Innovation Begins at the Grassroots: Lessons from the US Christian Past

Abstract

The turn of the 20th century was a heyday of social gospels, an era marked by exceptional theological and institutional dynamism. Notably, the impetus for change did not originate in the clergy's own circles. In this article I use a historical case study to argue that innovation often begins at the grassroots. As much as elite institutions might long to engineer and manage the way forward, they are rarely at the vanguard of what is coming; nor are they destined for ossification. As I also show, savvy leaders who are alert to the Spirit's movement can play key roles in keeping institutions vibrant, responsive, and well poised to serve the next generation. Sometimes, of course, change is for the worse. The late 20th century witnessed a reactionary turn at the White Christian grassroots. In closing, I suggest, therefore, that there are times when institutional reticence in the face of the latest fashions can be a gift. If all this history has anything to say to our present moment, it may be that Christian institutions and ordinary believers need one another if they are going to find faithful ways forward through the crises of their day.