A couple of weeks ago, The River Anglican Church in the college town of Blacksburg, Virginia, hosted a Renew Weekend. Jonathan Tagg, the longstanding rector, hoped the retreat would help his congregation experience more of the power and freedom the Holy Spirit brings. Jonathan had grown weary trying to grow and mature the congregation through new initiatives and hard work alone. He was ready for God to do something only He could do among His people.
Jonathan and his wife, Robin, came to the Rehydrate Conference in Savannah in February after being encouraged by parishioners attending my Zoom Immanuel Prayer training. The Taggs left refreshed, renewed, and inspired by their time there. My wife Ginger and I shared a long lunch and an open, transparent conversation with them during the conference. After prayer and discernment, Jonathan decided to invite us to his church for a Renew Weekend.
What is a Renew Weekend? It is a series of talks followed by prayer activations, all centered on the power and love of the Holy Spirit. Each weekend is tailored to the needs of the congregation being ministered to. In Blacksburg, the weekend included: 1) a gospel message and invitation to salvation; 2) teaching on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, along with testimonies of His work; 3) understanding and receiving both the infilling and baptism of the Holy Spirit; 4) how to receive spiritual gifts through prayer and impartation; 5) a workshop on praying for the sick; 6) a healing service with a focus on Immanuel Prayer; and 7) a Sunday sermon on using spiritual gifts and the power of the Spirit for witness. Some congregations also set aside time for personal ministry to clergy and spouses.
After speaking with his leaders, Jonathan told me the feedback from the weekend was overwhelmingly positive. His people not only received ministry themselves, but also received freedom and permission to engage in prayer ministry for others, while learning wise and healthy boundaries for that ministry. Jonathan especially loved seeing lay people empowered for their own ministries and callings. Several encouraging testimonies were shared at the following Sunday service, including accounts of healing, deliverance, and meaningful encounters with God.
This is a healthy congregation, well led by a beloved rector. They welcomed Ginger, me, and our traveling team of three prayer ministers with open arms, genuine love, and generous hospitality. Their careful attention to spiritual preparation, including a sermon series on spiritual gifts leading up to the weekend, helped prepare the way for a fruitful visit. By the end of the weekend, it was clear that faith and expectancy had increased at The River.
I would love to talk with you about hosting a Renew Weekend at your church, deanery, or diocesan gathering. I am also available for coaching, prayer ministry appointments, and consulting. For more information, please visit www.americananglican.org/renew. You can also email me directly at cnixon@americananglican.org.