We have been approached to provide a definition for what The Emergent Church might be. As such – it may not be possible to write one explanation that would cover all interpretations and appease every believer who subscribes to the Emergent movement.

But all who are a part of the movement would agree, the term “Emergent” is nothing more than a working title. There is no one Emergent Church, nor is there one Emergent Movement. But there are many emergent conversations going on, and each has some commonalities.

As such, those who subscribe to this mindset choose to describe their religious experience as a journey – that we are all fellow travelers having conversations along the way. Part of that conversation involves the deconstruction of modern faith. Each element of one’s personal faith experience is reassembled in light of his or her own unique journey. By holding no belief sacred and forcing every assumption to be reevaluated, many Emergents have found themselves rekindling their faith based on precepts that were once ignored or left out of their equation of western faith.

This newfound belief system requires a change in terms & values that most Emergents will hold near & dear. These might be stated as Holistic, Missional, Community, Justice, Equality, Caring for the poor, Feeding the hungry, and Stewardship. Because of these values there is an escalating tone demanding the future faith community to be one of action. Where the modern western culture has created a faith evolved from knowledge, intellect and general Greco-Roman principle, the Emerging Movement is seeking purpose and fulfillment by being, doing and acting out the role of Jesus in everyday living.

Tomorrow’s Lesson – Post-Modernism and Protest
inspired or regurgitated from Scot McKnight's postings