About the Renovare Institute
Lately there has been an explosion of interest in spiritual formation with the majority of seminaries offering “something” related to spiritual formation. However it's rare to find academic or seminary offerings that maintain what Renovare 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 Renovare 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 Renovare Institute will encourage 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
Who should apply?
The ideal individuals to benefit from the offerings of the Renovare 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 will the Renovare Institute provide?
A systematic way to articulate and develop—both in writing and teaching content—critical Renovare concepts.
New idea development as well and testable information to the Christian spiritual formation field.
Intense training intended to be passed on to others.
The Institute will continue to use and be instrumental in the development of quality ideas and materials.
Strengthened relationships between Renovare and networks of seminaries and graduate programs.
Who will teach in the Renovare Institute?
For year one (sessions one and two) the primary teacher will be Dallas Willard with assistance from Keith Matthews and Jan Johnson. Other senior teaching fellows include Todd Hunter, John Ortberg, Trevor Hudson, Chris Webb, and James Bryan Smith. Other teaching fellows may include Gayle Beebe, Kai Nilsen, Emilie Griffin, Mindy Caliguire, Ruth Haley Barton, Siang Yang Tan, and Glandion Carney.
Curriculum
Over the course of two years, students will 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 such as the following:
- 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 Renovare Institute and live anywhere in the world, students will gather four times over the course of the two-year program in either Menlo Park, California, or Denver, Colorado.
What will it cost?
The cost for each year of the two-year academy—exclusive of transportation, books, and supplies—is $3,800. Approximately 42 percent of this figure is for lodging and meals.
Deadlines
Application Deadline: March 1, 2010
Payment Date for Year One: July 1, 2010
Download
Informational Flyer
Admission Requirements Checklist
Application for Admission
Character Reference Form
Pastoral Reference Form
For more information, please email Pam Stewart or call Pam at 706-498-7595.