ABOUT US:
The word "Renaissance" is defined as a renewal of life, vigor, interest; rebirth; revival. This name has come to embody what we hope to be about, what we hope to model. You see, we believe Jesus brings life. He said himself in John 10:10: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Through Jesus, we not only experience salvation through grace, but we also begin to experience who we are meant to be. We aren't just promised life after we die, we're given renewed life before it.
Unfortunately, many have never experienced this version of Christianity. They've only seen it through the lens of institution, political affiliation or religious activity. Thus at Renaissance, we are built around the idea of returning to the ancient, simple vision of introducing the life-giving way of Jesus through relational community. We empower Christian dreamers, creators, and enjoyers of life to showcase Christ's love in the everyday stuff of their life, and invite people into smaller communities to explore faith and experience life to the full.
Unfortunately, many have never experienced this version of Christianity. They've only seen it through the lens of institution, political affiliation or religious activity. Thus at Renaissance, we are built around the idea of returning to the ancient, simple vision of introducing the life-giving way of Jesus through relational community. We empower Christian dreamers, creators, and enjoyers of life to showcase Christ's love in the everyday stuff of their life, and invite people into smaller communities to explore faith and experience life to the full.
HOW WE MEET:
As a church, our primary way of gathering together is in smaller huddles we call Communities. These Communities operate as "microchurches" so to speak. They all look slightly different but are equipped and resourced to be the church where they live, work and play. Once a month we gather our Communities together to worship in what we call Celebrations.
The backbone that holds us and our Communities together are our three rhythms and our essentials:
The backbone that holds us and our Communities together are our three rhythms and our essentials:
+ RHYTHMS:
When people huddle together in communion with God, operating as a spiritual family, and living out God's mission, they are the church.
COMMUNIONGod desires to be in relationship with us. A Community leans into that relationship together through Scripture, prayer and worship in some manner. |
COMMUNITYA Community is a group of people who also do life together. They deepen their relationships with one another and care for one another as a spiritual family. |
CO-MISSIONEvery Community is also co-missioned by Christ to proclaim good news and seek the renewal of all things through Jesus. Thus, they make a visible difference in our city. |
+ ESSENTIALS:
- Dependency over individualism
- Belonging over exclusion
- Unity over differences
- Authenticity over facades
- Practice over theory
- Empowerment over uniformity
- Pace over results
- Celebration over criticism
- Generosity over materialism
- Humility over agendas
We value dependency, drawing close to God, His word and others rather than going solo. We value creating a culture of belonging, extending grace and love to people of all backgrounds rather than excluding them. We value finding unity in the Gospel message rather than splintering over secondary issues. We value authenticity, being real about our joys and struggles rather than creating facades. We value practice, living out Jesus' teachings rather than making them theory we talk about. We value empowerment, creating a culture where everyone's diverse giftings matter rather than a hierarchy where people are called to uniformity. We value a slow pace, being rooted in relationships and locality rather than having a culture of performance and results. We value celebration, together experiencing the joy of what God is doing in us rather than criticizing our faults. We value generosity, helping people live simply and give freely rather than being slaves to materialism. We value humility, listening and praying first rather than always pushing an agenda. We are Renaissance!
WHAT WE DO:
At Renaissance, we don't come up with all the ideas, but look to come alongside others who are ready to live on mission where they live, work and play. We do this by walking alongside dreamers, creators, and enjoyers of life through mentorship/coaching so they feel empowered and equipped. The process we work from takes someone through these four steps:
+ SHIFT:
First, we help people shift from theory to practice in their faith. This requires actually putting into practice what Jesus says where we live, work, and play. Our end goal is that someone begins to want to partner with God in the everyday stuff of life, and begin to have a personal sense of calling and burden for the people that inhabit their daily life.
+ SHAPE:
Second, we help shape people in the basics of becoming a missional leader where they live, work, and play. We not only walk people through the foundation of our rhythms, but we begin to foster a creative imagination for how they can start a Community where they live and rally others around the dream.
+ SEND:
Third, we empower and send out leaders to start these new Communities or microchurches. Our team provides free resources, ongoing coaching, and networking opportunities to allow leaders to thrive and grow as they do.
+ STRUCTURE:
Finally, we help leaders and Communities add necessary structure as they learn and grow. We not only continue to provide support, training and shepherding for our leaders as they their Communities evolve, but we also provide grants for missional projects to take place.
