October 2002
Page 1 - A Sword for the Lord August 7th - 10th, 2002
Page 2 - A War, A Lord, and An Outrageous Army by Dr. Greg Boyd
Page 3 - The Alliance of Renewal Churches (ARC)
Page 4 - Mid Year Equipping Conference
The Alliance of Renewal Churches (ARC)
The ARC was officially launched at our Inaugural Gathering on June 3-4, 2002. During this time, members to the ARC Leadership Team were appointed. Please pray for them in these formative first months. They are: Paul Anderson, Director of Lutheran Renewal; Eric Bluhm, Director of Spiritual Growth at North Heights Lutheran in Arden Hills, MN; Bob Cottingham, Senior Pastor at North Heights Lutheran in Arden Hills, MN; Joe Johnson, Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran in Show Low, AZ; Graeme Sellers, Senior Pastor at Nativity Lutheran in Gilbert, AZ; and Fred Thoni, Associate Pastor at East Immanuel Lutheran in St. Paul, MN.
WHAT IS THE ARC?
The ARC is a network of autonomous churches under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We align ourselves for the purpose of kingdom advancement, including congregational renewal and the planting of churches, through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
WHAT CAN CHURCHES EXPECT FROM THE ARC?
Strategic alignment-networking together for mission
Prayer network
Help in bringing congregational renewal
An atmosphere for accountability and spiritual covering
Resources for improving church health, bringing renewal, deepening spiritual life, bringing change, and planting churches
Mentoring-according to need, request, and availability
Strong training for Christian leaders through The Master's Institute
WHAT DOES THE ARC EXPECT FROM MEMBER CHURCHES?
Commitment to both the statement of faith and to the mission of the ARC
Willingness to network together for strategic mission
Desire to participate in ARC gatherings for fellowship and growth
Openness to walk in accountability
THE THEOLOGY OF THE ARC
IS THE ARC LUTHERAN?
Yes, in the same sense that Lutheran Renewal is Lutheran. It is Lutheran in its Reformation theology (Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone). It ministers in Lutheran churches around the country and around the world, though not exclusively. It is Lutheran in theology and ecumenical in spirit. ARC invites people to join who both appreciate their Lutheran heritage and theology as well as living under the Lordship of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
ARE NON-LUTHERANS WELCOME TO JOIN THE ARC?
Yes, as long as they agree with the Statement of Faith.
JOINING THE ARC
WHY SHOULD CHURCHES CONSIDER JOINING THE ARC?
Because the ARC is a new wineskin that seeks to answer to the needs of a new day
Because it is built on relationships that provide strong impetus for mission
Because of its strategic mission
Because the ARC is related to a seminary that is effectively training leaders for Christian ministry
HOW WILL CHURCHES JOIN THE ARC?
The church will request an application from the ARC office.
If we are not familiar with your congregation, an ARC representative will visit your church and meet with its leadership.
The ARC leadership team will review the application.
Churches must have a 75% affirmative vote.
IS THERE A FEE TO JOIN THE ARC?
No, there will be no administrative or membership fees. The ARC will be solely funded by the contributions of its supporters.
If you would like to receive a copy of the 17-page ARC Ministry Plan please contact Lutheran Renewal. You may print your own copy by clicking here.
