Southern Maryland Men's Credo - Nanjemoy, Maryland

Credo finds its roots in the Cursillo (meaning short course) movement, which originated in Spain immediately after WWII. The Cursillo ministry is believed to be the first of many four-day walks with Christ, and laypeople often direct it. In the late 1960s, the Cursillo movement gave rise to the Kairos (meaning God’s Time) ministry. Jude Hoffman’s father, Stephen Max, was a founder member of Kairos.

Credo (meaning they came to believe) was created in 1995 by James Hoffman, Frank Rocks, and ten other men from New Jersey’s Cursillo/Kairos ministry. Jude Hoffman launched the WV/MD Men’s Credo in 1997, while Emil and Carol Liptak founded the WV/MD Women’s Credo in 1998. Finally, in 2010, a group of Jesus Christ’s disciples founded the Southern Maryland Men’s Credo. Other Christ-followers are continuing to create chapters around the United States.

The Credo Ministry welcomes any men seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ or dealing with life challenges such as hurts, habits, or hangups. The Credo weekend is intended to assist participants in realizing the significance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in their everyday lives and how the true and only Gospel will aid them in their lives.

Previous Credo ministry participants lead the retreat, and clergymen are frequently invited to explain some of the finer themes of our faith. However, laymen give the majority of the presentations who have decided to become disciples of Christ, and all team members are responsible for carrying out the Great Commission.

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Credo believes that God orchestrates the retreat and ultimately determines its outcome. The desire to serve God by sharing our personal experiences with Him with others aids us in maintaining our humbleness.

Participants at a Credo retreat receive messages about God, spiritual topics, and how He affects us. Unlike conferences, they are created and given by laymen, people who have suffered from life challenges and have come to trust in a spiritual force more powerful than themselves. The fact that the presenters are not professional speakers adds to the uniqueness of a Credo retreat. Although the retreats are busy, there is always time for quiet, personal examination. There are opportunities during the three days when participants want to put their feelings into perspective. During the retreat, there will be sharing, learning, praying, eating, laughing, and maybe crying. The entire Credo experience leads to a closer relationship with God, ourselves, and others.

The attire for the retreat is informal - comfortable clothing is essential. If you can only sleep with your special pillow, bring it along. You should bring a towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, etc. If you require medicine, be sure to bring them with you. A healthy appetite is encouraged, and we prepare everything with love. Should you have special dietary needs such as diabetes, etc., please let us know, and we will ensure to take care of them. Food and love are in abundance at the retreats. Please do not plan to bring anything that may distract you and others from the retreat’s focus.