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Emerging Church pt. 1
Oct 29, 2007 ~ Darrin Patrick
One of the confusing things about the emerging church is to try to figure out what the teams are. To define the emerging church is similar to the futile attempt to nail gelatin to a solid wall. Many have attempted to classify the emerging church. Most of the time these classifications are met with both approval and disdain. I anticipate the same response as I offer my taxonomy regarding the so-called emerging church. Here is my offering to the "emerging church classifcation conversation" that I took from my first lecture at Covenant Seminary from the section called "streams of the emerging church."
In my view there are three main streams in the emerging church:
Emerging Conversational - They are mainly after theological revision for the church. These folks are really interested in trying to re-imagine theology in light of our postmodern situation. They often challenge traditional understandings of evangelical theology and cast doubt on many of the insights of the protestant reformers of the church. They tend to focus on the mission dei (mission of God) that takes place outside the local church.
Emerging Attractional - They are mainly after methodological revision in the church. These folks are really interested in trying to re-imagine methodology in light of our postmodern situation. They often challenge traditional understandings of evangelical church programming and tend to focus on reaching people in and through corporate worship experiences.
Emerging Incarnational - They are mainly after structural revision in the church. These folks are really interested in trying to re-imagine ecclesiology in light of our postmodern situation. They often challenge the complex structures of the evangelical church. They tend to focus on reaching people through relationships and simple church structures.
Now, let me be clear that these classifications are only so helpful. For instance, many emerging attractional types also do a ton of incarnational ministry. Likewise, many incarnational emerging types are not opposed to large group worship gatherings. Also, both of these groups love to engage in conversations with regard to theology, church and culture. These classifications are simply my attempt to help bring clarity for those who are peeking over the fence and trying to understand the emerging church. I know my categories are not perfect, but I hope they are helpful for those who are seeking to understand the emerging church.
