Emergent? What’s that?
I guess there is no real way to put a pin on how to describe the emerging church as a whole. Perhaps it’s a group of people who are reimagining how church might meet the needs of our changing world. We desire to think creatively about this reimagining as we hold to a balanced view of scripture, history, experience, and reason. We will not refuse, however, to ask questions… and to welcome questions, either. Many of us believe many different things… that’s OK. As a cohort, it is our desire to continue in support and friendship and to dream together. All are welcome to join the conversation.
As friends of Emergent Village, here are some useful words from their site.
[We identify ourselves] a growing, generative friendship among missional Christians seeking to love our world in the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Our dream
Our dream is to join in the activity of God in the world wherever we are able, partnering with God as God’s dreams for our world come true. In the process, the world can be healed and changed, and so can we.
Emergent
In English, the word “emergent” is normally an adjective meaning coming into view, arising from, occurring unexpectedly, requiring immediate action (hence its relation to “emergency”), characterized by evolutionary emergence, or crossing a boundary (as between water and air). All of these meanings resonate with the spirit and vision of Emergent Village. In other languages, names for regional networks will be chosen with similarly evocative meanings.
And this:
Other words:
- “Growing”: which indicates our desire to develop as the dreams of God for the healing, redemption, and reconciliation of the world develop.
- “Generative”: which means that we expect our friendship to generate new ideas, connections, opportunities, and works of beauty.
- “Friendship”: Because we firmly hold that living in reconciled friendship trumps traditional orthodoxies – indeed, orthodoxy requires reconciliation as a prerequisite.
- “Missional”: Because we believe that the call of the gospel is an outward, apostolic call into the world.
Friendship
Above all, we are convinced that living into the Kingdom means doing it together, as friends. Thus, we have committed ourselves to lives of reconciliation and friendship, no matter our theological or historical differences.
I wanna be a part of this!
Are you in central Oregon? If so, you surely can!!
I don’t know, “reimagining how church might meet the needs of our changing world” sounds a lot like changing our “church” to fit in with our culture. Since when was the Christian belief system so weak and dependent on culture that it had to change with it? Doesn’t that discredit Jesus and the faith that he preached. I don’t believe God’s word was ever meant to be changed or “reimagined”. What good is a truth that changes constantly? Then it never really is the truth is it?
Kas… thanks for the note. I think you misread what you quoted. You took note on the statement: “reimagining how church.” and then later started talking about God’s word and truth changing. These are very different things. I’m wondering if you think there is one true way of doing church. Which denomination or which era of church history would you pick? I wonder if you have a home church or a mega church?
It seems to me that it speaks to the strength of the message of Jesus, the kingdom of God, and God’s word that they can remain consistent while applied through different packaging. Are you familiar with indigenous missions or contextual ministry or translation of the Bible into world languages? All ways of the church changing to meet the needs of our changing world. It is the most beautiful thing about Christianity and something that has been the case since the church began in the first century.
Everything is effected by culture. I’m sorry but THAT is truth. Keep thinking and keep talking. I really am interested in continuing the conversation.
Nate, thanks for the response.
Why don’t you tell my what “reimagining how church might meet the needs of our changing world” means to you. Church to me is a living breathing thing. Its the people and their beliefs not a building. My church is defined by the fact that we follow the Word of God and are Christians (followers of Christ). So when I read “church” I don’t think anything about “doing” church I think about Christian believers.
I am familiar with contextual ministry which is exactly what I’m talking about when referring to God’s word and truth changing.
I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I don’t feel the need to pick a denomination or church era. The “church” that I am a part of is the same as the one described in the Bible under the new covenant. We believe in the inspired Word of God, the Bible, and that it can stand alone needing no contextualization.
Do you believe the Scripture is ineffective without contextualization?
Is there a need for “contextual ministry” or “contextual theology” here? Because that in itself suggests that the Bible can’t stand alone, it needs to be adjusted depending on the context we’re in.
A lot of things are effected by culture but God’s Word is above that. It was written so that ANYBODY could understand His truths if read in their native language. THAT is the truth. Don’t you believe that He is a sovereign God?
I would have to say that the most beautiful thing about Christianity is its pure and understandable message and offering of salvation by grace though faith in Jesus Christ.
Thanks for your conversation. Be in God’s Word and keep thinking also.