Renovaré Online Course

Luminous Lives: Twelve Shining Souls Shaped by God

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Examples matter.

It seems every day we learn about another public Christian figure embroiled in scandal, leaving behind wounded victims and a host of people disillusioned with the Christian faith.

“That’s why our hope is in Jesus and not people,” we may say. And this is true. But it also helps to observe those who show by example what it means to follow Jesus and finish well. As Paul encouraged, ​“follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”

Who are the people who have shown you that transformation in Christ is possible? 

For Dr. Miriam Dixon (Mimi), the list includes C.S. Lewis, Lilias Trotter, Dallas Willard, Teresa of Àvila, and a host of others who illuminated her understanding of what is possible in our life with God. 

In this online video course, Mimi will introduce you to twelve exemplars of Christian faith who deeply influenced her life and almost four decades of pastoral ministry.

What’s In This Course and Who It’s For

Luminous Lives contains twelve 10 – 15 minute lessons (plus an introduction and conclusion) and a printable course guide (PDF) that includes reflection questions and resources for going deeper. 

It’s for anyone who wants to go deeper with God by exploring exemplars who show us what it means to live a God-shaped life.

The course is self-paced and can be accessed anytime. Take it individually, or use it with a church or small group — something Mimi had in mind as she designed and taught this course.

Course Outline

  • Intro
  • C.S. Lewis
  • Jean Pierre de Caussade
  • Basilea Schlink
  • Eugene Peterson
  • Larry Crabb
  • Paul King Jewett
  • Saint Teresa of Calcutta
  • Catherine de Hueck Doherty
  • Richard Foster
  • Teresa of Àvila
  • Lilias Trotter
  • Dallas Willard
  • Conclusion

A Note About Diversity

Mimi’s list of exemplars is not meant to be definitive nor exhaustive. It reflects those who most deeply shaped her within her particular context, many of whom she knew personally. In future courses, we will hear from a variety of diverse voices. Mimi’s hope is that this course will inspire participants to form their own, wonderfully diverse lists of exemplars.

    Meet the Instructor

    Miriam Dixon

    Miriam (Mimi) Dixon began her ministry in 1979 serving as an associate pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. From April of 1985 to May of 2019 she served as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Golden, Colorado. She earned both her MDiv and DMin degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mimi is on the Renovaré Board of Directors and teaches for the Renovaré Institute. She is faculty for Next Frontiers, a ministry to pastors in transition, and actively promotes Christian Spiritual Formation, crediting Richard Foster and Dallas Willard for their influence in her life and ministry. Mimi has authored Worth Celebrating: a biography of Richard J Foster's Celebration of Discipline, available through Barclay Press.