Visit this page during the Renov8 Church Planting Congress from November 17-20, 2009 to read fresh, stimulating posts from our official Renov8 bloggers!!
November 18th, 2009
By Len Hjalmarson
The first session this morning was with Glenn Smith. My guess is that this academic surprised with his passion, but left some wondering how the theology works out on the ground.
Glenn opened by asking two questions: who isthis God we serve? Why does he love place – neighborhoods? Glenn then presented three horizons for a missional encounter: text, city, and neighborhood.
Glenn began talking about the church engaging Scripture by asking, “are we really listening?” In terms of our engaging the city he suggested that we need to be reflecting on worldview, culture, and the social imaginary (Taylor). Glenn further noted that we need to be thinking about place AND space- the internal world through which we filter and read our experience.
From here Glenn offered some stats on Canadian cities, in particular distiguishing them from the American experience.
Finally Glenn noted the third horizon – neighbourhood. Here he noted four agendas. I won’t summarize these, but note istead that engaging our neighbourhoods will require that we embody the good news of God’s reign. It will also mean that we not neglect the trancendent nature of God, and that we become learners, discerning the movement of God among ordinary people in ordinary places.
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November 18th, 2009
By Jim Robertson
Within minutes of arrival, I met Martin Lamb – he can be found upstairs at the Gospel for Asia booth. Martin is infectious – not with H1N1, but with his desire for reaching Asia. He has been with the organisation somewhere in the 10 year range, but is as enthusiastic as if he had just started – and yet he is not a ‘front lines’ worker. Clearly he feels called. So the question arises – about call and role in the kingdom, and how it can be so radically different person to person. We are so often impoverished by limiting our sense of call to being a pastor, a missionary, a music worship leader … and so often it seems that if we are called otherwise that it is a call to a less fulfilling, less engaging life. Thank you Martin – for showing that call to other areas of ministry do not have to quell ones enthusiasm. And pray for Martin. He travels extensively, and so must often leave family behind – and like so many others in mission, must raise his own support. Bless you Martin, and thank you.
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November 18th, 2009
By Jim Robertson
Arrival
Hmmm… an introduction appears to be in order here. My name is Jim Robertson – I am one of the live bloggers for the Renov8 Church Planting Congress. And immediately to my left (or right – not sure as we have yet to talk theologically) is Len Hjalmerson, the other live blogger. It will be easy to tell us apart… Len is the educated one, and I’m the one who looks like a charter member of O.H.A. (Old Hippies Anonymous). So, when everyone else here is having an ‘ AHA!’ moment, if I just don’t seem to get it, well – that’d be my OHA moment. Please be patient – I will come around eventually. BTW – if you don’t follow Len’s blog… it’s time to start. Read the rest of this entry »
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November 17th, 2009
By Len Hjalmarson
I arrived Monday, but Tuesday morning still seemed to come early in Calgary. But who ordered this warm weather? I was a little shocked to find it warmer than Kelowna.
My first time in Calgary in almost two years. My first time ever at Center Street. This cavernous building is fairly recent, if I heard right, and seems counter-intuitive as the site for a missional training initiative.
But.. I think the Lord appreciates irony. Read the rest of this entry »
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October 28th, 2009
By dave
A group of Canadian researches has partnered with Church Planting Canada and the Renov8 Church Planting Congress to conduct an important online survey.
The data collected in this survey helps Canadian church planters, denominational leaders and researchers develop a better understanding of church planting activities in Canada. The theme of Renov8 is “Transforming Neighbourhoods.” Thus, the current survey is focused on collecting information about how churches, pastors and planters engage their neighbourhoods.
You can participate in this survey online, right now, at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RHMHkOgZfr5UKES9SK6L6w_3d_3d.
Tags: feedback, research, survey
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May 7th, 2009
By dave
Don’t forget to take advantage of our special Denomination Rate.
Until May 31st, 2009, you can register for just $169.00 per person (rate applies for 20+ people).
Registrant names must be given for each person by August 31st, 2009.
You can regist
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March 10th, 2009
By dave
Tuesday night of Renov8, starting at 7:00 p.m., is open for anyone wanting to check out what is going on in the church planting world.
Tuesday night will be free of charge for those who are interested but are unable to come for the entire congress. Michael Frost, dynamic speaker and author of Exiles, will be our plenary speaker for the evening. This evening will be a great opportunity for church planters and their teams to get a fresh perspective on what God is doing through church planting.
Tags: events, Michael Frost, news
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January 23rd, 2009
By dave
Today we launch the new Renov8 website. Watch the site often for new updates on speakers, sessions, videos and more.
Also please take a moment to get the word out by sharing a link to our site, http://www.thecongress.ca.
Tags: news, website
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