In May, 2021, Aaron and Jen Johnson and their three kids moved into the Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch area with what they believed was a God-given vision to start a new church in the area.  They had served for years on staff with churches in Indiana, and had just completed a two year church planting residency with Thrive Church in Orlando.  The area was rapidly growing, with many people moving in from all over the country.  Many of these new residents are unchurched, and aren’t followers of Jesus.  Most have very few family and friends in the area.  The Johnsons saw great potential for a new church: a Christ-centered relational community, committed to helping people find and follow Jesus. With the backing and support of a group called Florida Church Planters, as well as many congregations and individuals, they set out to plant a new church community called Renaissance Church.  As God brought more people across their path, the Johnsons began a network of small groups, called Ren Groups.  Ren Groups focus on growing in relationships with God and each other, and living out what God has called each of us to do.  The first Ren Group began meeting in August, 2021.

By the spring of 2022, Ren Groups had grown to a point that it made sense to begin meeting for worship services.  After a series of “Countdown” services, Renaissance Church will hold its official launch service on August 14, 2022 in the cafeteria of Nolan Middle School in Lakewood Ranch.