Howard Snyder’s comparison of Pietism, Moravianism, and Methodism (Signs of the Spirit: How God Reshapes the Church) suggested the following dynamics of renewal movements.
I’ve highlighted the elements that I think apply to our overall study of movements and movement building. Each set of “movement marks” begin to give rise to certain elements (i.e. small group structures) common to all movements. I wonder if the grid we’re constructing will help us determine the elements needed for effective movement building.
1. Small group structures as renewal cells, usually less than 12 meeting weekly.
2. Exist as “ecclesiola” — smaller, more intimate expressions within the larger church, the church within the church.
3. Rediscovering of the gospel (at the personal level?) resulting in an altered perception or experience of the faith.
4. Mission-oriented. Renewal movts perceive themselves as committed to the renewal of the church and to a witness to the world.
5. Lay leadership is a key to the vitality of these movements. There are always new forms of ministry and leadership developed, particularly in nontraditional and lay forms of movement leadership. Lay people are trained and given the opportunity to exercise leadership.
6. Renewal movts are conscious of being distinct, covenant-based community.
7. They practice a close, daily contact with society, especially a ministry to the poor.
8. Education played a key role in these movts.
9. A significant role played by the writing word in all three movements and in their interrelationships is striking. Books and tracts helped spread vision, hope and expectancy.