Hi Friends,
I wanted to share a quick update—and an invitation—about some exciting changes with the recovery programs I lead.
As many of you know, I currently run these recovery programs through Renew Resources:
- Renewed Man – for men seeking greater sexual self-control
- Renewed Life – for men and women working to overcome any form of addiction, compulsion, or destructive habit (just starting right now as a pilot group, with a planned launch in 2026)
Moving from Fees to Faith
Beginning in 2026, I will run both programs on a “donate as you’re led” approach, instead of a fee-based model. I started the Renewed Life pilot program this way, intending to shift to a fee-based model once it officially launched. But now Renewed Man will shift -- and Renewed Life will continue -- with a "donate as you're led" approach.
I’ve been leading coaching and recovery groups since 2007. For five years, it was my full-time work. Since 2012, I’ve continued this as a side ministry alongside pastoring at Bethel Church. Every group until now has been fee-based—but I’m convinced it’s time for a change.
Here’s why: I believe deeply in this work. These programs change lives. They help people find freedom, healing, and spiritual renewal. I don’t want cost to stand in the way of anyone who needs help.
A while back, I worked with an organization that helps Christian authors and ministry leaders build their programs. Their advice to me was to raise my fees—significantly. But that never sat right with me. I realized higher prices would make the program inaccessible to many of the people who need it most. So instead of raising fees, I began offering discounts, and later, scholarships.
The truth is, what’s “affordable” varies widely. What’s a small cost to one person can be impossible for another. A donation-based model allows people to give according to their means—and makes it possible for others to receive help regardless of income.
Partnering with Bethel Church
Another development helps to make this more workable: Bethel Church has agreed to serve as a financial partner for this work. Donations given through Bethel can now be tax-deductible and directly designated for Renew Resources. Some of you know this already, and have given to support
this ministry -- thank you!
This means that outside my pastoral work, I can focus more on writing, teaching, and coaching—and not on the administration and paperwork involved with trying to run a separate nonprofit organization.
It also opens the door for those who aren’t in a program to help fund it. Already, some generous donors have made it possible for participants to receive scholarships. My hope is to expand that even further.
The Invitation
Here’s where you come in.
First, would you consider making a donation to support Renewed Man and Renewed Life? Your gift helps people receive the support they need, regardless of what
they can pay. If you’d like to give, just reply to this email and I’ll send you the details.
Second, would you consider helping start or promote a group in your church or community? You don’t need special credentials—just a willingness to help people find
freedom. I’ll personally train and support you as you begin. The Renewed Life program runs for 90 days, with short daily readings and weekly group meetings. It’s simple, structured, and life-changing.
We’re in the middle of a pilot Renewed Life group right now with 36 participants. I hope
that many of them will go on to lead groups of their own. But you don’t have to wait. You could help start one in your church or with a few friends—and we’ll walk alongside you.
Why This Matters
We’re living through an epidemic of addiction and
compulsion—pornography, food, gambling, gaming, social media, shopping, and more. People are anxious, isolated, and spiritually adrift. The need for these groups has never been greater.
What concerns me most is that many churches are responding with silence. In the face of this onslaught,
we often keep our heads in the sand and hope people will “figure it out,” or that a sermon or two on spiritual discipline will fix things.
Meanwhile, these struggles are deeply damaging the mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual lives of a huge percentage of
our congregations. And yes, I do mean a huge percentage. The data is clear: these issues are widespread, and in many cases just as common inside the church as outside it.
Our hope is to partner with churches and communities to create safe, grace-filled places where people can talk
honestly, receive support, and experience meaningful change. Spaces where accountability and compassion work hand in hand.
So will you help us grow this work?
We need prayer. We need financial partners. And we especially need leaders who will bring these groups into their local communities.
If you’re interested in either supporting or helping start a Renewed
Life or Renewed Man group, please reply to this email. I’d love to connect with you personally about what that could look like.
Thanks for your partnership in this work. Together, we can help people find freedom and live renewed lives.
Grace and peace,
Mark Brouwer
Renew Resources / Bethel Church
