This area of research regards the shaping of new forms and actions for religious or religiously inspired communities. Traditional Christian communities are facing de-institutionalization and loss of relevance, while at the same time many people are looking for meaning and identity in a complex world. The central research question is under which conditions religious communities can renew themselves as relevant shapes of lived religion in society and in the lives of individuals. Empirical research focuses on church planting and revitalization, religious education, leadership, and religious geography.