| Complementing
the balanced vision is a practical strategy for spiritual growth
that utilizes such things as conferences, personal and group
retreats, the reading of devotional classics, and long-term
commitment to spiritual renewal. But at the heart of the RENOVARÉ
experience are Spiritual
Formation Groups that gather for the purpose of mutual nurture
and encouragement. These small groups center on an "Order
of Meeting" which contains what we call the RENOVARÉ
Covenant that emphasizes personal commitment to renewal, Common
Disciplines that we practice consistently, and Questions of
Examen that measure spiritual progress. Every person in each
group is committed to one another's spiritual growth.
We recommend
that RENOVARÉ
Spiritual Formation Groups meet weekly. These gatherings are
characterized by grace and mercy, love and support. We seek
to obey the word of Scripture to "confess your sins to
one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed"
(James 5:16). When failings, shortcomings, and sins are shared,
we do not condemn, but prayerfully seek to minister the healing
forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We remember what was said of
our Lord that he would not "break a bruised reed, or
quench a smoldering wick" (Matt. 12:20). We too refuse
to trample on the weak or snuff out the smallest hope
We have
no desire to replace or compete with existing small group
fellowships, Bible studies, and support groups. We bless them
and encourage them to go forward. We do hope that the RENOVARÉ
Covenant, Common Disciplines, and Questions of Examen can
be useful in existing efforts to be conformed to the image
of Christ (Rom. 8:29).
If you
do not have an existing support fellowship, we urge you to
gather together with others to experience Christ as your ever-living
Savior, Teacher, Lord, and Friend. Commit yourselves to the
RENOVARÉ
Covenant and the Common Disciplines. Each week use the Questions
of Examen to give accountability to your discipleship. Above
all, pray for each other, bringing all the graces with which
God enables you.
We begin
and continue the Journey by committing to the RENOVARÉ
Covenant, embracing the Common Disciplines, asking of one
another the Questions of Examen--all within the context of
a Spiritual Formation Group.
For more
information about the RENOVARÉ
Practical Strategy please visit the Journey
section of our site. Also, A
Spiritual Formation Workbook by James Bryan Smith contains
direction and guidelines for implementing the practical strategy
in the context of a Spiritual Formation Group using an "Order
of Meeting".
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