As followers of Christ, our lives are filled with invitations. We are invited to pray and read scripture. We are invited to share our faith and serve those in need. We are invited to worship and invest in our churches. This activity is good and absolutely necessary. However, if we are not careful our activity leaves us tired and worn out, but the invitation of Jesus is not to a life of burnout and over activity.
Instead, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)
At this one-day conference, Renovaré teachers Carolyn Arends and Chris Hall will introduce us to Another Kind of Life. We will explore truths and practices designed to help us keep company with Jesus and learn the unforced rhythms of grace. How might we live freely and lightly, so our activity in the world overflows from a Christ-centered heart? If you have ever felt tired, worn-out, burned out on religion, this day is for you.
When & Where
Saturday, November 16, 2019
9 AM–5 PM at the Practice
Lunch is included
Carolyn will also be speaking on Sunday, November 17 at the Practice service.
The Practice
South Barrington Campus
Waterfall Room
67 Algonquin Rd,
South Barrington, IL 60010
(224) 512-1524
Meet the Speakers
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn oversees the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation as well as several other Renovaré initiatives, including the Book Club. She is also a recording artist, speaker, author, and college...
Learn more about Carolyn >
Chris Hall
Chris Hall currently serves as President of Renovaré. Previously Chris was Director of Academic Spiritual Formation and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Eastern University. Chris is the author of a...
Learn more about Chris >
Early bird registration of $70 is available through October 31st, which includes lunch, snacks and a copy of The Reservoir. In November, registration will be $80. Additional resources will be available to be purchased.
This event has passed and registration is closed.
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends is Renovaré's Director of Education.
As a songwriter and author, she is known for messages, songs, and books that stir the soul, and a warm, engaging style that leaves her audiences feeling like they’ve found a new best friend. She has written and released 12 albums and is the author of 3 critically acclaimed books. 15 of Carolyn’s songs have become top 10 radio singles on the Canadian pop and US Christian charts. Carolyn has earned 2 Dove Awards, 3 Juno Nominations, and was recognized as the West Coast Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year. Her prose has been recognized by The Word Guild, The Evangelical Press Association and The Canadian Church Press Awards.
In addition to her busy touring and speaking schedule, Carolyn has been a regular columnist for Christianity Today and is an adjunct professor at ACTS Seminary, Pacific Life Bible College, and Columbia Bible College. She has a degree in Psychology and English from Trinity Western University and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College. She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband, Mark, and their children Benjamin and Bethany.
In her role as the Director of Education for Renovaré, Carolyn oversees the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, the Renovaré Book Club, and various other initiatives.
She continues to speak, sing, facilitate retreats, and lead songwriting and performance seminars.
Carolyn in Action
On learning to listen to and focus on God:
On being willing to be willing:
Chris Hall
Christopher A. Hall is president of Renovaré.
He is associate editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and his books include Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, and Worshiping with the Church Fathers.
Hall previously served at Eastern University for over twenty years in several roles, including chancellor, provost, dean of Palmer Seminary, dean of the Templeton Honors College, distinguished professor of theology, and director of academic spiritual formation.
Dr. Hall possesses a B.A. from UCLA in history, an M.A. in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Regent College, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He has served in the pastorate overseas (France, 5 years) and in Canada (British Columbia, 2 years). He has also served as Director of Pastoral Care at New Jersey’s only state gero-psychiatric hospital.
Dr. Hall has ministered in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle-East, Canada, and the United States. He serves on the editorial board of Christianity Today and was the associate editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. He has published articles and book reviews in Christianity Today, Catalyst, Christian History, inMinistry, Books and Culture, Christian Scholars Review, Modern Theology, and Crux.
He and his wife Debbie have three children, Nathan, Nathalie, and Joshua and are members of the Episcopal Church.
Chris Hall Teaching Samples
Chris's entire 22-lesson course on the Foundations of Christian Spirituality is available free of charge.
“Spiritual formation is intensely relational.” In the audio clip below, Chris Hall helps us understand how we become “ever more human as we become ever more like God.” Taken from a Renovaré Making Ordinary Saints Gathering in Paoli, PA.
Renovaré USA is a Christian nonprofit that models, resources, and advocates fullness of life with God experienced, by grace, through the spiritual practices of Jesus and of the historical Church. Christian in commitment, ecumenical in breadth, and international in scope, Renovaré helps people in becoming like Jesus. Learn more.
Renovaré is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All donations are tax deductible.
EIN: 48-1062723
Privacy Policy