Renewal For Life
Video: Renewal For Life - Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, executive director of Lutherans For Life, explains how you and your congregation can become involved with Renewal For Life®.
Video: What is Renewal For Life?
Video: Renewal For Life - a new promotional clip from our For Life DVD.
Video: Interview with Chris and Sonja Weber
Teaching Our Youth About Life Issues by Jerilyn Richard (LifeDate - Spring 2012)
What is Renewal For Life®?
Renewal For Life® (RFL) is a major initiative from Lutherans For Life to help and equip Lutheran pastors and congregations to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. It’s a way to help congregations deal with the life issues as part of their ongoing ministry of the Gospel just as they do with 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?
RFL resources consists a “product” and “people” 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.
The “people” would be a congregational Life Advocate and, ideally, a Life Team led by the Life Advocate. These would be 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 Team might be a subgroup of a congregation’s Human Care Team or Education Committee. The Life Advocate and Team would be like the pastor’s “assistant on life issues”! LFL provides leadership training for both Life Advocates and Life Team Members. 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?
The first step is to talk with your pastor. His commitment to doing this is essential. Then give us a call at 888.364.5433. Talk with Jeri, our Director of Renewal For Life®.
