COMMUNITIES:
Our Communities are missional initiatives and smaller expressions of Renaissance that live out our rhythms in different ways. These are the best place to connect with Renaissance. They all look different, have different rhythms and meet at different times. To find out more, check out the description and contact person in connection with each community.
JESUS OVER DINNER - WALTHAM
Jesus Over Dinner is a group that meets weekly in the Southside neighborhood of Waltham. As the name suggests, this is a place where neighbors and friends share life, faith and study over meals. Contact: Jace Rasche |
WANT TO START SOMETHING?
We're always looking for dreamers, creators and enjoyers of life to start new communities around the Boston area. Are you interested? We'd love to hear from you! Contact: Drew Thurman |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who Is Welcome in a Community?
Everyone is welcome, no matter race, sexuality, gender, religious beliefs, career aspirations, political affiliations, or anything else. These communities are safe places to start and deepen your journey with Christ in the company of friends.
How aRE YOUR COMMUNITIES DIFFERENT THAN SMALL GROUPS?
There's nothing wrong with church small groups. That said, they often have limitations. These groups often are viewed by church-goers as an add-on, one where they end up commuting to participate in Bible study or self-help care. In the end, these groups become a place primarily for mature Christians, one where study happens but action is limited because they live distant lives.
At Renaissance, our Communities are our primary expression of church. In other words, when we hear the word “church” we don’t think about our gathering on Sundays first and foremost, as great as those are. We believe “church” is a group of people seeking to follow and obey Christ in the midst of relational, missional community. We believe that when we commit to more than a weekly event, but instead to live life together with others with Jesus as the focus, amazing things happen.
At Renaissance, our Communities are our primary expression of church. In other words, when we hear the word “church” we don’t think about our gathering on Sundays first and foremost, as great as those are. We believe “church” is a group of people seeking to follow and obey Christ in the midst of relational, missional community. We believe that when we commit to more than a weekly event, but instead to live life together with others with Jesus as the focus, amazing things happen.
DOES RENAISSANCE EVER MEET AT A CENTRAL LOCATION?
Yes, we will be! We believe in the importance of Sunday gatherings, and will be looking to start them as some of our Communities gain traction. We already have a space, and are hoping to launch on the First Sunday of every month some time in 2019 and grow into them from there. Keep looking for updates for when we announce these gatherings (which we call Celebrations).
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
Not all of our communities are intergenerational. For those that are, we help them create spaces where young folks can engage alongside of adults AND differentiated spaces for young folks and adults to engage in ways unique to their development. Renaissance will also have childcare and age appropriate programming available as we launch Sunday gatherings.
