Introducing Renovaré
In 1978, Richard J. Foster first published a book called Celebration of Discipline, which led to a widespread ministry of speaking and teaching on spiritual formation. This led to the foundation of Renovaré in November 1988. He has since authored over 60 articles and six books, including Streams of Living Water, Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home and Celebration of Discipline, hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality. Richard lives in Denver, Colorado and continues to write on the spiritual life.
Dr. Dallas Willard was Professor of Philosophy at The University of Southern California and an ordained minister who spoke at churches and Christian organizations worldwide. Along with Richard, Dallas was a founding member of Renovaré. He wrote, among others, The Divine Conspiracy, Renovation of the Heart, Hearing God and Life Without Lack. Dallas is survived by his wife Jane, son John, daughter and son-in-law Becky and Bill Heatley, and granddaughter Larissa, who continue his legacy and work.
Through conferences, retreats, publications, podcasts, books and spiritual formation groups, Renovaré continues to teach, model and advocate for a deeper life with God, kingdom living and becoming more like Christ. Since Renovaré US was founded in 1988, local expressions of Renovaré have sprung up around the world. Renovaré (Britain and Ireland) was established in 2001.
Renovaré (Britain and Ireland):
Rob Hare (Director)
Rob is Operations Lead, Bible Engagement Team at Bible Society and creator of Bible Society's Lyfe resources. He is a graduate of Westminster Theological Centre and the Renovaré Institute for Spiritual Formation (Denver, Colorado Cohort).
Andy Malcolm
Andy is the Adviser for work with Young People at Salisbury Diocese. He is committed to seeing spiritual formation take root in the lives of young people.
James Catford
James Catford had a career in commercial publishing before leading the British Bible Society for fourteen years. A fomer Chair of Renovaré Britian & Ireland and Renovaré US, he now serves as Chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life in Wshington D.C. and is literary advisor to the Dallas Willard estate. James lives in Somerset with his wife Sue, a former journalist and TV anchor.
Alan Abernethy (Chair)
Bishop Alan Abernethy retired as Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor in Dec 2019. He is passionate about discipleship, spirituality and mission.
Gordon Cotterill
Gordon is a Salvation Army Officer at a church in Sutton. He is also a former Spiritual Programme Director at William Booth College.
Alison Thomas Steer
Alison is a graduate of the Renovaré Institute for Spiritual Formation (Boston Cohort). She currently works for the NHS.
Roy Searle
Roy is one of the founders of the Northumbria Community. A former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain Roy is a leadership mentor, spiritual director, pioneer ambassador, writer, retreat leader and an associate of The Commons Network https://www.thecommonsnetwork.com and The Northumbrian Collective https://northumbrian.org