Anvil vol 41 issue 1

Movements, communities and sodalities

Exploring the theory and practice of movements in mission

Download the complete issue as a pdf

Jonny Baker and Cathy Ross introduce a bumper issue packed with stories and insight about movements and communities.

Matt Richards asks if “new monasticism” is just a fringe concept or if it can have a fruitful relationship with the church through mission.

Jonny Baker presents a collection of insightful fragments about the character of movements that he has discovered on the journey.

Joining the Franciscans, Ade Green discovers the only good reason to stay when community life is inevitably painful and frustrating.

Dr Cathy Ross shares the story of developing a new community for a pioneering movement.

Being part of the movement of God needs prayerful presence, says Ian Adams. He offers five principles for a pioneering mission spirituality.

Alex Johnston tells the story of a movement that is empowering Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand to act for justice.

Liane Kensett shares the journey of the Kairos movement, an organic network of small groups rooted in the Methodist Church in Yorkshire.

Katharina Haubold reflects on the qualities that have made Germany’s Fresh X-Network such a meaningful movement for those involved.

Idina Dunmore’s collection of memories illustrates the journey of pioneering the Servants Southall community in West London.

Johnny Sertin of CMS and Earlsfield Friary in conversation with Kris Rocke about the story of US mission movement Street Psalms.

Tina Hodgett and Tim Soerens ponder their experience of the key drivers and dynamics of movements. Clue: it’s a lot to do with the Holy Spirit.

Nuam Hatzaw and Harvey Kwiyani discuss Harvey’s book, Decolonizing Mission and try to imagine mission being done without power and money.

Paul Thaxter on an excellent introduction to the writings of Andrew Walls, with much of value for church leaders and mission practitioners.

Jamie Pitts’s book on the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church (both as institution and community) offers possibility and hope, says Ben Morgan-Lundie.

Natalie Burfitt enjoys Jonny Baker and David Cotterill’s accessible and engaging reflections on the life of Jesus at the edges.

James Butler is almost overwhelmed by a bumper collection of ideas and stories for those starting new contextual Christian communities.

Alison Milbank’s theological basis for the Save the Parish movement seems unlikely to open up the topic for others, says James Butler.

Harvey Kwiyani lays out a well considered case for the need to decolonise mission and have a more authentic conversation, says Paul Thaxter.

For anyone longing to see faith become more connected, hopeful and rooted this book offers a way to do church differently, says Marie Meredith.