Evangelical Perspectives on the Emergent Church Movement

As an Evangelical Christian with over four decades of experience, I have observed the constant evolution of how the Church is perceived and practiced. This leads to the generation of new labels, which often come with the promise of a 'better' or 'more radical' way of being church. This article explores the views of Evangelical Christians on the emerging church movement and reflects on the core principles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus in today's context.

The Emergence of New Labels

We frequently create new labels for movements that aim to reform or redefine aspects of church life. These labels often carry the connotations of being 'radical' or 'new.' However, these movements tend to be more trendy than rooted in durable theological foundations. This trend is particularly evident in the emergent church movement, which seeks to adapt traditional Christian practices to modern contexts.

The Nature of the Church

From my perspective, the nature of the Church is more organic than structured. It transcends human classification and labeling. The core essence of the Church, as defined by Jesus Christ, is about mutual love and discipleship. Jesus emphasized this in John 13:34-35:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will recognize that you are my disciples.

The two most distinctive characteristics of the Church are that we are disciples of Jesus and that we love one another. This definition is both profound and simple.

Worship and Ministry with Christians of Many Traditions

Over my years in worship and ministry, I have had the unique opportunity to interact with Christians from various traditions. We share a common frustration that our traditions sometimes divide us, yet none of us hold a monopoly on the truth. Instead, we recognize the value in learning from one another. While doctrine is indeed vital, the fundamental aspects of Christian doctrine that truly matter have never been a cause of division among ordinary Christians.

Evangelicals and the Emergent Church

There is a common misconception that all Evangelicals reject the emergent church movement outright. However, the views on this movement are varied and nuanced. When I was in seminary, I even wrote a thesis against the emergent church. Yet, during the process of writing it, I discovered that I had become more aligned with their philosophy and felt a sense of belonging to their community. This journey of understanding and conviction continues to be a significant part of my spiritual journey.

The Declining Significance of the Emergent Church

The phrase 'emergent church' hasn't been in the spotlight for quite some time. Most of its leaders have integrated into established mainline denominations. Today, the remnants of the emergent church movement are mostly trying to preserve their former influence and appeal, which peaked in the early 2000s. This movement, while once innovative and influential, has now diminished in its impact and visibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the views of Evangelical Christians on the emergent church movement are complex and multifaceted. While some hold strong reservations, many find common ground and value in the emphasis on mutual love and discipleship. The emergent church movement, despite its diminishing presence, continues to influence how we understand and practice the Christian faith in contemporary times.