctrine in question.
II. Study the Scriptures
A. Read: Read all the scripture passages referred to in Systematic Theology or Bible Doctrine
B. Study: Study each passage in its context.
III. Respond to the Doctrine
A. Write: Write your own position on this Article (1-1 ½ pages).
B. Dialogue: Meet with your Viae cluster to discuss your position on the assigned Article, receiving feedback on the areas where your paper is clear, areas that need clarifying or areas that were not addressed or not sufficiently addressed.
C. Apply: 1. Find ways to apply what you have just learned about the Article.
2. Find an opportunity to teach what you’ve just learned within the next 12 months.
For those who are working within EFCA West churches and desiring a provisional license, you will fill out an evaluation to obtain a provisional license. This evaluation begins with the EFCA Statement of Faith and asks if you are in agreement with the Statement. You will also be asked to describe your call to ministry.
There are a few questions that must be answered briefly to give the council an idea of your understanding of the primary doctrines of EFCA. At the end of the evaluation are two statements which must be signed. The first statement is that you understand the provisional license is good for one year and the second is that in order to obtain this provisional license you must agree to attend, participate in and do the homework for the monthly cluster that will systematically help you write your paper for your 3 year license leading to a Certificate of Christian Ministry or a Certificate of Ordination.
These clusters will occur monthly at a day and time that works best for the group and the facilitator. These clusters will be facilitated by leaders using a wisdom-based approach that emphasizes learning that results in life change, not just increased gathering of information. The homework will consist of reading and writing in between the actual class meetings so that you are prepared to participate in the theological discussion. Click here for a PDF of resources, along with a scope and sequence, that can be used to prepare you for writing your thesis on each of the 10 articles in the Statement of Faith.
The end result will be a thesis paper and an understanding of the major doctrines of Scripture. Your paper and the discussion during Viae should prepare you to sit for the 3 year license leading to either a Certificate of Christian Ministry or a Certificate of Ordination if you choose to do so. It will also result in a motivation to be a life-long learner who applies what he has learned to all areas of his life. As someone who has participated in these type of clusters has said, it was a "structured pathway of biblical exploration, personal evaluation and collegial affirmation" that was good for them individually, but also for the people they serve.
VIAE is just that, a road that leads to an increased understanding and ability to articulate your theology and, for those who work in EFCA churches, a licensed recognition of your calling, competency and character in ministry. It is a systematic way of working alongside of other brothers and sisters to sharpen your mind, your heart and your hands.
If you have questions, you can contact Paul Schliep, Director of Credentialing, at or Rita Nystrom at