Winter 2011 Update

The Gate 2011

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Devastated and Ruined”? Prior to the Gate 2011 in Dayton, Ohio there were several different things that came to my mind. Now though, all I can see is over 300 youth and adults passionately pursuing a deeper and more tangible relationship with God. We were truly Devastated by God’s Love and Ruined for the Ordinary as we journeyed together to discover when we commit ourselves to becoming followers of Jesus Christ that the way we see the world and the way we see each other must change.

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A highlight for me was the mission and outreach time on Friday afternoon where 300 young people were sent out into the city of Dayton with an extraordinary love in their hearts. It is our prayer that in any city that we are in that we are not solely there to experience a youth conference and rekindle the fire of God inside of us; but more importantly to leave an eternal impact on the people and places that we pass by.

God has a plan for everyone’s life, but there is something about a young person living out the calling of Christ in a manner that is reflective of the Kingdom of God that is both encouraging and challenging. God is using Aldersgate Renewal Ministries to create a time and a place for teenagers to gather and experience the depth and truth of God in a way that is going to have a lasting impact people’s lives today and more importantly on the renewal of the Church.

Do you want to see revival? Do you want your church renewed? Put the Word of God in the hands of a teenager; encourage them, disciple them, cover them with prayer and watch God move.

See you in Charleston, WV
July 11th – 15th 2012.

Ministering on Empty? Come and Fill Your Tank

“The timing of this retreat was amazing” “This event is exactly what my wife and I needed at this moment in our life! Truly a great event!” These were just two of the testimonies about the value of the ARM Minister and Spouse Retreat. A consistent theme from testimonies from the most recent MSR was acknowledgement of the reality of just how draining ministry is. Appreciating the safe environment created at the retreat held at the Aldersgate Renewal Center, clergy couples from all around the United States embraced the opportunity for small groups. Through both laughter and tears, couples found freedom to be transparent and to share and to minister to one another at deep levels of the heart. One participant shared, “I better understand the needs and pressures of my [spouse] and will be more loving and patient with my words. Thank you so much for a weekend of love and renewal. Jesus was very much present in this place and through the service of everyone at ARM, I felt His love for me. It encouraged me to share that love with our church and my [spouse].”

Event coordinator Jonathan Dow reflected, “I think one of the strengths of the event is that it is both informational and formational. While there are practical nuts and bolts offered with take-a-way principles for thriving in everyday life and ministry, there are also experiential facets of the event that allow the Holy Spirit to minister to present pain. The event has a solid balance that will minister to both ‘thinkers’ and ‘feelers.’” Reaffirming that perception, one participant wrote, “I was so blessed by the talks, Scriptures, music, fellowship in the small groups and at meals. I am glad we came and I am encouraged about the United Methodist Church. Keep up the good work!”

Perhaps it is time for your minister and spouse to attend! The 15th MSR will take place the Tuesday through Friday immediately after Easter in 2012, April 10-14.

Are you a single clergy or unable to attend an event with your spouse? Join us for a special Minister’s Retreat hosted at our headquarters in Goodlettsville, TN September 17-20, 2012. Hosted on a Monday – Wednesday, the retreat will focus on “RE:” – being renewed, refueled, recalibrated, rekindled, reignited, and redefined by the Holy Spirit.

Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Worship Conference 2011

During the weekend of September 16th over 60 worship leaders, choir directors, singers, instrumentalists, media guru’s and even a few pastors found themselves in Goodlettsville, TN for the ARM Worship Conference. Together with worship band Twelve Ounce Jar and speakers Rachel Wolverton, Rev. Steven Morgan, and Jonathan Dow, we spent time learning what it meant to be UNLOCKED to the power of the Holy Spirit in worship ministry.

God’s presence was evident with us in worship, teaching, hands on learning and communion with one another. Aside from the equipping that so often comes with events such as these, God showed up in our lives and ministered to us on an individual level – molding and making us into the instruments of His love, healing, and grace. One participant stated, “I have always NOT thought of myself as a leader, but God keeps telling me in some ways, I will be and I am accepting whatever he tells me”. When asked how attending the worship conference impacted another participant they replied with, “It refocused my attention on the true meaning of worship”, while another said “I really enjoyed it and felt it ministered to me both musically and spiritually”.

What an amazing blessing that God is using the ministry of Aldersgate to equip and empower not only a new generation of worship leaders, but also refreshing and renewing those who have been in ministry for years. Be on the lookout for the next Aldersgate Worship Conference coming in September of 2013!

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ARM Church Partners

ARM Church Partnership is a mutual relationship of prayer, participation, promotion and provision renewed annually. Financial support from the local church helps resource life-giving, transformational ministry to individuals and churches across the United States. ARM gratefully reciprocates by providing registration discounts, complimentary resources and praying for your church. For more information on this exciting program click on ARM Church Partner.

Pastor’s Retreat Scheduled at the ARC

Focusing on themes of Returning, Reclaiming, Recalibrating, Redefining and Reigniting, a retreat for pastors and those in ministry leadership is scheduled for September 17-19, 2012. Whether single or married, this event is designed for clergy and ministry leaders to be spiritually refreshed through worship, fellowship and exhortation from seasoned ministry leaders who have both passion for God and a heart to encourage those serving in ministry. Registration for the event will be $99 and includes two nights hotel stay. Save the date and be looking for promotional materials in the fall of 2011.

Regional Affiliates

In several annual conferences across the country, ARM has established Regional Affiliate Renewal Fellowships that work within an annual conference to spread the work of ARM and work for renewal. They encourage local churches to host our Local Church Renewal Events like Lay Witness Mission, Lord Teach Us To Pray and Life in the Spirit Seminars. They often have an annual one day or weekend retreat. Some sponsor events at their annual conference session. Many provide an ARM display in the exhibit section of their annual conference.

If you would be interested in more information on forming a Regional Affiliate Renewal Fellowship in your annual conference, please contact Rev. Maryanne Ditter . If you are interested in staffing an ARM display at your annual conference session, contact the ARM office at 1-877-857-9372.

Help Us Keep You Informed!

If you already receive email communication from us, thank you! If not, and you have an active email account, won’t you help us save costs by providing your email for communications from Aldersgate Renewal Ministries? By doing so you help us stretch our resources. Just send a current email here to have that added to our database. Please note that if you don’t have an email address you will still receive our mailings via USPS mail.

Is Your Minister and Spouse Ready for A Break?

Recently ARM hosted our 14th Minister and Spouse Retreat. Scheduled the week immediately following Easter, this mid-week event is designed for ministers and spouses to return to their first love, rekindle the flame in their marriage and to reclaim the power to serve. Led by couples seasoned in balancing the unique challenges of life and ministry, this retreat is a spiritually safe place for clergy and spouses to take time to rest and receive. The $199 registration fee includes three nights at a hotel, catered meals and a special “evening out.”

Mark your calendars now and plan to send your minister and spouse to the 15th Minister and Spouse Retreat to be held Tuesday through Friday, April 10-13, 2012. This event would be a special gift that your church can give to bless your pastor and spouse!