So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!
2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSVUE
 

Photos and graphics from Renew Facebook page.

Rev. Mark Ehrmantraut spends 50% of his time serving the Bismarck Calvary and Center United Methodist churches in North Dakota. The remainder of his time is dedicated to expanding a ministry called Renew.

“This is the church being the church. When we gather for Renew, we are the church,” said Rev. Mark Ehrmantraut. “The reality of Renew is that it’s raw, messy, an adventure, and it’s authentic. We are people of hope.”

Renew’s purpose statement, as posted on Facebook, is: “Renew is a safe, Christ-centered community for anyone walking through life’s struggles—whether it’s pain from the past, habits we’re trying to break, relationships we’re trying to heal, or faith we’re trying to rebuild.”

The ministry began at Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck and is now flourishing at Calvary UMC.

“It started with breakthrough prayer. Praying for God to come through,” said Ehrmantraut. “When we pray, I often explain to people that this can be dangerous because we don’t know where and when God will break through.”

The breakthrough happened when Rev. Cory Thrall of Legacy UMC invited Pastor Mark to get involved in the recovery ministry. After prayer, visiting the ministry, and conversations with Pastor Cory, Calvary became Renew's new home.

“It was something that just fit. We launched Renew at Calvary on Valentine's Day,” stated Pastor Mark. “Renew has a broader focus than recovery from drug or alcohol addictions. It offers recovery and support to people dealing with all kinds of struggles in life—human trafficking, multiple sclerosis, as well as addictions. People come to walk with others and bring hope.”

Renew meets on Saturday evenings, starting with large-group worship. Worship includes a countdown video, followed by a short video that welcomes people into a safe place. A contemporary praise band leads songs about grace, hope, and renewal. There is a speaker or a testimony during the worship time, sharing how Jesus makes a difference in people’s lives. Before people move to small groups, worship closes with the Serenity Prayer.

Process rules guide small groups: 1) No cross-talk; 2) We don’t fix each other; 3) Each person shares for three to five minutes; 4) Confidentiality and anonymity are maintained; 5) No use of offensive language.

“We try to be good stewards of people’s time. We start with a meal at 5 p.m., worship or large group happens at 6-6:45 p.m., followed by small groups at 7 p.m. We try to end the evening around 8, definitely by 8:30 p.m.,” explained Pastor Mark. “Everything is tied to the Beatitudes. There is a Wesleyan focus. We are intentional about the Three Simple Rules. We often pray Wesley’s Covenant Prayer.”

Renew has a leadership team that includes Pastor Mark. The team meets monthly and is guided by the work of Rev. Dr. Michael Beck. The leadership team intentionally wrestles with John Wesley’s 22 questions. Pastor Mark's role is to support the team and create a welcoming, safe space.

“I am helping create a safe, welcoming space where people know that they are welcomed, loved, and supported in becoming the people God created them to be,” said Pastor Mark. “I try to be supportive and stay out of the way. It is an adventure every day. It is Holy work!”

Renew is a first-time adventure for the congregation of Calgary United Methodist Church. They have graciously supported each other and are living into creating one body of Christ. The average worship attendance between Saturday, Renew, and Sunday in Calgary is 72. Approximately 20-25 attend worship on Sunday; 45-50 attend Renew on Saturday. Although Renew is not financially self-supporting, 10% of its offering goes to support Calgary.

Funding for Renew, including the meal, is supported by an average per-person donation of $2, donations of food and money from individuals, and a Breakthrough Ministry Grant.

As they work to become one body in Christ, they must understand and love their differences.

“There are a lot more facial tattoos on Saturday night than on Sunday morning. In the United Methodist Church, we don’t always clap or celebrate. At Renew, we claim breakthroughs, and the people spontaneously break out cheering and clapping,” shared Pastor Mark.

Uniting is taking place intentionally. During Lent, there were Wednesday evening services with a blended attendance: some people from Renew and some from Calvary. At Sunday worship, you will find people who attend Renew on Saturday evening reading scripture and greeting people as they come to worship.

One Sunday greeter, who also attends Renew, said, “I love to be at the front door greeting. People don’t expect someone who looks like that to be at the door.”

Pastor Mark, Calvary UMC, and Renew continue to pray for God to break through. The potential for growth is great with limited access to recovery ministries on the east side of Bismarck. However, people facing addiction and life struggles find themselves without transportation or a driver’s license. A goal is to purchase a van for transportation to Renew.  

Pastor Mark shared, “We continue to be consistent with the vision and purpose. We continue to pray and let God break through. It is a powerful thing when lives are transformed in Christ!”