This is a question which I received from a member of the congregation earlier this year.
When I use the term “emerging movement” I am referring to a movement throughout many denominations in which the way that we live out God’s call in our lives, how we live as the church and the purpose of our faith is being rethought in relation to current culture. What does that mean? Well, it means that I think the way that we have understood who the church is, what its mission is, and the practices which are most fruitful in living out that mission may need to be rethought for this and future generations. The good news of Jesus Christ remains the same, but the way that it is presented needs to be continually rethought in light of the surrounding community and culture. My hope is to be both faithful and relevant. Other resources that may be helpful:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church
- A New Kind of Christian, by Brian McLaren
- Continued conversation with those who are earnestly seeking God’s will for their lives and for the world.
How else would you respond to this question?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
8 replies on “What is the emerging movement?”
I think that’s a good response, considering it’s kind of difficult to pin down an exact definition for it. I think an online example of what could be considered a part of the emerging movement is relevantmagazine.com.
You’re probably already aware of this, but McLaren is coming to KC next April for the “Everything Must Change” tour. I’m contemplating going to it.
Well, I see some good and some not so good things coming out of the emergent church movement, but the really good thing I love about it is the stress and importance placed on “incarnational living” and forming authentic relationships with people in the community. In otherwords, we as Christians aren’t supposed to go preach to the lost so much as we’re supposed to be living testimonies of Jesus in the midst of the lost. Our lives should be dedicated to serving the people in our community, loving them and having fellowship with them as we bring the Kingdom of Heaven with us as Jesus did when He walked the earth.
I think the emerging movement is doing a great job of standing against the excesses of evangelicalism and moving towards a more compassionate and effective mode of Christianity. I just hope that sound teaching and strong principles aren’t cast aside at the same time.
emerging is not really a movement.. hahaha!! i had to do that one. when i got involved in the emergent talk that was one of the big things. ‘we are just having a conversation’ which i think we are, to seek out some of the things you highlight.
candles. lots of candles.
Liz – I think that you are right, it is difficult to pin down. I am not exactly sure myself. I did know about the every thing must change tour. I am considering attending…
Jared – I think that you bring out an important point there with the incarnational living. This is where faith is made real. I am curious – what would you say are the excesses of evangelicalism?
Gavin – All right, all right – conversation. However, I also think that there is a place and time where conversation must shift to action. I would assert that conversation plus action would be constitute a movement. What do you think?
deviant monk – don’t forget incense.
Do you consider Rob Bell’s Mars Hill an emergent church?
If so, Rob Bell – author of Velvet Elvis and Nooma video series will be in KC, Tues., Nov 6 @ Uptown “The God’s Aren’t Angry Tour”. My small group (gals all in 40’s-50’s) are attending. We all come from a variety of churches: COR, First Family, Church of Christ …. And all feel that we are growing so much deeper in our faith because of Rob Bell’s cutting-edge approach to teaching the bible. Not just for 20’s somethings!
Diane – I think that I would consider Mars Hill to be a part of the emerging movement. I do think you are right – the emerging movement is not based on a particular age demographic.
Also, thanks for passing along the information about the event in Kansas City. I have enjoyed each of the Nooma videos that I have seen. I’ll consider being there. Thanks!
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