Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Which culture is best suited for an Emergent Church?
I was talking with a friend of mine, and she had a thought. The Emerging Church culture is one of everyone coming together and sharing how they worship, praise and study Jesus Christ. A wide variety of senses are used, and often there is not a central pastor or sermon, but rather an experience with God. I like that approach.
Many people (check out theooze.com or read Spencer Burke's book, or Dan Kimble's book) characterize the Emergent Church as a response to a Modern theology. The 'old' way of having church, with a clear authority (pastor) and a sermon, complete with the hierarchy of business (stewardship, membership classes, boards of directors, deacons, elders) doesn't seem to appeal to a newer generation, thus spawning an Emergent Church.
Here's the observation: Emergent Churches attract people who like one thing, and Modern Churches attract people who like something different. So, how do you plant an Emergent Church in a non-emergent culture? Let's say you want to start a new church in an affluent part of town, where the average age is over 40, the culture is 95% anglo, and everyone drives an SUV. Don't these people live in a culture of leadership, authority, and hierarchy? What about an Emergent Church is attractive to these people?
I think an Emergent Church is a good idea, but as seeds are scattered, some fall on rocks, others among the thorns, others receive no nutrients, but some do grow and produce fruit. I didn't say that, Jesus did.
Go plant your church in a culture that will embrace it.
Many people (check out theooze.com or read Spencer Burke's book, or Dan Kimble's book) characterize the Emergent Church as a response to a Modern theology. The 'old' way of having church, with a clear authority (pastor) and a sermon, complete with the hierarchy of business (stewardship, membership classes, boards of directors, deacons, elders) doesn't seem to appeal to a newer generation, thus spawning an Emergent Church.
Here's the observation: Emergent Churches attract people who like one thing, and Modern Churches attract people who like something different. So, how do you plant an Emergent Church in a non-emergent culture? Let's say you want to start a new church in an affluent part of town, where the average age is over 40, the culture is 95% anglo, and everyone drives an SUV. Don't these people live in a culture of leadership, authority, and hierarchy? What about an Emergent Church is attractive to these people?
I think an Emergent Church is a good idea, but as seeds are scattered, some fall on rocks, others among the thorns, others receive no nutrients, but some do grow and produce fruit. I didn't say that, Jesus did.
Go plant your church in a culture that will embrace it.
// posted by jiblethead @ 10:04 PM 
