Watch this engaging video presentation about how an established but faltering congregation understands and celebrates its congregational renewal. First Presbyterian Church in Homestead, Florida achieves renewal through a process of intentional rebranding, name change, community building, contemporary worship, and arts emphasis. Before and after building renovations are also depicted. The subtitle is “Redeeming City Church”. The congregational rename suggests the extent of change the congregation was willing to make. The video depicts an intentional effort to reach the people in the city with a hopeful, even celebrative approach to ministry. Included are scenes from worship, creative children’s ministries, festivals, art shows, preaching services and family ministries. This video is a hopeful and inspirational challenge for change and renewal in mainline, city congregations. Viewers are encouraged to view the video several times. Many of the “before” and “after” scenes contain subtle changes that might not be noticeable on a single viewing.

Reviewed by Brian Witwer