About the Renovaré Institute
Lately there has been an explosion of interest in spiritual formation with the majority of seminaries offering “something” related to it. However it's rare to find academic or seminary offerings that maintain what Renovaré champions: high Christology, balanced vision, practical strategies, a breadth of historical and ecumenical engagement, and a superior quality in ideas and written materials.
Vision and Mission Statement
The mission of the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation is to make disciples of Jesus, immersing them into Trinitarian life in the kingdom of God, and teaching them actually to do what Jesus says is best. The Renovaré Institute encourages students in:
- Commitment to the highest possible Christology
- Commitment to the development of a substantial Christian theology of spirituality
- Ecumenical dialogue
- International presence and influence
- The “with-God life” as fundamental content
- A balanced vision of the six “streams” of Christian spirituality
- The spiritual disciplines as the means of grace for our training in the spiritual life
What does the Renovaré Institute provide?
A systematic way to articulate and develop—both in writing and teaching content—critical Renovaré concepts. • New idea development as well as testable information to the Christian spiritual formation field. • Intense training intended to be passed on to others. • Quality ideas and materials. • Strengthened relationships between Renovaré and networks of seminaries and graduate programs.
Curriculum
Over the course of two years, students read more than 24 books and over 100 articles, participate in a variety of spiritual formation activities, develop a spiritual community with a small group of co-learners, and experience 28 days of teaching and formational activities built around key Renovare concepts:
- It is actually possible to become like Jesus
- Living in the kingdom of God: What is the gospel of Christ?
- The total human system—all of which is to love God
- The best model for change
- Spiritual disciplines: concept and history
- Salvation is a life
- Celebrating each of the Streams of Living Water
- Importance of classical devotional literature
- Scripture and 15 ways of being “with God”
- Being with God in prayer
While you can be a student of the Renovaré Institute and live anywhere in the world, students gather four times over the course of the two-year program in Menlo Park, California, or Denver, Colorado or Atlanta, Georgia.
Who should apply?
The ideal individuals to benefit from the offerings of the Renovaré Institute are the cross section of people within various local congregations who are profoundly dedicated to Christian spiritual formation. These are well educated and natural leaders among both laity and clergy who may have become frustrated with church but cannot abandon it. These are highly motivated individuals who are looking for something not fully provided by either seminary education or local church life.
What does it cost?
The cost for each year of the two-year Institute—exclusive of transportation, books, and supplies—is $3,800. Approximately 42 percent of this figure is for lodging and meals.