RENEW.org Hosts Conference to Foster Dialogue Among Restoration Movement Streams

RENEW.org organized a two-day conference in December 2023 for young leaders from Independent Christian Churches, noninstrumental Churches of Christ, and African American Churches of Christ. The event took place at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., a college with a heritage in the a cappella Churches of Christ. The gathering was described as a 40-under-40 type of event, primarily featuring pastors from large congregations.

The conference was led by RENEW.org founder Bobby Harrington, a longtime pastor of an Independent Christian Church. It also included The Solomon Foundation CEO Doug Crozier and Harding University President Michael Williams. Orpheus J. Heyward, pastor of Renaissance Church of Christ in Atlanta—a large, a cappella African American congregation—was a lead presenter.

Organizers aimed to bring together different streams of the Restoration Movement for dialogue and relationship-building. The goal was to foster unity around shared theological and missional beliefs. On Facebook, Heyward referred to the event as “a pivotal moment of ecclesiastical history.” Williams described the gathering as “a God thing,” emphasizing its significance.

Independent Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, and noninstrumental Churches of Christ are all descendants of the Restoration Movement begun by Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell in the early 1800s. However, they diverged over various issues, including the use of musical instruments in worship, the formation of missionary societies, and other practices considered innovations.

Despite these differences, organizers noted that these streams of the Restoration Movement share many core beliefs. These include a high view of Scripture, elder-led governance, baptism by immersion, and the weekly celebration of Communion. The event was partly inspired by the relationship between Harding University President Michael Williams and Harrington, a Harding graduate.

Williams, who became president of Harding in June 2022, has called for a “new Restoration Movement.” He emphasized the need for unity in response to cultural changes. This vision led to collaboration with Harrington, who regularly invites Church of Christ pastors to RENEW.org events. The discipleship platform hosts an annual conference that features a cappella Church of Christ leaders.

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