So I haven't blogged in a year, yet I still keep this thing going. I was attending these Emergent West Michigan Meetings and reading every "emergent" book I could get my hands on. Well, since that time, I have resigned from working with Churches officially and have taken great joy in furthering our companies which focus on DJs MCs Photographers RocknRoll Bands Promotions Nightlife & Wedding Receptions.
So today, I receive a random e-mail from a student at RBC, sorry....I mean Kuyper. It does sound so ....how do you say?......less reformed. Anyhow, this student wanted me to take time to answer some questions about the "Emerging Church Movement". Really? A Movement?
I think the whole emerging thing is great.....but, it's not a movement. It is more of an idea, or a way to feel cool amongst your lame christian friends.
So below are my answers to this student's questioning. If you have thoughts, I would love to hear them.
Questions:
- Would you define in your own words the emerging church movement?
Sure, the Church……emerging. In other words, the movement, in my opinion is an unfortunate occurrence of the whole thing. It shouldn’ t be classified as a movement, although to many it has become one, simply because those that participate in the “emerging” conversation do not feel, think, or even necessarily believe the same way. How can something be a movement when there is such diversity within it. I participated with the West Michigan group for a while and they are fantastic people. The beauty of the gatherings was that it was ok to be who you are and express your feelings, questions, doubts, pains, joys, etc. It was an example of the “church’, emerging into something else. That something else cannot be defined, because that is what makes a movement.
- Are there any major differences you see between the emerging church movement and traditional expressions of Christianity? If so, what are they?
I don’t really see differences, because an individual that is in the process of emerging will most likely have many uncertainties. This person will most likely be in a detox, or deconstructive mode. While they may hold on to some of the traditions they may have experienced, they may also be interested in asking tough questions about their beliefs and why they think and feel the way they do.
- Is the emerging church movement significant to Christianity and why?
I believe an emerging state of being, rather than one who is emerging, is essential not just to Christianity, but all of life. Emerging individuals should not be threatening to us, but encouraging. Someone who is truly emerging, is asking questions, examining themselves and the influences of those around them. Asking questions, searching, and not becoming stagnant can only bring us all closer to truth. It is when we stop pursuing, that we find ourselves in trouble.
- In your opinion, what positive things is the emerging church movement bringing to Christianity?
I believe the permission to emerge is the greatest thing someone who is emerging is giving to others within Christianity. It is the permission to be ok with “I don’t know” and “ I’m not sure”. It is the freedom to become friends with and form relationships with individuals that look, act, think, and feel differently than somebody else does. It is the security that god still loves you and cares about you amidst your doubt, questioning, and uncertainty. Many have been brought up without the freedom to challenge and ask questions…….now they are getting it.
- In your opinion, are there any dangers or risks associated with the emerging church movement?
Since I believe someone who is truly emerging, is not part of any movement, but a conversation and a learning, deconstructing, and discovering process, I don’t see any dangers. There may be some element of threat to the business, politics, and control that the church enjoys maintaining over people. But, I find no threat to human beings, their hearts, minds, or souls.
- Any other thoughts you would like to share?
Simply this…….if you find the word emerging to represent a movement, you truly may not know what it means. If you call yourself emergent, you are probably not.
Websters defines the word “emerge” as rising up, to become manifest, to rise from an obscure or inferior position, to evolve into being.
To me it represents the idea of “ever changing”, or continually reforming oneself. It suggests to me that we cannot allow ourselves to get comfortable or become stagnant. It cannot be a movement because once you emerge, you will emerge again……you may find yourself to be continually emerging
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