THE HISTORY OF RENAISSANCE

Renaissance began with a small group of families who had a heart to reach their friends and neighbors with the good news of Jesus Christ. 

After meeting with a church planting consultant, they took a leap of faith and started a church. That first group of families grew, hired a pastor and worship pastor, and secured office space for a headquarters. Still without a place to hold services, they met where they could and transported everything by trailer.

In the fall of 2001, Renaissance Church began meeting in the Millburn High School. Over the next few years, the church would continue to meet at various locations and times until 2004, when they finally moved into their own space at the Summit Opera House in 2004.

The Opera House was an historic location used by Thomas Edison to screen his early moving pictures, as a temperance hall during Prohibition. Together, the Renaissance community transformed the old building into a state-of-the-art, modern church.

With a culturally relevant way to encounter God now available, the Summit community responded and Renaissance Church grew quickly. The Renaissance Christmas Concert has become the “can’t-miss” event of the season!

In 2016, Christian Andrews was named Lead Pastor.

In July 2020, Renaissance Church purchased 639 Mountain Ave., Springfield, NJ from Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Over the years, Renaissance Church has grown and developed its mission to build disciples who invite and inspire others to love and serve Jesus together. It is supported by the community of believers who are committed to seeing this mission carried out through worship services, Ren Kids, Ren Students, Adult Education, Community Groups, and the many initiatives of Ren Cares.

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