The Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements

Center Receives Luce Grant for Revitalization Studies

             

     The Henry Luce Foundation of New York City has approved a four-year, $300,000 grant to the Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements. The award funds the Center’s research from 2008 through 2011.

     The Center will study Christian revival and the revitalization of faith communities in terms of their larger cultural contexts and in dialogue with the world church. The project will comparatively study revitalization movements across time and place. It will involve both scholars and practitioners who are intent upon understanding and extending revitalization within a spectrum of communities of faith and cultural contexts. The ecumenical nature of the project holds promise of bridging and drawing together the various streams of church.

     The principal goals of the project: (1) to build upon the strengths of existing faith communities, beginning with the Wesleyan holiness heritage of Asbury Seminary; (2) to understand revitalization from the congregational level to the level of transnational networks; (3) to explore contemporary trends in a comparative light, using theological and socio-anthropological insights; and (4) to identify new opportunities for mutual learning and action. Three annual consultations are planned, resulting in the publication of three volumes under the general title of Revival or Revitalization? Exploring the Cultural Dynamics of Religious Awakenings. Other formats for disseminating information will include an interactive website.