When his book Celebration of Discipline was a surprise success over forty years ago, Richard Foster was flooded with invitations to speak.

He decided to use this unexpected platform to elevate others. ​“Sure, I’ll come speak,” he would agree, ​“if I can bring someone else to speak, too.”

These friends of Richard would do events together and support one another in prayer, and in time became the Renovaré Ministry Team.

This team, about 30 people now, also exists to model the possibility and beauty of Christian unity. It’s made up of ministers, professors, entrepreneurs, prayer servants, and authors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and Christian traditions — from Mennonite to Methodist, Roman Catholic to Church of God in Christ, Assembly of God to American Baptist.

This diversity is no accident. We believe all who know Christ have something to offer the larger Body. That’s why you’ll often hear us talk about the gift of different Christian Streams. The Ministry Team and much of the purpose of Renovaré is about helping us to learn from and celebrate one another.

Growing up, I feared the word ​“ecumenical.” In my mind it was synonymous with compromise. Bringing Christians together from various traditions seemed like it required watered-down theology. But now I understand it’s just the opposite. One needs a strong, Christ-centered orthodoxy to guard against becoming fearfully huddled up in our own little corner.

The Ministry Team has modeled to me healthy ecumenism. Its members have shown me how to listen to other perspectives, how to come together even if there are secondary matters of disagreement, and what it looks like to dwell in unity.

“How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! … Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.” – Psalm 131:1 MSG