A Movement Ethos

"In order to recover the missional vitality of the early church, we have to reawaken a virile movement ethos in so many of the organizations we inhabit. And to do that we need to "shed all that which does not matter" and get back to the uncluttered way of Jesus." -Alan Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways

Creating a movement ethos is the best way for the church of today to get past the institutionalism that has been created over the years. There is a fine line that distinguishes the difference between movement and institution. Namely, the biggest thing from my point of view is that movements call for productivity, while institutions call for maintenance. Movements are more based on fundamentals and ideals presented in the Bible for how to best follow the way. Institutions tend to be based more on rituals, traditions, and structure, even if this means compromising solid opportunities.
Movement gets back to the core of what Christianity truly is, as presented by the early church in the book of Acts. Movement involves people who are committed to change, and are willing to engage others in influencing the spread of opposition to the established form. Movements are what becomes more visible to the rest of the world because they go against the grain to drive the point home. For example, movement is exemplified in many grassroots human efforts because they take people who are less capable and help them to get back on their feet and join the cause.
Institutionalism slows down and often halts movements. This occurs when programming, organization, and administration become the main focuses and replace the vision, mission, and beliefs that once started the movement.
The difference between movement and institution is similarly seen by the difference between liquid and solid church. Liquid churches are responsive to the fluid dimension the culture of our surroundings and time period. Liquid churches flow with the culture to work effectively among those within it. Solid churches are generally ones that remain more static through the ages. They do not flow with culture because they attempt to preserve tradition and live on past successes. Solid churches are institutionalized.
Liquid churches, or movements, are more closely aligned to what is seen in the New Testament. By following this model we are able to found the church "in Christ". When Christians are joined with Christ and joined to his church because of this, then we have the "body of Christ". Liquid churches are free to express themselves however the culture sees fit, so long as they remain in Christ. Therefore, the institutional image is let go as the Church can reestablish itself as a prominent and active part of society.