The call to revive one's faith fills more pages of the Jewish and Christian scriptures than any other theme. There has always been a need for rekindling religious fervor and devotion, as the original fires that once ignited faiths and forged institutions burn low over time. Today, reform and renewal organizations and movements play an important role in most denominations, whether conservative, moderate, or liberal. And with the fading of denominational loyalties, these fascinating and compelling groups are increasingly influential in shaping people's religious beliefs, responding to spiritual needs not addressed by the institutions, and, in turn, infusing those institutions with a new spiritual vitality. In this thought-provoking book, Richard Cimino takes a close look at six vibrant reform and renewal movements that are revitalizing traditional faith communities from the inside out. He examines the central components of any renewal and reform process, shows how renewal and reform movements interact, describes their dynamics, and answers the question of how effective these organizations and movements are within their traditions. Renewalists and reformers seek to recapture the spirit that originally formed their particular faiths and traditions and to carry such fervor into their congregations and beyond. For this reason, these groups clash with the rubrics and conventions of their institutions, sometimes causing serious congregational and denominational discord.

Faith and spirituality are intense among those in renewal and reform groups, and the people involved are unusually dedicated and inspired. Many are religious virtuosos-unusually receptive to matters of spirit. Reform and renewal organizations and movements serve as important outlets that allow people in hierarchical organizations to effect change or to move an organization in a direction close to their faith and beliefs. They are the places where religious virtuosos are valued and others have the opportunity to develop their own gifts. Religious institutions-if they are to remain vital in the lives of their members-must learn to cultivate and embrace the ingenuity and passion of these spiritually gifted individuals and groups who can help shape the future of religious institutions. The Author Richard Cimino, coauthor of the groundbreaking Shopping for Faith, is publisher of the much-quoted newsletter Religion Watch (www.religionwatch.com), which monitors trends and research in contemporary religion.

He has also worked extensively as a researcher and freelance writer for various periodicals, including American Demographics and Christian Century. He lives on Long Island, New York.