chicago
The Latest: September News
The church has always been characterized as a people who gather, united by their shared love for Jesus. This continues to be true even as a pandemic has caused this "gathering" to take on many different forms throughout the world. Even with present limitations, churches are still finding safe and
Not Limited by Four Walls
At its core, the church has always been characterized as a people who gather, united by their shared love for Jesus. This continues to be true even as a pandemic has caused this "gathering" to take on many different forms throughout the world. We love seeing the creative ways churches
The Church in Action During COVID-19
From raising additional benevolence funds, to creating new approaches for worship services, to fostering new ways for intentional connection, to proactively supporting local community, to practicing lament together... it's been beautiful seeing the church being the church in this unique season. Here are a handful of examples of Orchard Group
Celebrating Five Years
We're rejoicing with Renewal Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renewal-church] (Chicago) and Renaissance Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renaissance-church] (NYC) as they celebrate their five-year anniversaries. Both of these churches are already to the point of being self-sustaining [https://blog.orchardgroup.org/tag/self-sustaining/], one of the most important indicators
Spring Growth
One of the pictures Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God was of a mustard seed. The Bible often uses gardening or farming illustrations to reveal the nature of the gospel, showing how God is at work in the world. God can bring life even in the most barren
Race and Immigration: A Gospel Conversation
Each year, Renewal Church in Chicago hosts a conversation centered on how the gospel impacts issues around racial identity. This year, they expanded the conversation to include how Jesus followers can think about immigration. Renewal is committed to living out the gospel in Chicago, crossing boundaries and becoming a multi-ethnic
In Their Own Words: Hiring (and Firing) Staff
By Derrick Puckett, Renewal Church, Chicago We came into planting a church in Chicago like we had it all together. We thought we had the perfect location, the perfect staff team, enough money, and people. In the mind of the church planter, the plant may look and feel better than
Meet Lauren and Robby
“Chicago is such a diverse city, but we went to so many churches where it was all white or all black. We loved seeing the mix of people at Renewal.” Two years ago, Lauren and Robby were dating and searching for a church where they both felt welcomed. Lauren heard
Meet Will
Will was connected to Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] before it even started. He had played football in college with Derrick Puckett, the lead planter. Will and his wife had been looking for a place for their family to attend. When Derrick articulated his vision for Renewal,
Meet Emiola
“Chicago is an extremely diverse city, but it’s a very segregated space.” Meet Emiola from Renewal Church [https://orchardgroup.org/projects/renewal-church] in Chicago. Emiola was born in Chicago and grew up in London and Nigeria. When she returned to Chicago for college, she was surprised and dismayed at
Renewal Church in Photos
Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago recently relocated to a high school on the west side of Chicago. The move allowed them to stay in the neighborhood while also providing them room for growth. It was a good idea - after adding a second service, the
Go To Where the People Are
Derrick Puckett recognized that many times people won't come to church, even if they are spiritually seeking. So Renewal Church [http://www.orchardgroup.org/church/renewal/] in Chicago makes a habit of getting outside the walls of church- whether that's playing basketball or going to neighborhood celebrations! As a side