A History of Renewal In Missouri (RIM)

Renewal In Missouri (RIM) began its ministry in 1987 after the three informal dialogues held between "charismatic" (we no longer use this ambiguous term) pastors and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod officials from 1984 to 1986. Some of the questions frequently asked by our officials were: "Who speaks for such a varied movement and how can we relate to it," and "What do these LCMS charismatics really believe; there seems to be such a wide range of positions held by them?" Besides serving as an attempt to answer these questions, another reason for forming RIM was to assist the Synod with serious theological study that would present something of a common understanding relative to this renewal movement. In addition, the original 53 Founders and Associates of RIM decided to become "vulnerably visible" as we attempted to bring to the Synod a "balanced" word relative to the Holy Spirit and His gifts. It is our view that the majority of the Synod has mostly heard only warnings and negative input relative to these matters. The Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions also have many positive and encouraging things to say on these issues.

Since renewal is more than spiritual gifts, we are focusing major attention in working together in our Synod to foster Bold Witness, Dynamic Worship, Vibrant Faith and Fervent Prayer. From the beginning our approach has been one of "positive" input and working in harmony with the rest of our brethren in the Synod in contrast to some of the other "groups" speaking into the Synod. What we have written is intended for discussion "among brethren" and is not to be considered "final words" or "position statements" on these subjects; we are open to correction.

The pastors listed in this issue as "Coordinators" or "Associates," represent over 2,000 years of faithful service in the Synod. Currently there are 600+ pastors who are either involved in renewal or have stated they are supportive – although many have not "gone public" with their views for a variety of reasons. There have been differing opinions relative to the accuracy of the number of pastors on our list, but our figures are carefully arrived at since we have personal contact with these brethren.

We are currently publishing the RIM Newsletter, “RIM Report,” which is mailed to every parish pastor in the Missouri Synod. Of the 9,000+ copies of each issue printed, copies are also mailed to many district and synodical officials, college and seminary libraries, and several thousand laypeople. The overall response to our publication has been very positive. (A few pastors have asked us not to send it to them.) Frequently laypeople write of how they have been praying for many years for renewal in our Lutheran Churches and are thankful for RIM's ministry.

RIM has conducted two national conferences, twelve district-wide "Pastors' Renewal Seminars," several regional conferences and two "Leadership Training Institutes." We also help our pastors relate to one another for mutual upbuilding and encouragement. We are able to refer laypeople, when they travel or move, to congregations open to renewal. We can also be of help when congregations are looking for names of pastors in renewal for call lists. At the directive of the 1989 LCMS Wichita Convention, three meetings were held between RIM and Synod representatives from 1991-1992. This group prepared a progress report. In 1999 and 2000 three more sessions of dialogues were held which resulted in more agreement as we adopted eight “Agree-Reject” statements. A copy is available from the RIM office. (These documents are also available on our web-site: renewalinmissouri.homestead.com, titled, “RIM and Synod dialogues move toward agreement.”)

Each October RIM sponsors a pastors and wives retreat on "Encouragement, Hope and Spiritual Power." RIM also provides renewal resources to pastors and congregations. We have published two booklets: "Pray for the Power of the Holy Spirit" and "The Church's Healing Ministry." We have a prayer network among many congregations in the Synod and also have a quarterly "Prayer Letter" that goes out to several hundred.

RIM's ministry is entirely supported by the contributions of many individuals and congregations.