In the same way that TUMI strongly believes that reconnecting with the Great Tradition can renew the urban church, we likewise believe it can enrich our spiritual formation individually and corporately in the Church. With many urban churches finding themselves exhausted by the various tricks, gimmicks, and idiosyncratic practices guiding sermons and practices today, TUMI believes that the disciplines of spiritual formation can be reinvigorated by the simple, uncluttered teaching and practices of the Great Tradition.
Vital healthy church planting movements among the poor assumes a richness in spiritual formation, a depth of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and an authentic love for all the saints. The key, therefore, to urban church renewal is finding ways for believers in community to discover and retrieve both the content and the expression of our one true faith, rooted in the apostles' doctrine and tradition.
- The Importance of the Great Tradition for a Vital Shared Spirituality: A Safe, Easy Way to Renew Urban Churches
-
The Purpose, Elements, and Advantages of Shared Spirituality
-
Sowing Good Seed: First Steps in Recapturing the Great Tradition in Shared Spirituality
Below you will find some of the various ways in which we attempt to share our spirituality in common: reciting common prayers, reading the same texts, memorizing the same Scriptures, worshiping in light of the same Church Year celebrations. Pour slowly over these resources, and experiment in your small group or church the ways in which shared disciplines of seeking God can enrich your spiritual formation.
Weekly Expository Teaching (Dr. Davis)
As mentioned above, TUMI follows the readings of the Bible outlined by the Revised Common Lectionary in our weekly services together, and worship and teach in our times together informed by those Scriptures as well as our annual theme, all shaped by the observances of the Church Year. Listen along with us as Dr. Davis presents on topics related to our theme and t he Church Year. His expository sermons are Scripturally based, Christ-centered, urban-flavored, and spiritually refreshing! T
Fleshing Out the Universal Priesthood: Recommended Order for Morning an Evening Sacrifices to God
Fleshing Out the Universal Priesthood gives both the rationale and practical steps you'll need to begin vital, regular, and brief moments of devotion to God. Explore how to begin morning and evening prayer and praise to God, in submission to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Quarterly Prayer, Fasting, or Solitude Days
As urban missionaries and members of World Impact's Religious Missionary Order, all TUMI staff are committed to living and serving in community, in sharing our spiritual journeys in common, and to assemble regularly to pray, fast, and worship. We set aside time regularly to give our hearts and minds to the things of the Lord with specific focus on some of the corporate disciplines which are not often practiced in evangelical circles. See some of the ways in which we quarterly practice these disciplines both alone and together as we seek to grow up in Christ to maturity.
- Prayer: we employ the Let God Arise! prayer guide to pray for ourselves and the great cities of the world (note the Let God Arise! Prayer Guide which leads through the 7 A's of prayer)
- Fasting: in obedience to the biblical During our quarterly day of fasting, staff fast for 1-3 meals, and spend time in prayer during the fast period.
- Solitude and Silence: we regularly take time to spend in isolation and in silence, listening to the Lord and opening ourselves up to his Word and his Spirit.
Services and Special Liturgy Celebrations
Here at TUMI we center our life and ministry together around the Word and the Lord's Table. We share the Lord's presence in common, worshiping God together, reading the Scriptures, confessing our sins and making intercession for each other in prayer. We hear from the Word of God, and climax our times with a reverent celebration of the redemption and resurrection of Christ in the Eucharist. Below are a few of our templates for these celebrations. Throughout the year we recognize the various seasons and special holy days of the Church Year, and emphasize our yearly theme in our readings and prayer.
- TUMI Liturgy Template
- Healing Service
- All Saints Day: A Litany for the Saints
- Saints, Martyrs, and Other Luminaries of the Faith: To whet your appetite on the riches available to those interested in spending time considering the discipleship of the saints, both ancient and modern, please read a synopsis of some of the heroes and heroines of the faith.
Re-enacting the Christ Event: Seasons of the Church Year
As we celebrate The Church Year together, we begin with the birth of Christ (Advent to Epiphany). Next, in our worship and reflection we focus on the revelation of Christ’s mission to the world (Epiphany and Transfiguration). We then journey with our Lord to his Passion, being reminded through the Church Year that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and the cross (Ash Wednesday and Lent). We follow the historical events of Christ’s work as it climaxes in his final week–his entry into Jerusalem, his confrontation with his enemies, his Supper with his disciples, his sham trial, his crucifixion, his burial (Holy Week), and his resurrection (Easter). We affirm in celebration his Ascension to the Father’s right hand in glory (Ascension Day), and remember the birth of his Church through the outpouring of his Spirit on the people (Pentecost).
We continue our observances as we acknowledge his active presence in the Church, remembering his headship, his mandate to the harvest, and the hope of his Church throughout the ages (Season After Pentecost). We anticipate the gathering of all believers together at his throne, while remembering his martyrs and generations gone by (All Saints Day). Finally, we anticipate and await his return, and acknowledge in worship and service that Christ will soon reign supreme as Lord and King over all (Reign of Christ the King). Here you will find writeups for each of the Church Year Seasons. Celebrate the Church Year with us!
Helpful Links
Revised Common Lectionary