Renaissance Church (Providence, RI)

Renaissance Church ( Ren ) is an emergent church located on the east side of Providence, RI. As stated on their website, "We exist to help people achieve the full expression of what they are created to be." The churches website is www.Renaissance-church.org

This church would be considered as part of the Emergent Church Movement as discussed by D. A. Carson, Alex McManus, and other emergent church scholars. Renaissance is believed to be the first Emergent Church to be started in Providence, RI.

History

Renaissance church was founded by Reverend Scott Axtmann and Reverend Marshal Morse. Originally the church met in various locations such as hotel conference rooms or theaters. As the church grew, there was a need for a more fixed location. The church leased a small 800 square foot store front space on the west side of Providence, RI.

In 2005 the church decided not to renew their lease on the store front space and moved to the east side of Providence, RI. The church met in the vartan Gregorian school located on Wickenden Street in the east side of Providence, RI. The church then moved in late 2005 to it's current location on Benefit Street on the east side of Providence, RI. The church currently rents space in a historic former arsenal building on the east side.

Post-modernity and the Emergent church

Post-modernity is a societal movement. It is akin to the Renassaince period or modern period in art and culture.

The Emergent church movement woiuld GeneRally be agreed upon as the churches internal response to the societal post-modern movement.

Leadership

The lead pastor at Renaissance Church is Reverend Scott Axtmann. Scott is a graduate of Zion Bible College and is an ordained minister within the Assemblies of God church.

The church is lead by a 4 member "pastoral staff" team. This team is made up of Scott Axtmann, John Michaelson (an ordained, Assemblies of God, campus missionary), Kate DeMello (a Theology professor), and Steve Simmons (Church member) The teams purpose has varied over it's liftetime. The teams primary purpose is to make decisions on church operation from a spiritual, logistical, and practical standpoint.

Church Values

The church has 12 official things that they value and an unofficial thirteenth thing that they value. The official values are Authenticity, Scripture, Relevance, Mission, Family, People, Mentorship, Social Action, Divine Pursuit, Innovation and the Arts, Culture, and Dialogue.

The thirteenth unofficial thing is "Coffee".

Church Move

In January 2008 the church will be leaving its current location due to size limitations and fire code issues. The church will be renting space at the Vartan Gregorian School located on Wickenden st. on the east side of Providence.

Service times in the new location are to be determined.