A Continuing Survey of New Groups, Movements, Events and People Impacting Religion
The Practice is an “experimental gathering” that began last year and takes place within Willow Creek, one of the premier megachurches in the U.S. Although Willow Creek was influential in the spread of seeker-sensitive services and “entertainment evangelism,” the new service, which is celebrated every Sunday evening, shows the growing evangelical interest in more historic forms of worship and spiritual disciplines that were once confined to the more liturgical churches. Started by Willow Creek worship leader Aaron Niequist, The Practice is reported to be an 18-month ecumenical experiment that helps participants learn the “rhythms of grace” in daily life through such practices as weekly eucharist, contemplative prayer and Sabbath observance. The group was recently led by a Jesuit priest in the Catholic practice of Ignatian spirituality, which involves visualizing the events of the gospel and immersing oneself in God’s dream for humanity. Niequist is also one of the authors of the New Liturgy, a series of recordings of liturgical music bridging contemporary and traditional sources. (Source: http://www.practicetribe.com/)