The Christian movement has gone through continual cycles of revival and renewal

Pope Gregory VII and the Cistercians tried to reform the church from both above and below

Some medieval thinkers and writers sought reform because they thought the end was coming

Mystics looked inward to revive and renew the love of christ 

Revivals kept breaking out in the Reformation—but sometimes when people didn’t want them to

Can we use the word “revival” about medieval movements for renewal?

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Looking at the big picture of renewal in church history

Thoughts to consider when encountering revival

Mentor to popes, advisor to royals, arbiter of heresies, and author for the ages

While they looked for renewal, the Waldensians looked like trouble

Revival and renewal took many different forms in the High and late Middle Ages

Both clergy and laity sought a renewal of devotion and an end to corruption throughout the Middle Ages —but it was sometimes a bumpy road

Francis of Assisi and his followers called the church back to holiness through vibrant preaching and voluntary poverty

Recommendations for reform from the traveling preacher

Many medieval preachers intended their sermons to renew and revive

Preachers with a burden for souls

Reforming and challenging words from Martin Luther

Use these questions on your own or in a group to reflect on medieval renewal movements.

Read more about revival, renewal, and reform in the Middle Ages in these resources recommended by our authors and the CH team