Reflections on a lifetime in Christian community: what happened, how it affected life, religion and politics and ultimately shaped theology.
Reflections on a lifetime in Christian community: what happened, how it affected life, religion and politics and ultimately shaped theology.
Christianity (general), Religious
In the 1960s an extraordinary period of renewal came to the Church of the Redeemer in Houston, Texas. Worship was transformed and several hundred people shared homes and possessions in a community of love. Eventually the renewal came to Britain in the shape of the Community of Celebration, whose ministry teams known as the Fisherfolk became a worldwide phenomenon powerfully influencing worship in thousands of churches. Decades on, the Community of Celebration is now based in the USA, a small religious community of the Episcopal Church. How did it make the transition from a large family oriented community to a type of vowed religious order? What effect did community living have on pastoral and spiritual life for ordinary people? Philip Bradshaw, an Anglican priest and life vowed community member based in England, reflects on his life with the Community since its early beginnings.
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As someone who tried living in community for three years in the early 1980s (and largely failed!) I found this book a riveting read. Bradshaw describes very movingly – and sometimes amusingly - the challenge of trying to reconcile the practice of the early church with Church (Anglican) assumptions about lifestyle norms and especially family life. Living in community is not easy, yet uniquely rewarding. Anyone who has lived in community will enjoy this book; anyone considering doing so should read this first! ~ David Ford, The Goodbookstall
A remarkable book. It gets your interest at the start. Each chapter brings new insights, with Part 3 the crowning glory. It is even more absorbing at a second reading.
~ Jonathan Ewer, Church TimesPhilip Bradshaw has made an enormous contribution to the documentation of the spiritual, liturgical, and missional renewal which has been taking place in The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion, since the new Pentecost of charismatic renewal swept through the mainline churches in the 1960s and 1970s. By focusing in on one manifestation of this, the Community of Celebration, he has provided a clear lens through which to view the larger phenomenon. ~ Bishop Christopher Epting, Ecumenical officer for The Episcopal Church and Bishop Visitor for the Community of Celebration
For almost four decades the Community of Celebration has embodied important impulses for the renewal of the Church in the changing culture of the West.Its experiences have touched me and many other people and are worth pondering. In this perceptive and well-written book, Phil Bradshaw brings a participant’s perspective to the community’s story; his narrative records feelings as well as the facts. But he also is able to see the big picture, and his assessments of the Community’s experiences and contributions are fair and fresh. ~ Alan Kreider, Professor of Church History and Mission, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
God calls some Christians to lifestyle community, as a sign to the whole Church that Christian faith is essentially corporate. We are members of one another whether we know it or not. In our individualistic consumer culture there is no more important challenge. Phil Bradshaw's personal account of the 35 year history of the Community of Celebration renews that challenge and brings back many memories. The Community's ministry had a huge impact on St. Michael le Belfrey during David and Anne Watson's time. It was a means of substantial personal healing for me, and the source of the core vision which inspired me as David's successor. Every church needs to remember that ministry emerges out of faithful relationships with God and one another. I warmly commend this account of Following the Spirit. ~ Bishop Graham Cray, Archbishops' Missioner and Leader of the Fresh Expressions Team
