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My Definition of the Emerging Church

by Nadia Bolz-Weber 03-23-2009 | 5:31pm
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090323-emerging-churchIf I had a dollar for every person who has asked me "So, what IS the emerging church?" we could meet our budget this year. Here's my own definition, and it is just that -- my definition. Not the definition. This is descriptive, not prescriptive. When I use the term "emerging church" here's what I mean by that. (I feel like I'm walking into a minefield, but here we go ...)

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Emerging church:

Christian communities that emerge out of very particular cultural contexts where the traditional church is basically irrelevant. These cultural contexts are more often than not urban, youngish, and post-modern.

Emerging church is not a worship style. I know emerging churches that do traditional liturgy with jazz (Mercy Seat), who use electronica (Church of the Beloved), who are a capella Gregorian chant (House for All Sinners and Saints), and who do nothing but old-time Southern gospel (House of Mercy).

So, when traditional churches in the suburbs are wanting to attract young people (with all the good intentions in the world) and they ape some kind of worship style they read about in a Zondervan book by starting an "emerging" worship service, it's a bit

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by: Butler Auto Auction

07-29-2011 @ 4:56pm

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08-16-2011 @ 12:57am

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by: brgulker

03-23-2009 @ 6:51pm

Best comment I've read in a while:

"This is why I want to make a T-shirt that says "light all the candles you want to; they are not coming." The back of the shirt would say, "It's ok to be who you are (traditional, suburban, small town, conservative, Methodist

by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 6:52pm

"Christian communities that emerge out of very particular cultural contexts where the traditional church is basically irrelevant."

I'm one of those people who is wondering what an emerging church is, and this one sentence definition and the following description is the most helpful one I've been given. Thank you Nadia.

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by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 8:33pm

"light all the candles you want to; they are not coming"

What do you think that means? I was unsure when I read it.

by: derelicte

03-23-2009 @ 8:52pm

Sounds about right...

by: My Blog Title

05-27-2011 @ 8:28pm

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by: oalston

03-24-2009 @ 3:05am

With all due respect I wanted to ask what you would say to the lack of racial diversity in the emerging church? I was pleased to see a woman write this article because many from within my community and without think that the emerging church is mostly white, educated, middle or upper class White men. How would you also speak to the lack of economic diversity in the emerging church? I know if an African-American female emerging pastor from Seattle but other than that I do not know of many people of color or poor people who are leaders of emerging churches or in the emerging church movement.

I have spoken to prominent emerging church leaders about this issue and they agree that it is a problem. I know Brian McLaren does a conference with African emerging church leaders but I am talking about the emerging church in America. Thank you.

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08-12-2011 @ 11:00pm

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by: brgulker

03-23-2009 @ 6:51pm

Best comment I've read in a while:

"This is why I want to make a T-shirt that says "light all the candles you want to; they are not coming." The back of the shirt would say, "It's ok to be who you are (traditional, suburban, small town, conservative, Methodist

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08-12-2011 @ 11:00pm

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by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 6:52pm

"Christian communities that emerge out of very particular cultural contexts where the traditional church is basically irrelevant."

I'm one of those people who is wondering what an emerging church is, and this one sentence definition and the following description is the most helpful one I've been given. Thank you Nadia.

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08-03-2011 @ 5:21pm

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by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 8:33pm

"light all the candles you want to; they are not coming"

What do you think that means? I was unsure when I read it.

by: derelicte

03-23-2009 @ 8:52pm

Sounds about right...

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:12pm

I think it means that some churches will never attract post-modern, urban adults. And in order for those churches to even try to do so, they have to become something they essentially are not.

So, in order to attract post-modern young adults, people light candles, utilize the arts, play contemporary music, etc. However, for some churches all of that is little more than an act, because it's not an accurate representation of who they are.

Her argument is that such attempts are ultimately transparent and come across as contrived.

On the other hand, when a post-modern, urban young person starts her own church, it naturally and organically attracts people like her.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:13pm

Yeah, that makes sense to me, too. It gives simple concreteness to an otherwise elusive term.

It also helps justify these movements, in my view, because it explains these churches as simply being authentic expressions of the individuals that comprise them.

Well said.

by: Lord_Voldemort

03-24-2009 @ 2:29pm

Okay, so on one hand, the Emerging Church is not tied down to any worship style, but on the other hand, we can "light all the candles we want, they are not coming." So basically it's anything goes except for candles. Got it.

LV

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 2:32pm

Ah, I see. Thanks. I just didn't get the connection between candles and post-modern young adults. I didn't realize candles were something they were into. I figured candles are more of a traditional, high-church thing. But maybe post-modern adults are into that too. I don't know.

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 8:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 3:15pm

I don't say this to be condescending in any way, so please don't interpret it that way at all. It is only curiosity on my part.

Have you ever participated in worship at an emerging church?

The services can take a variety of forms, but one common trend is to resurrect ancient, traditional liturgy and blend it together with contemporary culture. Including candles in worship, for example, is one common form that this blending takes place.

You're right, it is associated with high church. This inclusion of high church tradition with contemporary culture is part of what constitutes emerging worship in many churches.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 4:53pm

No, I haven't been to an emergent church, which is my main reason for asking the questions. That's interesting that they're taking traditional liturgy and using it, so the candles would make sense. I've found that many people in my (relatively younger) age bracket are attracted to liturgical churches and traditions of past ages after growing up in non-denominational churches with contemporary worship services.

Again, thanks for answering my questions. I pose them merely to become more knowledgeable.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 5:00pm

You should do a google search for an article entitled "Return to Tradition."

It quantifies exactly what you just described. There's a pretty large movement of churches who are engaging ancient liturgy for a variety of reasons. Sounds like it would interest you.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 5:09pm

Thanks! I'll check it out.

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05-28-2011 @ 8:31pm

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by: oalston

03-24-2009 @ 3:05am

With all due respect I wanted to ask what you would say to the lack of racial diversity in the emerging church? I was pleased to see a woman write this article because many from within my community and without think that the emerging church is mostly white, educated, middle or upper class White men. How would you also speak to the lack of economic diversity in the emerging church? I know if an African-American female emerging pastor from Seattle but other than that I do not know of many people of color or poor people who are leaders of emerging churches or in the emerging church movement.

I have spoken to prominent emerging church leaders about this issue and they agree that it is a problem. I know Brian McLaren does a conference with African emerging church leaders but I am talking about the emerging church in America. Thank you.

by: Villas in Mauritius

06-15-2011 @ 8:49am

Read was interesting, stay in touch

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 6:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:12pm

I think it means that some churches will never attract post-modern, urban adults. And in order for those churches to even try to do so, they have to become something they essentially are not.

So, in order to attract post-modern young adults, people light candles, utilize the arts, play contemporary music, etc. However, for some churches all of that is little more than an act, because it's not an accurate representation of who they are.

Her argument is that such attempts are ultimately transparent and come across as contrived.

On the other hand, when a post-modern, urban young person starts her own church, it naturally and organically attracts people like her.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:13pm

Yeah, that makes sense to me, too. It gives simple concreteness to an otherwise elusive term.

It also helps justify these movements, in my view, because it explains these churches as simply being authentic expressions of the individuals that comprise them.

Well said.

by: Lord_Voldemort

03-24-2009 @ 2:29pm

Okay, so on one hand, the Emerging Church is not tied down to any worship style, but on the other hand, we can "light all the candles we want, they are not coming." So basically it's anything goes except for candles. Got it.

LV

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 2:32pm

Ah, I see. Thanks. I just didn't get the connection between candles and post-modern young adults. I didn't realize candles were something they were into. I figured candles are more of a traditional, high-church thing. But maybe post-modern adults are into that too. I don't know.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 3:15pm

I don't say this to be condescending in any way, so please don't interpret it that way at all. It is only curiosity on my part.

Have you ever participated in worship at an emerging church?

The services can take a variety of forms, but one common trend is to resurrect ancient, traditional liturgy and blend it together with contemporary culture. Including candles in worship, for example, is one common form that this blending takes place.

You're right, it is associated with high church. This inclusion of high church tradition with contemporary culture is part of what constitutes emerging worship in many churches.

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 6:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 4:53pm

No, I haven't been to an emergent church, which is my main reason for asking the questions. That's interesting that they're taking traditional liturgy and using it, so the candles would make sense. I've found that many people in my (relatively younger) age bracket are attracted to liturgical churches and traditions of past ages after growing up in non-denominational churches with contemporary worship services.

Again, thanks for answering my questions. I pose them merely to become more knowledgeable.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 5:00pm

You should do a google search for an article entitled "Return to Tradition."

It quantifies exactly what you just described. There's a pretty large movement of churches who are engaging ancient liturgy for a variety of reasons. Sounds like it would interest you.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 5:09pm

Thanks! I'll check it out.

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06-01-2011 @ 9:19pm

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07-24-2011 @ 2:12pm

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by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 8:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: brgulker

03-23-2009 @ 6:51pm

Best comment I've read in a while:

"This is why I want to make a T-shirt that says "light all the candles you want to; they are not coming." The back of the shirt would say, "It's ok to be who you are (traditional, suburban, small town, conservative, Methodist

by: brgulker

03-23-2009 @ 6:51pm

Best comment I've read in a while:

"This is why I want to make a T-shirt that says "light all the candles you want to; they are not coming." The back of the shirt would say, "It's ok to be who you are (traditional, suburban, small town, conservative, Methodist

by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 6:52pm

"Christian communities that emerge out of very particular cultural contexts where the traditional church is basically irrelevant."

I'm one of those people who is wondering what an emerging church is, and this one sentence definition and the following description is the most helpful one I've been given. Thank you Nadia.

by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 6:52pm

"Christian communities that emerge out of very particular cultural contexts where the traditional church is basically irrelevant."

I'm one of those people who is wondering what an emerging church is, and this one sentence definition and the following description is the most helpful one I've been given. Thank you Nadia.

by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 8:33pm

"light all the candles you want to; they are not coming"

What do you think that means? I was unsure when I read it.

by: Eric77

03-23-2009 @ 8:33pm

"light all the candles you want to; they are not coming"

What do you think that means? I was unsure when I read it.

by: derelicte

03-23-2009 @ 8:52pm

Sounds about right...

by: derelicte

03-23-2009 @ 8:52pm

Sounds about right...

by: oalston

03-24-2009 @ 3:05am

With all due respect I wanted to ask what you would say to the lack of racial diversity in the emerging church? I was pleased to see a woman write this article because many from within my community and without think that the emerging church is mostly white, educated, middle or upper class White men. How would you also speak to the lack of economic diversity in the emerging church? I know if an African-American female emerging pastor from Seattle but other than that I do not know of many people of color or poor people who are leaders of emerging churches or in the emerging church movement.

I have spoken to prominent emerging church leaders about this issue and they agree that it is a problem. I know Brian McLaren does a conference with African emerging church leaders but I am talking about the emerging church in America. Thank you.

by: oalston

03-24-2009 @ 3:05am

With all due respect I wanted to ask what you would say to the lack of racial diversity in the emerging church? I was pleased to see a woman write this article because many from within my community and without think that the emerging church is mostly white, educated, middle or upper class White men. How would you also speak to the lack of economic diversity in the emerging church? I know if an African-American female emerging pastor from Seattle but other than that I do not know of many people of color or poor people who are leaders of emerging churches or in the emerging church movement.

I have spoken to prominent emerging church leaders about this issue and they agree that it is a problem. I know Brian McLaren does a conference with African emerging church leaders but I am talking about the emerging church in America. Thank you.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:12pm

I think it means that some churches will never attract post-modern, urban adults. And in order for those churches to even try to do so, they have to become something they essentially are not.

So, in order to attract post-modern young adults, people light candles, utilize the arts, play contemporary music, etc. However, for some churches all of that is little more than an act, because it's not an accurate representation of who they are.

Her argument is that such attempts are ultimately transparent and come across as contrived.

On the other hand, when a post-modern, urban young person starts her own church, it naturally and organically attracts people like her.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:12pm

I think it means that some churches will never attract post-modern, urban adults. And in order for those churches to even try to do so, they have to become something they essentially are not.

So, in order to attract post-modern young adults, people light candles, utilize the arts, play contemporary music, etc. However, for some churches all of that is little more than an act, because it's not an accurate representation of who they are.

Her argument is that such attempts are ultimately transparent and come across as contrived.

On the other hand, when a post-modern, urban young person starts her own church, it naturally and organically attracts people like her.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:13pm

Yeah, that makes sense to me, too. It gives simple concreteness to an otherwise elusive term.

It also helps justify these movements, in my view, because it explains these churches as simply being authentic expressions of the individuals that comprise them.

Well said.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 1:13pm

Yeah, that makes sense to me, too. It gives simple concreteness to an otherwise elusive term.

It also helps justify these movements, in my view, because it explains these churches as simply being authentic expressions of the individuals that comprise them.

Well said.

by: Lord_Voldemort

03-24-2009 @ 2:29pm

Okay, so on one hand, the Emerging Church is not tied down to any worship style, but on the other hand, we can "light all the candles we want, they are not coming." So basically it's anything goes except for candles. Got it.

LV

by: Lord_Voldemort

03-24-2009 @ 2:29pm

Okay, so on one hand, the Emerging Church is not tied down to any worship style, but on the other hand, we can "light all the candles we want, they are not coming." So basically it's anything goes except for candles. Got it.

LV

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 2:32pm

Ah, I see. Thanks. I just didn't get the connection between candles and post-modern young adults. I didn't realize candles were something they were into. I figured candles are more of a traditional, high-church thing. But maybe post-modern adults are into that too. I don't know.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 2:32pm

Ah, I see. Thanks. I just didn't get the connection between candles and post-modern young adults. I didn't realize candles were something they were into. I figured candles are more of a traditional, high-church thing. But maybe post-modern adults are into that too. I don't know.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 3:15pm

I don't say this to be condescending in any way, so please don't interpret it that way at all. It is only curiosity on my part.

Have you ever participated in worship at an emerging church?

The services can take a variety of forms, but one common trend is to resurrect ancient, traditional liturgy and blend it together with contemporary culture. Including candles in worship, for example, is one common form that this blending takes place.

You're right, it is associated with high church. This inclusion of high church tradition with contemporary culture is part of what constitutes emerging worship in many churches.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 3:15pm

I don't say this to be condescending in any way, so please don't interpret it that way at all. It is only curiosity on my part.

Have you ever participated in worship at an emerging church?

The services can take a variety of forms, but one common trend is to resurrect ancient, traditional liturgy and blend it together with contemporary culture. Including candles in worship, for example, is one common form that this blending takes place.

You're right, it is associated with high church. This inclusion of high church tradition with contemporary culture is part of what constitutes emerging worship in many churches.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 4:53pm

No, I haven't been to an emergent church, which is my main reason for asking the questions. That's interesting that they're taking traditional liturgy and using it, so the candles would make sense. I've found that many people in my (relatively younger) age bracket are attracted to liturgical churches and traditions of past ages after growing up in non-denominational churches with contemporary worship services.

Again, thanks for answering my questions. I pose them merely to become more knowledgeable.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 4:53pm

No, I haven't been to an emergent church, which is my main reason for asking the questions. That's interesting that they're taking traditional liturgy and using it, so the candles would make sense. I've found that many people in my (relatively younger) age bracket are attracted to liturgical churches and traditions of past ages after growing up in non-denominational churches with contemporary worship services.

Again, thanks for answering my questions. I pose them merely to become more knowledgeable.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 5:00pm

You should do a google search for an article entitled "Return to Tradition."

It quantifies exactly what you just described. There's a pretty large movement of churches who are engaging ancient liturgy for a variety of reasons. Sounds like it would interest you.

by: brgulker

03-24-2009 @ 5:00pm

You should do a google search for an article entitled "Return to Tradition."

It quantifies exactly what you just described. There's a pretty large movement of churches who are engaging ancient liturgy for a variety of reasons. Sounds like it would interest you.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 5:09pm

Thanks! I'll check it out.

by: Eric77

03-24-2009 @ 5:09pm

Thanks! I'll check it out.

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 6:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 6:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 8:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: dylandonaldson

05-29-2009 @ 8:15am

Ditto. Where has this stuff been all my life

by: My Blog Title

05-27-2011 @ 8:28pm

Title...

CMA salaries are as great as other med positions.....

by: http://article-marketing-tips-exposed-2011.wetpaint.com/

05-28-2011 @ 8:31pm

Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!...

Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems....

by: j

06-01-2011 @ 9:19pm

Protect yourself with evil eye...

this site is worth a backlink and I backlinked to it to get more backlinks...

by: Villas in Mauritius

06-15-2011 @ 8:49am

Read was interesting, stay in touch

by: Police Car Auctions

06-26-2011 @ 4:43pm

Car Auctions...

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by: Philips Lighting

07-10-2011 @ 4:24pm

I truly appreciate this blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool....

Great article.Really thank you! Fantastic....

by: best self tanning

07-18-2011 @ 5:42pm

I just linked to your site...

Im naive to blogging and recently heard about trackbacks, which I imagine is a means for me to acknowledge your website through a linkback through mine. I saw your web site in the "currently buzzing" part of one of the bookmarking sites that I was p...

by: nissan juke review

07-19-2011 @ 4:31am

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by: kosmetyki

07-21-2011 @ 9:21am

kosmetyki naturalne...

Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There's a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers...

by: Sok Noni

07-24-2011 @ 2:12pm

Noni...

Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you...

by: Butler Auto Auction

07-29-2011 @ 4:56pm

Butler Auto Auction...

Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks...

by: Gun

08-03-2011 @ 1:00am

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by: Important

08-03-2011 @ 5:21pm

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[

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08-04-2011 @ 5:42am

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08-12-2011 @ 11:00pm

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by: May

08-12-2011 @ 11:00pm

Mentive...

[

by: Jezyk Angielski Chorz

08-16-2011 @ 12:57am

szkola angielskiego dabrowa górnicza...

Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you...