First Presbyterian Church, Boulder

Dear Friends and Fellow Ministry Leaders,

“ReNew” was an intensive one-day seminar that pictured the kind of personal transformation that can renew the church for our essential mission in this challenging new century. It was our privilege to host this equipping experience here at First Presbyterian Church, Boulder, on Saturday, February 20, 2010.

Doug Stevens, Executive Director of The Renewal Project (www.renewalproject.org) guided us through an assessment of current conditions (our life together in Christian community, our current culture, a world in crisis) toward a vision of confident engagement—as we freely and joyfully fulfill Christ’s call to embody his grace.

During this day we seriously considered:

1. Daring to Become a “Radical Affirmationist”: Deconstructing Damaging Stereotypes (a leap of faith and our starting point)
2. Praying for a Post-Modern Miracle: Renewing the Church (facing reality and expecting the divine intervention promised in Scripture)
3. Innovation and Improvisation: Renewing the Leaders (developing leaders who can really lead!)
4. The Power of Encouragement: Renewing the People (creating the indispensable atmosphere)
5. Horizon: Renewing Us for the Mission (initiating and sustaining an outward focus)
6. Doing Church: How Ministry Happens (actually making it work, accomplishing Kingdom tasks…and loving it!)

This catalytic seminar was for leaders—pastors and staff, lay leaders, current and prospective leaders, younger and more seasoned leaders. Presentation, reflection, interaction, biblical perspective, and practical application were all a part of the flow of this day that stimulated honest self-awareness, fresh ideas and new hope, deeper relationships and a desire to greatly strengthen our witness for Christ in a community that is desperate for good news.

Crucial follow-up counsel and resources will be provided.

Dr. Carl S. Hofmann, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Boulder

Audio Recordings of the Conference
First Morning Session
Second Morning Session
Afternoon Session