Warmed Again the renewal of Movements Learning from Vatican II Learning from Catholic religious Orders Martyn Atkins Team Leader: Methodist Central Hall Westminster, London. Martyn.atkins@mchw.org.uk

‘The renewal of religious life is about following Jesus.’ So…. Return to the Gospel Retrieve the founding charisms Read the signs of the times

Return to the Gospel…. The ‘loud words’ of Jesus…. The words that remind you who you are and why you are here…

Retrieve the founding charisms... (or the charisms of the founders) “Charisms are a special variety of gifts dispensed through the Holy Spirit in Church and world, as needed, for the common good.” Doris Donnelly

Where did the joy come from? The significance of the ‘birth story’ The significance of congregational character The significance of careful change

Read the signs of the times… Honestly, and in light of the loud words of the Gospel

Non-identical reproduction A gospel concept A missional/kingdom imperative Death and resurrection! (where have we come across that before?)

These three themes… are not sequential, but integrated are not static, but dynamic As befits things of the Spirit…..

What do you suppose might be the ‘loud words’ of Jesus for you and your Church at this time?   What do you suppose might be the ‘founding charisms’ in relation to your Church? How do you suppose you might you go about retrieving and reintroducing them in that particular context? What might ‘non-identical reproduction’ look like in the context of your ministry as a pastor at this time?