A Service of Recommitment

The following seven commitments to renewal are based on Thom Rainer's list which originally appeared in Charisma magazine. The suggested worship service presentation is Rotation.org's and the seven commitments have been adapted with a more personal tone. An example of what each commitment might entail is included with an indented "♦"  and can serve as a point of discussion between the pastor and presenters. A pastor could also write them out for readers. Some of these "7" thematically overlap, and each could be taken in a different direction. Your call. There's also nothing magic about having "7" of them.  Adjust as you like.

Suggested Worship Presentation:

Recommitment is more compelling and powerful when it is personal, specific, and publicly shared, especially in a worship context. Think of these as testimonies.

You will invite a group of people to prepare to speak during the service on these seven commitments --each person addressing one or two for no more than 30 seconds. The pastor will help them prepare. The speakers may share an example of something in their life that their commitment will address, but they should understand that they are also a "stand-in" for those worshiping with them, and that their words should strike a chord with others. Brevity is important.

• The people assigned to each "commitment" should represent different ages and cohorts in the congregation, including children and youth.
• Each person should speak for no more than 30 seconds.
• They may share how they plan to specifically implement their commitment in their life, being careful not to embarrass members of their family.
• At the end of the seven recommitments, other members may be asked to stand or come forward who want to make one or more of those same commitments.
• Adapt and adjust as you like.

The Seven Commitments

1. I commit to making a difference in the lives of people in need.

♦ To be more empathetic toward other people's struggles, to listen to what others have to say even if it makes me feel uncomfortable, and to help them in some tangible personal way. It's easy to be indifferent, but Christ calls us to engage, not disengage.

2. I commit myself to a renewed attitude of patience and kindness.

♦ Not only toward others, but toward myself. God help me to forgive my past, as well as the wrongs I haven't let go of. Make me slow to speak and type!

3. I commit myself to being more grateful.

♦ To not only count blessings and point out blessings, but to stop listening to the naysayers, nitpickers, and dooms-dayers, and instead, look for God's beauty and light in the world.

4. I commit myself to being an example Christ's love to people I disagree with.

♦ A love that is slow to anger, faithful, and non-judgmental. A love that forgets the past, heals in the present, and is hopeful about the future.

5. I commit to putting people ahead of activities.

♦ To view every encounter, meeting, and calendar event as an opportunity to share some love and maybe lift a burden.

6. I commit myself to de-cluttering my calendar and activities so that I have more room for what really matters.

♦ This can include having more time for rest, healthy pursuits, and being more mentally, emotionally, and physically available to others.  It can mean finding time for study.

7. I commit myself to growing my personal relationship with God through prayer.

♦ To seek a more personal and heartfelt relationship with Jesus Christ so that I can be a more effective disciple in the world, and enjoy more fully God's healing and guiding presence in my life.

Alternatively, you could substitute the Fruits of the Spirit as things you want to recommit to. Lots of possibilities.

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

For a good teaching explanation of each fruit, read Rotation.org's Bible Background on Galatians 5:22-23.