​What is the Renovate Challenge?

The renovate challenge involves taking God up on his promise to renovate our hearts.
​God’s promise is that if we follow Christ he will write his laws on our hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:16). Through a relationship with Jesus, God transforms our inner person into the character of Christ so that we become like him in every way (2 Cor 3:18).

You may have noticed that the fullness of transformation into Christ likeness doesn’t happen instantly when you put your faith in him. God works some change in us quickly, other changes gradually over time. And transformation doesn’t happen automatically either. We have a part to play. Even though God initiates our salvation and provides the power to change us, he calls us to work alongside him (Phil 2:13). When we do our part, we grow (Romans 12:1-2). If we don’t do our part, we stagnate.

What’s our part?

In his lifestyle Jesus modelled for us habits that open our hearts to God and shape the human spirit. Even though he was perfect, Jesus was trained into godly character (Hebrews 5:7-10). As we follow Jesus in his habits (with God and with people), we will experience more of his character and his life forming in us. God renovates us inside when we consistently apply Jesus practices in our days and weeks (Matthew 7:24-27).

We could pull out quite a list of formational habits that Jesus engaged in. But for the purpose of simplicity we will start with a short list. Each habit or practice directs us in one of three relational directions: UP with God, IN with Jesus followers, or OUT with people who don’t yet know Jesus.

These are the habits we will follow Jesus in for the renovate challenge:

Click photo for a description of each habit
​The challenge is this: to make a plan (on paper) to build 4 "Jesus Habits" into your schedule and then follow your plan to the best of your ability for the next 8 months. 

We have provided a simple planner for you to schedule in your habits and practices. It will be up to you to decide how you work these habits into your life. In our small groups there will be space for you to build your own plan, and then get support to implement it. We will start slowly and gradually so that you succeed in the long term.

We will be preaching on each of these habits/practices for 6 weeks (starting Sept 1st).

How to take on the Renovate Challenge:
  1. Accept the challenge - Click here: "I Accept the Challenge" or hit the button on the home page of the website.
  2. Join a support group: 
    1. ​All of our Community Groups are open and will provide support for the Renovate Challenge. AND/OR
    2. Ask one or two people to join you in a Life Transformation Group. (a group of 3) OR
    3. Hit the "Join a Renovate Group" button and we will connect you to a group. 
  3. Work with your group to make your own personal plan. Give a copy of your plan to your group leader so they can help you succeed. 
  4. Begin implementing the habits you planned out in your schedule. 
  5. Revisit your plan in your group. How is it going? Are you struggling/succeeding? How is God meeting you in new ways?
As we go along you will get to hear testimonies of what God is doing in people in our community. ​