Since 1954 Lay Renewal Ministries has been used by the Holy Spirit to orchestrate and conduct congregational renewal events in thousands of churches representing more than 50 denominations all over the country. To acknowledge a new millennium, new generations and a new culture, LRM is retooling our congregational events creating Congregational Celebrations.

What is a Celebration?

A Celebration (formerly called Lay Witness Missions and Lay Renewal Weekend) is a weekend event conducted by a team of men and women from neighboring communities and churches. Led by a trained LRM coordinator, this group comes for the purpose of giving testimony to what Christ means to them and the difference His presence has made in their lives. The emphasis of the Celebration can either focus on Faith, Prayer, Abundant Life, Purpose, or The Word. NEW! A “Passion-Driven Thumon Weekend” explores the three great questions Moses asked God on the mountain. Your church can decide which event emphasis is best for your situation or work with your coordinator to customize it even more!

Need small group training? There is also a special Equipping Celebration focused on training church members to facilitate small groups. Pick a Celebration theme from the options above and customize it to include this aspect.

Structure

Through the lives and testimonies of the visiting team of lay men and women, church members will see models of Christian commitment and oneness. They will taste new experiences such as small group discussions, one-on-one prayer and testimonies by people like themselves. They will learn of the fulfillment of a life of prayer, fellowship, understanding the Bible and sharing their faith where they live and work. A Celebration is a weekend devoted to living the Christian life as modeled in the First Century. It includes the preaching and teaching of the Word, prayer, fellowship, Bible study, testimony, caring, praise and worship.

Implementation

An LRM Coordinator will guide your church through the preparation process, the weekend experience itself and the very important follow-up. The visiting team members will be prepared to share and lead small groups during the weekend. A variety of opportunities for interaction will allow members of your church to listen and speak to each other and the team members about their faith. Members will experience an atmosphere of love and edification and will be enriched, challenged and motivated. Our underlying objective, as we bring this event to your church will be to encourage your people in their faith.

Participation

Members of your church will be challenged to pray before, during and after the weekend for themselves, their pastor, the leaders and members of their church. They will be invited to take a role in the preparation, the weekend itself and the follow-up plans. Members’ homes will be needed to house the visiting team members for Friday and Saturday evenings and to host Saturday morning coffees. Volunteers will also be needed for promotion, communication, transportation and meal preparation. Leadership can be put in place to provide special programs for children and youth.

Preparation

A Celebration Preparation Manual will organize and guide the church in its preparation steps. Committees will need to be formed to facilitate the planning for the weekend. Early involvement of your members will make the event more successful. The process of planning the Celebration will be as important to the life of your church as the actual implementation of the event itself. If faithfully followed, you can expect the weekend to be a significant event in the life of your members. The coordinator will visit the church in advance to brief the church’s General Chairperson and the local committees and to answer questions Celebration Preparation Manuals are sent to the church upon receipt of the registration form and fees.

Commitment

Spiritual Growth & Community Impact Survey
As part of your Celebration, Lay Renewal Ministries provides our premier tool to help evaluate the growth and impact of your church. This tool includes a survey to be administered to your leadership team and another for your entire congregation. Typically taken three months prior to the Celebration itself, your leadership team can effectively use this tool to prioritize target areas for continuing spiritual growth after your Celebration. Strategic plans can be put into place for immediate implementation after your event. This tool is also available to use in continuing years to gauge how leaders are helping members to grow in their faith walk. Click here to learn more about the SGCIS.

Leader Support & Congregational Commitment
To assure success, your Senior Pastor, lay leaders and the pastoral staff of your church must take complete ownership in this event. They must outwardly anticipate the importance of the celebration as a significant landmark in the life of the church. They also must commit their support to this event and its potential to change your church significantly. As the congregation is effectively made aware that the Celebration will be a significant landmark in the life of your church, they will want to be involved in the event. With commitment and involvement, their lives will be changed.

NOTE: A common concern is the ability of a church to find sufficient volunteers to support the weekend. Please contact LRM to discuss options – including having a smaller visiting team and utilizing current leaders within the church family.