What is a movement?  Throughout history, most significant change in human society has been caused by various forms of what we would call "a movement."

There are many examples of movements that have greatly influenced Western culture: The Reformation, the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings, abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, civil rights, ecology, and feminism, to name a few.

A Secular Definition:  "A group of people who are organized for, ideologically motivated by, and committed to a purpose which implements some form of personal or social change; who are actively engaged in the recruitment of others; and whose influence is spreading in opposition to the established order within which it is originated." --          From People, Power, Change: Movements of Social Transformation, by Gerlach and Hine

Spiritual movements have played a huge role in society and some are well documented in Scripture.

 Three prominent biblical examples:

• 2 Chronicles 30 (Revival under Hezekiah)
• Nehemiah 1-6 (Wall of Jerusalem rebuilt, people of Israel renewed in faith)
• Acts 2:41-47 (Birth of the Church)

 In these three accounts of spiritual movements we see some striking similarities:

• It was a "God Thing." (initiated and sustained by God himself)
• There was godly leadership promoting and encouraging it.
• There was unusual motivation and momentum at the grassroots level.
• There were feelings of joy, awe, and the sense that God was at work doing unusual things.
• Lives were dramatically changed.
• Spiritual growth was rapid and deep.  New spiritual leaders emerged.
• Great unity was experienced within the fellowship of believers.
• The surrounding culture was impacted.

Not all spiritual movements are as large or as far-reaching as these.   A movement can begin on a much smaller basis-perhaps just four or five students praying to reach their friends for Jesus Christ.  But regardless of size, a movement will display most of the traits listed above.