I read an article a few weeks back that has got me thinking. In the article the author points out several difference streams of the emerging church. After reading these I opened up the question a little more and asked, “ How do churches address the issues of cultural change?” The first answer to this question is easy: they deny or ignore it. From there I think it is safe to make a few classifications.
Philosophical Changes: “A return to the 1st century church.”
· Driven by core values- Not what we want to be, but what we are.
· Missional- God has left us here for a reason. We do not exist for ourselves. We are the mission of God.
· Organic view of ministry and leadership.
· Holistic
· Bigger is not better
o Emphasis on community.
o Emphasis on church planting
· Sunday mornings don’t constitute the whole of the church.
· The experiencial side of faith is valued.
· Social action is crucial
· Is reacting to what it sees in “methodological” churches. Sometimes viewed negatively, sometimes viewed as just different.
· Doesn’t have issues with doctrines of the church, but to take issue with the way they are packaged and presented.
Asks, “How does the church minister in a Postmodern culture?”
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