More Local Kiosk than Starbucks:More Local Kiosk than Starbucks: Life at the Intersection of New Wilderness Life at the Intersection of New Wilderness

RoadsRoads A question with which many people have A question with which many people have

been living…been living… The Emerging Church: postmodern The Emerging Church: postmodern

worshipping communities or…worshipping communities or… An emerging ecclesiology?An emerging ecclesiology? www.emergentvillage.comwww.emergentvillage.com www.emergingleadersnetwork.orgwww.emergingleadersnetwork.org

Life at the Intersection of New Wilderness Life at the Intersection of New Wilderness RoadsRoads

A question with which many people have A question with which many people have been living…been living…

The Emerging Church: postmodern The Emerging Church: postmodern worshipping communities or…worshipping communities or…

An emerging ecclesiology?An emerging ecclesiology? www.emergentvillage.comwww.emergentvillage.com www.emergingleadersnetwork.orgwww.emergingleadersnetwork.org

The Emerging ChurchThe Emerging Church

Language that is becoming increasingly Language that is becoming increasingly common currencycommon currency

Descriptive (not prescriptive) languageDescriptive (not prescriptive) languageParticular subsets of Christians Particular subsets of Christians

exercising theological imagination—not exercising theological imagination—not so much rethinking as re-living–so much rethinking as re-living–Christianity against the backdrop of (for Christianity against the backdrop of (for lack of a better phrase) postmodernismlack of a better phrase) postmodernism

Language that is becoming increasingly Language that is becoming increasingly common currencycommon currency

Descriptive (not prescriptive) languageDescriptive (not prescriptive) languageParticular subsets of Christians Particular subsets of Christians

exercising theological imagination—not exercising theological imagination—not so much rethinking as re-living–so much rethinking as re-living–Christianity against the backdrop of (for Christianity against the backdrop of (for lack of a better phrase) postmodernismlack of a better phrase) postmodernism

We’re not going there (“P” word)We’re not going there (“P” word)

No doubt you’ve had enough and heard No doubt you’ve had enough and heard enough about postmodernity, enough about postmodernity, postmodernism and postwhateverismpostmodernism and postwhateverism

Many people use pomo language to Many people use pomo language to describe social location and define our describe social location and define our current cultural contextscurrent cultural contexts

Global postmodernity as the emerging Global postmodernity as the emerging context for this conversationcontext for this conversation

No doubt you’ve had enough and heard No doubt you’ve had enough and heard enough about postmodernity, enough about postmodernity, postmodernism and postwhateverismpostmodernism and postwhateverism

Many people use pomo language to Many people use pomo language to describe social location and define our describe social location and define our current cultural contextscurrent cultural contexts

Global postmodernity as the emerging Global postmodernity as the emerging context for this conversationcontext for this conversation

That which shall not be namedThat which shall not be named

Perhaps more than anything else, pomo Perhaps more than anything else, pomo language points to a concept of fluxlanguage points to a concept of flux

We need to name this time as a time of transitionWe need to name this time as a time of transition Between what was (the Industrial age) what is Between what was (the Industrial age) what is

(the Infomedia age) and what is coming (the (the Infomedia age) and what is coming (the Biotechnology age)Biotechnology age)

And in the process we are amateur And in the process we are amateur cartographers, trying to map and navigate the cartographers, trying to map and navigate the landscape of this emerging worldlandscape of this emerging world

In a time if transition we need, not more rules, but In a time if transition we need, not more rules, but more storiesmore stories

Perhaps more than anything else, pomo Perhaps more than anything else, pomo language points to a concept of fluxlanguage points to a concept of flux

We need to name this time as a time of transitionWe need to name this time as a time of transition Between what was (the Industrial age) what is Between what was (the Industrial age) what is

(the Infomedia age) and what is coming (the (the Infomedia age) and what is coming (the Biotechnology age)Biotechnology age)

And in the process we are amateur And in the process we are amateur cartographers, trying to map and navigate the cartographers, trying to map and navigate the landscape of this emerging worldlandscape of this emerging world

In a time if transition we need, not more rules, but In a time if transition we need, not more rules, but more storiesmore stories

Transition…Major ShiftsTransition…Major Shifts

In the last 10 to 30 years major shifts in virtually In the last 10 to 30 years major shifts in virtually every sphere of life have fundamentally changed every sphere of life have fundamentally changed the worldthe world

In South Africa/Namibia it is before and after In South Africa/Namibia it is before and after ApartheidApartheid

In Germany and Eastern Europe before and after In Germany and Eastern Europe before and after “the wall”“the wall”

In the U.S. defined by Vietnam and Watergate and In the U.S. defined by Vietnam and Watergate and Columbine and 9/11Columbine and 9/11

In China by Tianamen SquareIn China by Tianamen Square And everywhere by PC’s, the Internet and virtual And everywhere by PC’s, the Internet and virtual

technologytechnology

In the last 10 to 30 years major shifts in virtually In the last 10 to 30 years major shifts in virtually every sphere of life have fundamentally changed every sphere of life have fundamentally changed the worldthe world

In South Africa/Namibia it is before and after In South Africa/Namibia it is before and after ApartheidApartheid

In Germany and Eastern Europe before and after In Germany and Eastern Europe before and after “the wall”“the wall”

In the U.S. defined by Vietnam and Watergate and In the U.S. defined by Vietnam and Watergate and Columbine and 9/11Columbine and 9/11

In China by Tianamen SquareIn China by Tianamen Square And everywhere by PC’s, the Internet and virtual And everywhere by PC’s, the Internet and virtual

technologytechnology

Peter Drucker (1910—2005)Peter Drucker (1910—2005)

““Every few hundred years in Western history,” Every few hundred years in Western history,” he writes, “there occurs a sharp he writes, “there occurs a sharp transformation…within a few short decades, a transformation…within a few short decades, a society rearranges itself—its worldview; its society rearranges itself—its worldview; its basic values; its social and political structure; basic values; its social and political structure; its arts; its key institutions…Fifty years later, its arts; its key institutions…Fifty years later, there is a new world and the people born then there is a new world and the people born then cannot even imagine the world in which their cannot even imagine the world in which their grandparents lived and into which their own grandparents lived and into which their own parents were born. We are currently living parents were born. We are currently living through just such a transformation.”through just such a transformation.”

““Every few hundred years in Western history,” Every few hundred years in Western history,” he writes, “there occurs a sharp he writes, “there occurs a sharp transformation…within a few short decades, a transformation…within a few short decades, a society rearranges itself—its worldview; its society rearranges itself—its worldview; its basic values; its social and political structure; basic values; its social and political structure; its arts; its key institutions…Fifty years later, its arts; its key institutions…Fifty years later, there is a new world and the people born then there is a new world and the people born then cannot even imagine the world in which their cannot even imagine the world in which their grandparents lived and into which their own grandparents lived and into which their own parents were born. We are currently living parents were born. We are currently living through just such a transformation.”through just such a transformation.”

The Cultural ShiftThe Cultural Shift

Those born after 1940 experienced the first Those born after 1940 experienced the first winds of the coming changewinds of the coming change

Those born after 1960 braved the waves of Those born after 1960 braved the waves of change and are presently building the first change and are presently building the first huts on the beach of the futurehuts on the beach of the future

But it will be those born after 1980 who will be But it will be those born after 1980 who will be the first to move inland and construct a more the first to move inland and construct a more lasting homestead in the new worldlasting homestead in the new world

Emerging church communities reflect “the Emerging church communities reflect “the church” under constructionchurch” under construction

Those born after 1940 experienced the first Those born after 1940 experienced the first winds of the coming changewinds of the coming change

Those born after 1960 braved the waves of Those born after 1960 braved the waves of change and are presently building the first change and are presently building the first huts on the beach of the futurehuts on the beach of the future

But it will be those born after 1980 who will be But it will be those born after 1980 who will be the first to move inland and construct a more the first to move inland and construct a more lasting homestead in the new worldlasting homestead in the new world

Emerging church communities reflect “the Emerging church communities reflect “the church” under constructionchurch” under construction

William EasumWilliam Easum

““The world of today is caught in the crack The world of today is caught in the crack between what was and what is emerging. between what was and what is emerging. This crack began opening in 1960 and will This crack began opening in 1960 and will close sometime around the year 2014. close sometime around the year 2014. Trusted values held for centuries are falling Trusted values held for centuries are falling into this crack, never to be seen again. into this crack, never to be seen again. Ideas Ideas andand methodologies that once worked methodologies that once worked no longer achieve the desired results. This no longer achieve the desired results. This crack in our history is so enormous that it crack in our history is so enormous that it is causing a metamorphosis in every area is causing a metamorphosis in every area of life…. Today, the fastest way to fail is to of life…. Today, the fastest way to fail is to improve on yesterday’s successes.”improve on yesterday’s successes.”

““The world of today is caught in the crack The world of today is caught in the crack between what was and what is emerging. between what was and what is emerging. This crack began opening in 1960 and will This crack began opening in 1960 and will close sometime around the year 2014. close sometime around the year 2014. Trusted values held for centuries are falling Trusted values held for centuries are falling into this crack, never to be seen again. into this crack, never to be seen again. Ideas Ideas andand methodologies that once worked methodologies that once worked no longer achieve the desired results. This no longer achieve the desired results. This crack in our history is so enormous that it crack in our history is so enormous that it is causing a metamorphosis in every area is causing a metamorphosis in every area of life…. Today, the fastest way to fail is to of life…. Today, the fastest way to fail is to improve on yesterday’s successes.”improve on yesterday’s successes.”

The story we find ourselves inThe story we find ourselves in

We have been, are in the midst of a We have been, are in the midst of a ‘cultural sea change” (Graham Ward)‘cultural sea change” (Graham Ward)

Massive shifting of the tectonic plates, Massive shifting of the tectonic plates, culturally speakingculturally speaking

In a time of transition, can the churches In a time of transition, can the churches live in a tension: moored to our live in a tension: moored to our collective past, tethered to the Story of collective past, tethered to the Story of the living God in Christ yet/and free to the living God in Christ yet/and free to step out and experiment, take risksstep out and experiment, take risks

We have been, are in the midst of a We have been, are in the midst of a ‘cultural sea change” (Graham Ward)‘cultural sea change” (Graham Ward)

Massive shifting of the tectonic plates, Massive shifting of the tectonic plates, culturally speakingculturally speaking

In a time of transition, can the churches In a time of transition, can the churches live in a tension: moored to our live in a tension: moored to our collective past, tethered to the Story of collective past, tethered to the Story of the living God in Christ yet/and free to the living God in Christ yet/and free to step out and experiment, take risksstep out and experiment, take risks

The Emerging Church is NOT…The Emerging Church is NOT…

The mega-church “model”The mega-church “model”The church growth approachThe church growth approachContemporary worshipContemporary worshipGenerational worship (whatever that is)Generational worship (whatever that is) It is not prescriptive—not a mold, model, It is not prescriptive—not a mold, model,

formulaeformulae

The mega-church “model”The mega-church “model”The church growth approachThe church growth approachContemporary worshipContemporary worshipGenerational worship (whatever that is)Generational worship (whatever that is) It is not prescriptive—not a mold, model, It is not prescriptive—not a mold, model,

formulaeformulae

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The Emerging Church IS…The Emerging Church IS…

Cultivating communities of faithful innovation Cultivating communities of faithful innovation that seek to navigate this emerging global that seek to navigate this emerging global postmodern cultural landscape closely postmodern cultural landscape closely tethered to God’s Storytethered to God’s Story

Seeking to live an operative question: What Seeking to live an operative question: What does it mean to be WHO we are WHERE we does it mean to be WHO we are WHERE we are?are?

Whatever their origins, common principles Whatever their origins, common principles and practices are noticeable in many and practices are noticeable in many emerging church communitiesemerging church communities

Cultivating communities of faithful innovation Cultivating communities of faithful innovation that seek to navigate this emerging global that seek to navigate this emerging global postmodern cultural landscape closely postmodern cultural landscape closely tethered to God’s Storytethered to God’s Story

Seeking to live an operative question: What Seeking to live an operative question: What does it mean to be WHO we are WHERE we does it mean to be WHO we are WHERE we are?are?

Whatever their origins, common principles Whatever their origins, common principles and practices are noticeable in many and practices are noticeable in many emerging church communitiesemerging church communities

Worship=team designWorship=team design

Worship is planned and led by a teamWorship is planned and led by a team This is not a group of people (e.g., worship This is not a group of people (e.g., worship

committee) that fills in the blanks (e.g., committee) that fills in the blanks (e.g., picking hymns) for worshippicking hymns) for worship

People with various gifts and expertise—People with various gifts and expertise—music, the arts, poetry, graphic design, music, the arts, poetry, graphic design, audio/video technology—engage in design audio/video technology—engage in design and implementationand implementation

Ordained persons may or may not be on the Ordained persons may or may not be on the teamteam

Worship is planned and led by a teamWorship is planned and led by a team This is not a group of people (e.g., worship This is not a group of people (e.g., worship

committee) that fills in the blanks (e.g., committee) that fills in the blanks (e.g., picking hymns) for worshippicking hymns) for worship

People with various gifts and expertise—People with various gifts and expertise—music, the arts, poetry, graphic design, music, the arts, poetry, graphic design, audio/video technology—engage in design audio/video technology—engage in design and implementationand implementation

Ordained persons may or may not be on the Ordained persons may or may not be on the teamteam

Feedback loopsFeedback loops

Continuous feedback loops critique and Continuous feedback loops critique and inform planning for each worship experienceinform planning for each worship experience

Elements may be used repeatedly—in other Elements may be used repeatedly—in other words, there may be, and most often is, a words, there may be, and most often is, a kind of embeddedkind of embedded OrdoOrdoLatin for "order." The term is used to refer to Latin for "order." The term is used to refer to an order of service.an order of service.

At the extreme, the worship experience is At the extreme, the worship experience is new each week; at the least, the worship new each week; at the least, the worship experience is, to some degree, unique each experience is, to some degree, unique each week.week.

Continuous feedback loops critique and Continuous feedback loops critique and inform planning for each worship experienceinform planning for each worship experience

Elements may be used repeatedly—in other Elements may be used repeatedly—in other words, there may be, and most often is, a words, there may be, and most often is, a kind of embeddedkind of embedded OrdoOrdoLatin for "order." The term is used to refer to Latin for "order." The term is used to refer to an order of service.an order of service.

At the extreme, the worship experience is At the extreme, the worship experience is new each week; at the least, the worship new each week; at the least, the worship experience is, to some degree, unique each experience is, to some degree, unique each week.week.

A return to artA return to art

After a long hiatus from (particularly Protestant) After a long hiatus from (particularly Protestant) worship, the arts are backworship, the arts are back

The arts—often generated locally—are used The arts—often generated locally—are used extensively: painting, sculpture, graphics, extensively: painting, sculpture, graphics, poetry, drama, dance, and ritual movement poetry, drama, dance, and ritual movement http://www.next-wave.org/apr00/musings_on_arhttp://www.next-wave.org/apr00/musings_on_art.t.htmhtm

The arts provide non-discursive, non-linear The arts provide non-discursive, non-linear expressions of thoughts and feelingsexpressions of thoughts and feelings

discursivediscursive \dis-KUR-siv\, \dis-KUR-siv\, adjectiveadjective::2.2. Utilizing, marked by, or based on analytical Utilizing, marked by, or based on analytical reasoning -- contrasted with reasoning -- contrasted with intuitiveintuitive..

After a long hiatus from (particularly Protestant) After a long hiatus from (particularly Protestant) worship, the arts are backworship, the arts are back

The arts—often generated locally—are used The arts—often generated locally—are used extensively: painting, sculpture, graphics, extensively: painting, sculpture, graphics, poetry, drama, dance, and ritual movement poetry, drama, dance, and ritual movement http://www.next-wave.org/apr00/musings_on_arhttp://www.next-wave.org/apr00/musings_on_art.t.htmhtm

The arts provide non-discursive, non-linear The arts provide non-discursive, non-linear expressions of thoughts and feelingsexpressions of thoughts and feelings

discursivediscursive \dis-KUR-siv\, \dis-KUR-siv\, adjectiveadjective::2.2. Utilizing, marked by, or based on analytical Utilizing, marked by, or based on analytical reasoning -- contrasted with reasoning -- contrasted with intuitiveintuitive..

Language mattersLanguage matters

Language is a key issue Language is a key issue Narrative is primary, with an emphasis Narrative is primary, with an emphasis

on “real” experiences and wordson “real” experiences and wordsRote, wooden, “churchy” language Rote, wooden, “churchy” language

seldom employedseldom employed If used, it often evokes immediate If used, it often evokes immediate

suspicion and is generally ignoredsuspicion and is generally ignored

Language is a key issue Language is a key issue Narrative is primary, with an emphasis Narrative is primary, with an emphasis

on “real” experiences and wordson “real” experiences and wordsRote, wooden, “churchy” language Rote, wooden, “churchy” language

seldom employedseldom employed If used, it often evokes immediate If used, it often evokes immediate

suspicion and is generally ignoredsuspicion and is generally ignored

Room for spontaneityRoom for spontaneity

Worship is not over-defined nor over-Worship is not over-defined nor over-prescribedprescribed

Making or leaving space for spontaneity is Making or leaving space for spontaneity is importantimportant

Spontaneity is the domain of the Holy Spirit, Spontaneity is the domain of the Holy Spirit, and thus generally makes Lutherans, among and thus generally makes Lutherans, among others, nervousothers, nervous

Multiple interpretations are expected and Multiple interpretations are expected and sought—this is the world “in front of the text”sought—this is the world “in front of the text”

Meanings are found that were not anticipated Meanings are found that were not anticipated by the designers and plannersby the designers and planners

Worship is not over-defined nor over-Worship is not over-defined nor over-prescribedprescribed

Making or leaving space for spontaneity is Making or leaving space for spontaneity is importantimportant

Spontaneity is the domain of the Holy Spirit, Spontaneity is the domain of the Holy Spirit, and thus generally makes Lutherans, among and thus generally makes Lutherans, among others, nervousothers, nervous

Multiple interpretations are expected and Multiple interpretations are expected and sought—this is the world “in front of the text”sought—this is the world “in front of the text”

Meanings are found that were not anticipated Meanings are found that were not anticipated by the designers and plannersby the designers and planners

MusicMusic

Though most emerging church experiments Though most emerging church experiments thus far use a “rock” idiom…thus far use a “rock” idiom…

Other musical genres—Celtic, Taize,Gregorian Other musical genres—Celtic, Taize,Gregorian chant or a techno club-vibe are also usedchant or a techno club-vibe are also used

What is most significant is that many emerging What is most significant is that many emerging church communities risk creating new musical church communities risk creating new musical styles that serve old texts, and employing old styles that serve old texts, and employing old musical styles that serve new textsmusical styles that serve new texts

Music has, and creates affect; it is deeply Music has, and creates affect; it is deeply soulful and connects with people emotionally soulful and connects with people emotionally without lapsing into emotionalismwithout lapsing into emotionalism

Though most emerging church experiments Though most emerging church experiments thus far use a “rock” idiom…thus far use a “rock” idiom…

Other musical genres—Celtic, Taize,Gregorian Other musical genres—Celtic, Taize,Gregorian chant or a techno club-vibe are also usedchant or a techno club-vibe are also used

What is most significant is that many emerging What is most significant is that many emerging church communities risk creating new musical church communities risk creating new musical styles that serve old texts, and employing old styles that serve old texts, and employing old musical styles that serve new textsmusical styles that serve new texts

Music has, and creates affect; it is deeply Music has, and creates affect; it is deeply soulful and connects with people emotionally soulful and connects with people emotionally without lapsing into emotionalismwithout lapsing into emotionalism

Worship space & timeWorship space & time

Both worship space and time are typically not Both worship space and time are typically not “traditional” in the sense of conventional“traditional” in the sense of conventional

Part of the worship experience includes Part of the worship experience includes creating a sacred time and space that fits into creating a sacred time and space that fits into the natural rhythm of the community’s lifethe natural rhythm of the community’s life

Often the community gathers for corporate Often the community gathers for corporate worship in an intentionally “profane” settingworship in an intentionally “profane” setting

11 :: not concerned with religion or religious not concerned with religion or religious purposespurposes

Both worship space and time are typically not Both worship space and time are typically not “traditional” in the sense of conventional“traditional” in the sense of conventional

Part of the worship experience includes Part of the worship experience includes creating a sacred time and space that fits into creating a sacred time and space that fits into the natural rhythm of the community’s lifethe natural rhythm of the community’s life

Often the community gathers for corporate Often the community gathers for corporate worship in an intentionally “profane” settingworship in an intentionally “profane” setting

11 :: not concerned with religion or religious not concerned with religion or religious purposespurposes

Humor is…Humor is…

ExpectedExpectedNatural and…Natural and…Naturally usedNaturally usedHave you seen Have you seen Keeping the FaithKeeping the Faith

(2000)?(2000)?This is intended at best as analogy, not This is intended at best as analogy, not

comparison nor examplecomparison nor examplehttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171433/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171433/

ExpectedExpectedNatural and…Natural and…Naturally usedNaturally usedHave you seen Have you seen Keeping the FaithKeeping the Faith

(2000)?(2000)?This is intended at best as analogy, not This is intended at best as analogy, not

comparison nor examplecomparison nor examplehttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171433/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171433/

Keeping the Faith (2000)Keeping the Faith (2000)

Father BrianFather Brian Kilkenney Kilkenney FinnFinn: The seven : The seven deadly sins. Who can name the seven deadly deadly sins. Who can name the seven deadly sins? People! It was a very popular film with sins? People! It was a very popular film with Brad Pitt, you have the ultimate cliff note.Brad Pitt, you have the ultimate cliff note.

Rabbi Jacob "Jake"Rabbi Jacob "Jake" SchramSchram: What's the story : What's the story of Sodom and Gomorrah really about? of Sodom and Gomorrah really about? Anyone? Steve Posner. Anyone? Steve Posner. Steve PosnerSteve Posner: Sexual perversion. : Sexual perversion. Rabbi Jacob "Jake"Rabbi Jacob "Jake" SchramSchram: Sexual : Sexual perversion. Steve Posner's watching too perversion. Steve Posner's watching too much Spice Channel!much Spice Channel!

Father BrianFather Brian Kilkenney Kilkenney FinnFinn: The seven : The seven deadly sins. Who can name the seven deadly deadly sins. Who can name the seven deadly sins? People! It was a very popular film with sins? People! It was a very popular film with Brad Pitt, you have the ultimate cliff note.Brad Pitt, you have the ultimate cliff note.

Rabbi Jacob "Jake"Rabbi Jacob "Jake" SchramSchram: What's the story : What's the story of Sodom and Gomorrah really about? of Sodom and Gomorrah really about? Anyone? Steve Posner. Anyone? Steve Posner. Steve PosnerSteve Posner: Sexual perversion. : Sexual perversion. Rabbi Jacob "Jake"Rabbi Jacob "Jake" SchramSchram: Sexual : Sexual perversion. Steve Posner's watching too perversion. Steve Posner's watching too much Spice Channel!much Spice Channel!

Attention to “text(s)”Attention to “text(s)”

There is a rich and ample There is a rich and ample understanding of “text” that includes a understanding of “text” that includes a “full range of referentiality”“full range of referentiality”

Thus “text” means both sacred text and Thus “text” means both sacred text and cultural textcultural text

Extensive use of a variety of “texts” Extensive use of a variety of “texts” from pop culture, including allusions to from pop culture, including allusions to television, film, music, videotelevision, film, music, video

There is a rich and ample There is a rich and ample understanding of “text” that includes a understanding of “text” that includes a “full range of referentiality”“full range of referentiality”

Thus “text” means both sacred text and Thus “text” means both sacred text and cultural textcultural text

Extensive use of a variety of “texts” Extensive use of a variety of “texts” from pop culture, including allusions to from pop culture, including allusions to television, film, music, videotelevision, film, music, video

Suffering is…Suffering is…

Personal, social, environmentalPersonal, social, environmentalAcknowledged as a critical part of realityAcknowledged as a critical part of realitySuffering is viewed as something to be Suffering is viewed as something to be

joined and befriended rather than joined and befriended rather than conquered or fixedconquered or fixed

Personal, social, environmentalPersonal, social, environmentalAcknowledged as a critical part of realityAcknowledged as a critical part of realitySuffering is viewed as something to be Suffering is viewed as something to be

joined and befriended rather than joined and befriended rather than conquered or fixedconquered or fixed

Experimentation, or…Experimentation, or…

The practice of faithful innovationThe practice of faithful innovationSelf-conscious awareness that new Self-conscious awareness that new

forms of worship are needed to function forms of worship are needed to function during epochal changeduring epochal change

In a time of transition we need, not more In a time of transition we need, not more rules, but more storiesrules, but more stories

Christians talk of a “second reformation”Christians talk of a “second reformation”Jews seek an expression that is more Jews seek an expression that is more

than survivalthan survival

The practice of faithful innovationThe practice of faithful innovationSelf-conscious awareness that new Self-conscious awareness that new

forms of worship are needed to function forms of worship are needed to function during epochal changeduring epochal change

In a time of transition we need, not more In a time of transition we need, not more rules, but more storiesrules, but more stories

Christians talk of a “second reformation”Christians talk of a “second reformation”Jews seek an expression that is more Jews seek an expression that is more

than survivalthan survival

Statement of faithStatement of faith

Statement of faith (in other circles, a mission Statement of faith (in other circles, a mission or vision statement) is usually prominent and or vision statement) is usually prominent and figural in the life of the communityfigural in the life of the community

Increasingly it is one of the ancient creeds Increasingly it is one of the ancient creeds from the Great Tradition of the Church from the Great Tradition of the Church (Apostles, Nicene)(Apostles, Nicene)

Creedal statement serves as lodestar rather Creedal statement serves as lodestar rather than litmus testthan litmus test

lodestarlodestar, , guiding star; something that serves guiding star; something that serves as a model or guide as a model or guide

Statement of faith (in other circles, a mission Statement of faith (in other circles, a mission or vision statement) is usually prominent and or vision statement) is usually prominent and figural in the life of the communityfigural in the life of the community

Increasingly it is one of the ancient creeds Increasingly it is one of the ancient creeds from the Great Tradition of the Church from the Great Tradition of the Church (Apostles, Nicene)(Apostles, Nicene)

Creedal statement serves as lodestar rather Creedal statement serves as lodestar rather than litmus testthan litmus test

lodestarlodestar, , guiding star; something that serves guiding star; something that serves as a model or guide as a model or guide

Genuine appreciation of diversityGenuine appreciation of diversityDiversity of age, gender, race, Diversity of age, gender, race,

economic status, religious economic status, religious background…or lack thereof, etc.background…or lack thereof, etc.

All human experience is validAll human experience is validDiversity is not forced onto or into a Diversity is not forced onto or into a

community (for the sake of being community (for the sake of being diverse)diverse)

Be open and reach out to the diversity Be open and reach out to the diversity that IS present in your contextthat IS present in your context

Diversity of age, gender, race, Diversity of age, gender, race, economic status, religious economic status, religious background…or lack thereof, etc.background…or lack thereof, etc.

All human experience is validAll human experience is validDiversity is not forced onto or into a Diversity is not forced onto or into a

community (for the sake of being community (for the sake of being diverse)diverse)

Be open and reach out to the diversity Be open and reach out to the diversity that IS present in your contextthat IS present in your context

Categories?…no thanksCategories?…no thanks

Categories like “liberal’ and Categories like “liberal’ and “conservative” are regarded as wooden “conservative” are regarded as wooden and useless…and useless…

Often stifling…Often stifling…Sometimes destructive…Sometimes destructive…Almost always ignoredAlmost always ignored

Categories like “liberal’ and Categories like “liberal’ and “conservative” are regarded as wooden “conservative” are regarded as wooden and useless…and useless…

Often stifling…Often stifling…Sometimes destructive…Sometimes destructive…Almost always ignoredAlmost always ignored

Worship and/in communityWorship and/in community

Worship grows out of and creates communityWorship grows out of and creates community There is a reciprocal relationship between There is a reciprocal relationship between

these two realitiesthese two realities Community is “macro” (corporate expression, Community is “macro” (corporate expression,

worship gathering) and “micro’ (the rise of worship gathering) and “micro’ (the rise of and return to the house church model)and return to the house church model)

““The congregation is a community that lives in The congregation is a community that lives in a community and is called to generate a a community and is called to generate a sense of community.” (Loren Mead)sense of community.” (Loren Mead)

Worship grows out of and creates communityWorship grows out of and creates community There is a reciprocal relationship between There is a reciprocal relationship between

these two realitiesthese two realities Community is “macro” (corporate expression, Community is “macro” (corporate expression,

worship gathering) and “micro’ (the rise of worship gathering) and “micro’ (the rise of and return to the house church model)and return to the house church model)

““The congregation is a community that lives in The congregation is a community that lives in a community and is called to generate a a community and is called to generate a sense of community.” (Loren Mead)sense of community.” (Loren Mead)

Robust doctrine of GodRobust doctrine of God

God is experienced as radical God is experienced as radical transcendence and radical immanencetranscendence and radical immanence

Trinitarian understanding of God serves Trinitarian understanding of God serves as the basis for the valuing of as the basis for the valuing of relationship and communityrelationship and community

All three members of the Trinity are All three members of the Trinity are given equal importance in worshipgiven equal importance in worship

God is experienced as radical God is experienced as radical transcendence and radical immanencetranscendence and radical immanence

Trinitarian understanding of God serves Trinitarian understanding of God serves as the basis for the valuing of as the basis for the valuing of relationship and communityrelationship and community

All three members of the Trinity are All three members of the Trinity are given equal importance in worshipgiven equal importance in worship

Ancient-future orthodoxyAncient-future orthodoxy

Preaching, teaching, and texts of songs, Preaching, teaching, and texts of songs, hymns, and rituals are classically orthodox in hymns, and rituals are classically orthodox in substancesubstance

An ancient-future connection between An ancient-future connection between premodern and postmodern traditions may be premodern and postmodern traditions may be sense and exploredsense and explored

““Ancient-Future worship is rooted in Scripture, Ancient-Future worship is rooted in Scripture, draws from the great traditions of historic draws from the great traditions of historic worship, and seeks to be authentic in a post-worship, and seeks to be authentic in a post-Christian culture.” (Robert Webber)Christian culture.” (Robert Webber)

www.ancientfutureworship.comwww.ancientfutureworship.com

Preaching, teaching, and texts of songs, Preaching, teaching, and texts of songs, hymns, and rituals are classically orthodox in hymns, and rituals are classically orthodox in substancesubstance

An ancient-future connection between An ancient-future connection between premodern and postmodern traditions may be premodern and postmodern traditions may be sense and exploredsense and explored

““Ancient-Future worship is rooted in Scripture, Ancient-Future worship is rooted in Scripture, draws from the great traditions of historic draws from the great traditions of historic worship, and seeks to be authentic in a post-worship, and seeks to be authentic in a post-Christian culture.” (Robert Webber)Christian culture.” (Robert Webber)

www.ancientfutureworship.comwww.ancientfutureworship.com

Dialogue is valuedDialogue is valued

Thus a key Gadamerian premise: genuine Thus a key Gadamerian premise: genuine understanding proceeds through dialogue or understanding proceeds through dialogue or conversation (Hand Georg-Gadamer, conversation (Hand Georg-Gadamer, Truth Truth and Methodand Method))

There is no felt need to judge or condemn There is no felt need to judge or condemn other faith or religious expressionsother faith or religious expressions

Rather, engage and be engaged by the Rather, engage and be engaged by the “other,” and become more fully and truly who “other,” and become more fully and truly who you are in the processyou are in the process

Listen to what my friend Ed Chinn observes…Listen to what my friend Ed Chinn observes…

Thus a key Gadamerian premise: genuine Thus a key Gadamerian premise: genuine understanding proceeds through dialogue or understanding proceeds through dialogue or conversation (Hand Georg-Gadamer, conversation (Hand Georg-Gadamer, Truth Truth and Methodand Method))

There is no felt need to judge or condemn There is no felt need to judge or condemn other faith or religious expressionsother faith or religious expressions

Rather, engage and be engaged by the Rather, engage and be engaged by the “other,” and become more fully and truly who “other,” and become more fully and truly who you are in the processyou are in the process

Listen to what my friend Ed Chinn observes…Listen to what my friend Ed Chinn observes…

Experience & ritual momentsExperience & ritual moments

Deeply participatory environment that fosters Deeply participatory environment that fosters full, active and conscious participation in full, active and conscious participation in communal lifecommunal life

Real, actual experience—of the individual or Real, actual experience—of the individual or the group—is always paramountthe group—is always paramount

Corporate worship often includes “ritual Corporate worship often includes “ritual moments,” opportunities for personal, spiritual moments,” opportunities for personal, spiritual connection in the midst of communityconnection in the midst of community

Mediums for such ritual moments include Mediums for such ritual moments include silence, silent and guided meditation, various silence, silent and guided meditation, various expressions of prayer, use of the arts, music, expressions of prayer, use of the arts, music, etc.etc.

Deeply participatory environment that fosters Deeply participatory environment that fosters full, active and conscious participation in full, active and conscious participation in communal lifecommunal life

Real, actual experience—of the individual or Real, actual experience—of the individual or the group—is always paramountthe group—is always paramount

Corporate worship often includes “ritual Corporate worship often includes “ritual moments,” opportunities for personal, spiritual moments,” opportunities for personal, spiritual connection in the midst of communityconnection in the midst of community

Mediums for such ritual moments include Mediums for such ritual moments include silence, silent and guided meditation, various silence, silent and guided meditation, various expressions of prayer, use of the arts, music, expressions of prayer, use of the arts, music, etc.etc.

Honoring the questionsHonoring the questions

Power of the question is valuedPower of the question is valuedQuestions make leadership neither Questions make leadership neither

reactive nor defensivereactive nor defensiveCommunity is open to, appreciates, Community is open to, appreciates,

invites genuine inquiryinvites genuine inquiry In order to effectively communicate with In order to effectively communicate with

others, one must know what the others, one must know what the questions arequestions are

Power of the question is valuedPower of the question is valuedQuestions make leadership neither Questions make leadership neither

reactive nor defensivereactive nor defensiveCommunity is open to, appreciates, Community is open to, appreciates,

invites genuine inquiryinvites genuine inquiry In order to effectively communicate with In order to effectively communicate with

others, one must know what the others, one must know what the questions arequestions are

Being in the neighorhoodBeing in the neighorhood

Church communities are one neighbor Church communities are one neighbor among many in a local settingamong many in a local setting

Cultivate relationships, develop Cultivate relationships, develop partnerships with other “neighbors” for partnerships with other “neighbors” for the sake of the well-being of the entire the sake of the well-being of the entire neighborhoodneighborhood

Practice of “neighbor love” and Practice of “neighbor love” and neighbor-as-servant” disposition is the neighbor-as-servant” disposition is the leading edge of community involvementleading edge of community involvement

Church communities are one neighbor Church communities are one neighbor among many in a local settingamong many in a local setting

Cultivate relationships, develop Cultivate relationships, develop partnerships with other “neighbors” for partnerships with other “neighbors” for the sake of the well-being of the entire the sake of the well-being of the entire neighborhoodneighborhood

Practice of “neighbor love” and Practice of “neighbor love” and neighbor-as-servant” disposition is the neighbor-as-servant” disposition is the leading edge of community involvementleading edge of community involvement

Radically indigenousRadically indigenous

Emerging church is not to be confused with Emerging church is not to be confused with popular modernist “models” (e.g., church popular modernist “models” (e.g., church growth approach, mega-church model)growth approach, mega-church model)

Emerging church is the coming-of-age of Gen Emerging church is the coming-of-age of Gen X and Gen Y sensibilitiesX and Gen Y sensibilities

The figural question: “What does it mean to The figural question: “What does it mean to be who we are where we are?”be who we are where we are?”

A rich, organic theology of context is A rich, organic theology of context is operative—not a “theology as projectile” operative—not a “theology as projectile” understanding of context but rather context understanding of context but rather context as a generative locus of theologyas a generative locus of theology

Emerging church is not to be confused with Emerging church is not to be confused with popular modernist “models” (e.g., church popular modernist “models” (e.g., church growth approach, mega-church model)growth approach, mega-church model)

Emerging church is the coming-of-age of Gen Emerging church is the coming-of-age of Gen X and Gen Y sensibilitiesX and Gen Y sensibilities

The figural question: “What does it mean to The figural question: “What does it mean to be who we are where we are?”be who we are where we are?”

A rich, organic theology of context is A rich, organic theology of context is operative—not a “theology as projectile” operative—not a “theology as projectile” understanding of context but rather context understanding of context but rather context as a generative locus of theologyas a generative locus of theology