As an investor in real estate, we are keenly aware of emerging markets that will impact housing, buyers choice, energy efficiency and various other residential/commercial topics. When one looks into the the world of Ecclesia some are cautious regarding movements that encourage traditional parishioners to consider an alternative place of worship. According to Wikipedia, members of the emerging church are walking away from denominations including but not limited to Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical.
The emerging church (sometimes referred to as the emergent movement or emergent conversation) is a Christian movement of the late 20th and early 21st century that crosses a number of theological boundaries: participants can be described as evangelical, Protestant, Catholic,[1] post-evangelical, anabaptist, adventist,[2] liberal, post-liberal, reformed, charismatic, neocharismatic, post-charismatic, conservative, and post-conservative. Proponents, however, believe the movement transcends such “modernist” labels of “conservative” and “liberal,” calling the movement a “conversation” to emphasize its developing and decentralized nature, its vast range of standpoints, and its commitment to dialogue. Participants seek to live their faith in what they believe to be a “postmodern” society. What those involved in the conversation mostly agree on is their disillusionment with the organized and institutional church and their support for the deconstruction of modern Christian worship, modern evangelism, and the nature of modern Christian community.
The emerging church favors the use of simple story and narrative. Members of the movement often place a high value on good works or social activism, including missional living.[3] While some Evangelicals emphasize eternal salvation, many in the emerging church emphasize the here and now.[4]
There are many urban myths stated in regard to members of the emerging church but, a closer look at the movement warrants a second look. According to Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger, in their book, Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures (Baker Academic, 2005) define emerging in this way:
Emerging churches are communities that practice the way of Jesus within postmodern cultures. This definition encompasses nine practices. Emerging churches (1) identify with the life of Jesus, (2) transform the secular realm, and (3) live highly communal lives. Because of these three activities, they (4) welcome the stranger, (5) serve with generosity, (6) participate as producers, (7) create as created beings, (8) lead as a body, and (9) take part in spiritual activities.
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The issue some have with the emerging church is their distinct retreat from the customs, traditions of the organized religions. Many evangelicals join the movement because it releases them from the restrictions often placed within their denominations. The emerging church is a growing movement but those who are considering joining the movement should take the time to research its statement of faith and purpose in society. According to Scott McKnight, (author of Five Streams of the Emerging Church) unless you proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, there is no good news at all.
I am an evangelist. Not only did I discover this while pastoring a “growing” church but I became aware of the calling as I attended seminary. Evangelist are focuses on fulfilling the great commission. We often become narrow in our focus and discount many other facets of the faith as we remain committed to sharing the gospel, teaching the gospel and winning souls to Christ. It is with that perspective that I issue a yellow flag to members of the emerging movement.
Any movement that is not evangelistic is failing the Lord. We may be humble about what we believe, and we may be careful to make the gospel and its commitments clear, but we must always keep the proper goal in mind: summoning everyone to follow Jesus Christ and to discover the redemptive work of God in Christ through the Spirit of God. Its okay to alter your style of worship. It’s okay to meet in non-traditional locations and limit or eliminate formal church services. What will never be okay is keeping the good news to yourself and not sharing with the unchurched, dechurched or casual believer that Jesus is alive and well.
Life is full of swift transition, however as the world continues to turn, we have a responsibility to teach the gospel to everyone that will listen. Emerging church members must have their foundation rooted in God’s word. They must be driven by the desire to spread the unadulterated Gospel and demonstrate the love of Jesus. Any other choices, options or consideration run afoul of God’s word and will begin the end to a movement that is wrecking havoc on formal evangelical service and organization. I am a believer of the Missional church and I closely align myself with the tenets of the Emerging Church movement. I believe in helping the poor, standing for holiness, fairness in political decisions and supporting legislation that is not contrary to the natural use of our bodies. I believe that marriage is between a man and woman. I further believe that all men are created equal and should be treated with respect. If members of the Emerging Church can remember these basics as they build, the movement will secure the interest of many evangelist. They will also positively impact the church world as they demonstrate there is more than one way to skin a cat.
Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.
To prevent confusion, a distinction needs to be made between “emerging” and “Emergent.” Emerging is the wider, informal, global, ecclesial (church-centered) focus of the movement, while Emergent is an official organization in the U.S. and the U.K. Emergent Village, the organization, is directed by Tony Jones, a Ph.D. student at Princeton Theological Seminary and a world traveler on behalf of all things both Emergent and emerging.
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