The Church as a Movement

In his 2016 book Serving a Movement, Tim Keller suggests that the church should strike

a balance between being an institution and a movement. Yet, as the church gathers globally each week, the church isn't just a building or an institution; it's a movement. Many organizational aspects of the church operate as an institution, but the church has been a disciplemaking movement since its inception. Historically, the church has always been a collection of people working together to bring redemptive change to society. Shared identity, shared mission, and collective action define a local church and define a movement. Historians identify the early church as a revitalization movement, transforming Roman culture by following Jesus and valuing and living in contrast to the surrounding culture. The Western church faces challenges today, such as declining attendance and cultural opposition. But, understanding the church as a movement rather than just an institution can help us see a new path forward. It's about mobilizing people for change, redemptive Jesus-infused gospel change, both individually and in culture.

How can we be part of God's redemptive movement?

From: Revive: Leading Change: Igniting Movement Chapter 1