Renewal For Life

Renewal For Life logo 6-10What is Renewal For Life®?
Renewal For Life® (RFL) is a major initiative from Lutherans For Life equipping Lutheran congregations to be Christ centered, enthusiastic, and ongoing voices for life. It’s a way to help congregations deal with the life issues as part of their ongoing ministry of the Gospel like stewardship or evangelism or missions.

What does RFL seek to renew?
RFL seeks to renew the 3’Rs—Responsibility, Relevance, Resources. We desire to help pastors and congregations understand that it is their responsibility to deal with the life issues because they are spiritual issues of life and death. But God has equipped His people with what they need to do so, the very relevant message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because the life issues can be complex and complicated, pastors and congregations need easy-to-use resources to assist them.

What resources make up RFL?
The resources of RFL are a product and a person. The product is an online library that gathers good, word-based materials into one place and organizes them in a way that is easy to use. So if a pastor wants sermon ideas on end-of-life issues, for example, they would be a “click” away. Congregations signed on to RFL have access to this library.

The person is a congregational Life Advocate. This would be someone who is part of the structure and governance of the congregation. This might mean establishing a new position or it could very well fall under an already existing board or committee. For example, the Life Advocate might be on the congregation’s Human Care Team or Education Committee. The Life Advocate would be like the pastor’s “assistant on life issues”! They would be in contact with LFL, receive updates and ideas, research the online library, and organize and coordinate the life ministry of the congregation. 

How is LFL’s existing grassroots structure part of RFL?
LFL’s state affiliates, chapters, and LMC’s are essential in helping launch and maintain RFL. Many are trained as presenters to share with pastors’ groups what RFL is and how they can become part of it. (If you are interested in such training, please call LFL!) Some of these active and dedicated people may become Life Advocates in their congregations. They will continue to serve congregations, coordinate with, and perhaps even mentor Life Advocates. They can provide “arms and legs” for congregational programs and projects.

What can you do if you would like your congregation to be part of RFL?
RFL is a “top down” approach. We want to introduce RFL through pastors. Therefore, the ideal place to present RFL is to a group of pastors such as circuit or regional gatherings. Find out if your pastor attends such a meeting. See if LFL can be invited to present. There is no charge and it takes only about an hour.

Perhaps the best thing you can do if you are interested in RFL is to call Lutherans For Life at 888.364.5433. Talk with Jeri, our Renewal For Life® Coordinator.