It spans 140 years and crosses cultures and continents.
It’s a remarkable story. It has revolutionised hundreds of thousands of lives. It has had a radical impact on churches and communities. It has launched new mission movements and pushed forward the frontiers of the gospel. And it continues to expand, not through formal organisation or slick marketing but, we believe, as a movement of the Spirit.
Sharing Paul’s longing
The Keswick movement has at its heart a commitment to the spiritual renewal of God’s people for his mission in the world. Launched on the vicarage lawn of a small church in a small town 140 years ago, the Keswick movement arose from the longing to know God better. It has at its heart the same longing which Paul expressed in his profound prayer for the Ephesian believers: ‘I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better’ (Ephesians 1.17).
That’s what really matters: to know God better. If we are honest, we know our hearts. We know that there is a constant drift away from a true devotion to God. Our sinful hearts so often seek fulfillment elsewhere. But we long for a deeper understanding and experience of God, knowing it is the most important thing of all.
A longing for God’s blessing has been the foundation for the work and growth of the Keswick movement all around the world. In towns and cities in over 30 countries, in small home groups or Conventions numbering hundreds of thousands, God’s people have opened the Scriptures, entered God’s presence, and have sought his blessing. At the time when the Keswick Convention began, many Christians were aware of personal spiritual need and of a longing for a deeper experience of God. At the very first Keswick Convention, the tone was set with the opening Bible passage: ‘My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him’ (Psalm 62.5). Over the years thousands have gathered, united by their longing to discover the reality of God’s life and the experience of his power. Aware of their own spiritual poverty and the horror of their own sinfulness, they have sought the liberating truth of God’s Word and the renewing presence and power of his Spirit. They all wished to know God better.
Whilst we live in a very different world from the late 19th century, we believe that the priorities of the Keswick movement represent vital commitments for every Christian believer, as well as central ingredients for the life of churches the world over. Future articles in en will highlight some of these priorities, but they can be summarised around three fundamental convictions that shape the movement today.
Fundamental convictions
First, hearing God’s Word. The Scriptures are the foundation for the church’s life, growth and mission, and Keswick Ministries is committed to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word in a way which is faithful to scripture and relevant to Christians of all ages and backgrounds.
Second, becoming like God’s Son. A concern for holiness has been the sustained heartbeat of the Keswick movement. From its earliest days the Keswick movement has encouraged Christians to live godly lives in the power of the Spirit, to grow in Christ-likeness and to live under his Lordship in every area of life.
And third, serving God’s mission. The authentic response to God’s Word is obedience to his mission, and the inevitable result of Christ-likeness is sacrificial service. There has been a remarkable ripple effect around the world as thousands of believers have heard God’s call to service through the Keswick movement. Today we remain committed to this same priority: to encourage committed discipleship in family life, work and society, and energetic engagement in the cause of world mission.
It is for these reasons that we must once again pray the great Pauline prayer. As we look into our hearts, or at the challenges within our church, or at the godless culture to which we are sent, nothing else matters more than this: ‘that you may know him better.’
