Renaissance Church has stepped into a brand new season. Let me tell you the story. 

In 2023 we found out that the beautiful building we gathered in for almost a decade was being sold. Because we’ve met in so many different spaces since the start of the church in 2003, we did not worry. But we did understand that finding a new space would be a challenge in light of the tough real estate market in Rhode Island. I (Scott) searched for months to find a building in Providence that would suit us. Nothing. Well, nothing we could afford. 

This time I expanded the search to areas just outside of Providence like Cranston and East Providence. I found more rental spaces for significantly less than in Providence. The idea of being located outside of Providence was a big deal for us since we had been located in Providence for over 20 years. Besides the more affordable rent there were two specific things that caused us to be open to the idea. 

First, it has been our story since the beginning that God plants us somewhere and then moves us. We’ve been all over. We never get overly attached to an address. We started on the westside of Providence in the Columbus Theatre. A few years later we moved to the eastside of Providence and met in two different locations, the school in Fox Point and the Armory on Benefit Street. In 2009, the Lord led us deep into South Providence into a neighborhood called Reservoir Triangle on the edge of Cranston. About five years after that we moved to 184 Broad Street: where downtown, the westside and South Providence converge. So when the cloud of God moves, we move with it. It has been our story that our location is fluid and our ethos is constant. 

Second, during the pandemic we had a dramatic shift in our philosophy of mission. For years we would draw a circle around wherever our church building was located and say, “this is now our mission field.” But during the pandemic we started to feel more love and connection to our neighbors where we live and the places we spend most of our time, like where we work 40+ hours a week. The reality is that those who attend Ren Church are from all over. The majority actually live outside the city of Providence in places like Cranston, Rumford, Barrington, Warwick, Warren, Pawtucket, North Smithfield, Fall River, Woonsocket, Coventry, West Warwick, Seekonk, Attleboro, and so on. Focusing our mission primarily where we live and work suddenly made the location of where we gathered on Sundays not as important. It just needed to be central and accessible to all. 

Some have wondered about the urban mission work we’ve been developing in the last decade in the neighborhood around our present location called Trinity Square. We created an arm of the church specifically for this purpose called “CityLove.” Our CityLove initiatives will continue because they are part of our ethos to care for the local poor. Many in the church serve on the CityLove team and will continue that regardless of where Ren gathers on Sundays.

All that said, we found a space to suit our needs just over the city line at 10 Tripps Lane in East Providence. Tucked away in a quiet area, it was a warehouse connected to a larger building owned by Pace (a non profit). Renovating the space in 2024 took a whole village. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the volunteer hours people put in. Our general contractor, Rich McCarthy, who is a member at Ren, did such an amazing job bringing us to the finish line. Our tiny staff went above and beyond to make the transition happen in a timely manner. The Elders provided steady encouragement throughout the year.

I’m just blown away at the goodness of God and the generosity of his people.

What a blessing it’s been to be meeting in our new church at 10 Tripps Lane.

Still raising funds

I’m also amazed by the $200,000 that has been raised by mostly Ren church members, plus a few outside donors like Potter’s House Church and some Ren alumni. Many have given sacrificially. As you may know, the cost of labor and materials has increased dramatically since the pandemic. About 15 years ago we renovated a space (77 Reservoir Ave) for under $50,000. We thought the 10 Tripps renovation would be double that, but it turned out to be about $250K, even with the generosity of many through their labor.

We are still campaigning for funds through what we’ve been calling the “Spring Offering.” We want to reach that 250K to be in a wise spot financially. If you’re able to give, be sure to mark your donation “Spring Offering” - all donations are tax deductible. Thanks! 

All this focus on establishing us in a new space in this season makes me wonder about the value of a worship space. For 2000 years Christians have met in all kinds of spaces—catacombs, secret basements, gothic cathedrals, modern worship centers, houses, schools, warehouses, bars, community centers, circus tents, theaters, and many other places. The actual place does not seem to matter that much. It seems like God has proven that He can work powerfully in just about any space that His people gather. What does matter is that there is a space, some kind of space, that can accommodate a local church gathering together. Consider some of the things that happen in worship spaces. People who are lost are found. Prodigals come home. People are called to ministry. Friendships are formed. Children encounter God’s love. People are healed. Lives are touched and transformed. The Word of God is proclaimed. Christ is exalted. The presence of Jesus is manifested in tangible ways. What happens in worship spaces is sacred. We experience the kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven.” Establishing a worship space has eternal importance. Selah. 

If you have any questions at all about any of this feel free to reach out at scott@renchurchri.org and I will respond back soon. 

Laboring for the glory of Christ our King, 

Scott A