In May of 2004, Richard Foster wrote seven reflections … lessons from the 15 year history of Renovare. Todd Hunter wrote of Renovare that it looks, smells and feels the way you would expect: it exudes grace and peace; while making a huge contribution to the Kingdom.
Here are the seven lessons with Todd’s thoughts. Each lesson provides helpful reminders to us as we attempt to build and lead spiritual movements everywhere.
Lesson 1: Always stay light on your feet.
Effective ministry does not require huge overheads from the costs of buildings and people.
Lesson 2: Always focus on being a movement.
Avoid the forces of institutionalization that depersonalizes or at worst chews people up. Organism is to be preferred over organization; but organization is not bad. Just stay dynamic and nimble; only have the minimum structure necessary.
Lesson 3: Always attend to the soul’s growth in grace.
Distractions to this abound; even religious distractions. Richard says we evaluate everything with the simple question: will this help people grow in grace?
Lesson 4: Always center on life in the Kingdom of God.
The advance of Jesus and his Kingdom comes first. Always. We must decrease that Jesus and his Kingdom can increase.
Lesson 5: Always prefer people over programs.
What really helps and enhances the lives of people? This is the question Renovare asks. If we are pushing ourselves, or staff or our volunteers too hard we back off. We should never have to disobey the way Christ taught us to live in order to do the work God has given us to do.
Lesson 6: Always trust the Spirit, never the flesh.
By flesh, Richard means humanly initiated activity without any reference to God. Richard often critiques Renovare’s work by asking how much of what has happened at a certain event cannot be explained by our skill or brain power, or how was our skill and brain power used in ways that is beyond us?
Lesson 7: Always follow the passion.
Before launching a new initiative, Renovare always waits until someone demonstrates passion. This requires discipline and patience. They have at times waited for years for the right person, passion and resources to come together. Then they step out in faith.
Source: http://nextreformation.com/?p=1325