A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Dal Schindell is the Chairperson of the Board of the Renewal Fellowship. He works at Regent College and is an elder at Fairview Church, Vancouver. This is the report of the chairperson presented at the Annual Meeting on February 27, at Nobleton, Ontario.
Why does the Renewal Fellowship exist? This question was stated, quietly, but firmly. I knew it would be coming.
The scene was a room at 50 Wynford Drive in Toronto. In a circle sat fifteen people – eleven from the national offices staff, and four of us from the Board. (More about that meeting later.)
It’s a question we ask ourselves, and should ask ourselves. I long for the day that our group need not exist – when the denomination as a whole will be concerned for vibrant worship, enthusiastic evangelism, churches where the Bible is studied, known and loved, and where spiritual gifts are used to build up the church. But we’re not there yet. Issues come before the church that are at odds with what we hold to be biblical. Reports are presented to General Assembly and we stand amazed that they can be taken seriously. Or, on the other hand, we wonder how anyone could argue with them. Often the church seems more a place of business and conflict than joyous worship and willing service.
As long as we have a clear sense of a biblical definition of what the church should be believing, thinking and doing, and as long as we see those things not happening, then we must exist!
Back to that meeting. On January 14, 1993, Julia Mills, Rosanne Hislop, Jim Doherty (the Executive of the Board) and I attended a meeting requested by Glen Davis, the General Secretary of the Life and Mission Agency. He had invited any of the staff who were interested to join us. I was hoping that at least two or three people would show up. Eleven came.
When Glen asked that question, I answered him by sharing our concerns for worship, evangelism, prayer and an involved laity. This seemed common ground for them and us. There was appreciation for committed people who were active in furthering these goals. We were seen as reinforcing programs of the denomination. The effort of volunteers is valued.
Concerns over a lack of discipleship within our church were expressed and shared. We also articulated the frustration that lay people feel when faced by the machinery of Assembly, Synod and Presbytery. The staff realized that people are not satisfied with the church, and thus groups like ours exist.
At the conclusion of two hours of open discussion we were asked to pass on news of the meeting to the Fellowship as a whole. They wanted to talk again. There was a willingness to co-sponsor events in the future, (which has happened occasionally in the past), and the availability of them as workshop leaders, where appropriate, was offered.
I felt that our real concern for the health of our denomination, as part of the body of Christ, was understood by the people in that room. And we also saw some of the hurt and frustration that they experience in their positions on the national staff. The restructuring has led to some lack of definition regarding their specific roles. This is a time for positive input on our part.
We left encouraged, yet aware of our tiny size in a large denomination. But we were certain of the need to continue on. This past year has seen a review of our involvements, to understand better what we are and what we would be. Before we go ahead with hiring a new Executive Director, we want to be as clear as we can about our mission, goals and methods. We are almost finished with this self-study. We have been considering creative funding possibilities, local chapters, Renewal Days across our country….
During this past year – our eleventh! – we continued to experience commitment of a faithful God, and faithful people. Renewal Days were held and people were encouraged. Channels was published quarterly. We studied and struggled with issues that concern us. Communication through bulletin inserts, bulletin covers and other documents were mailed out. David McKenna retired as Chairperson after several years of exemplary leadership. Julia Mills continued to do all the day-to-day things she does so efficiently. Jim Doherty handled the accounts and communicated our situation clearly and well. Though we have money in the bank, we don’t seem able to handle the financial demands of a full-time Director.
I would like to thank the Executive, Board and Council of Reference for the time and effort they have given to a vision of God being active in our lives.
As a church we continue to stand in need. Our failures ore obvious; our lack of spiritual health is only too clear. Let us continue together to pray for God’s blessing and to work for those things that concern us. May God be with us in the year ahead.