i had not come across the fuller online theology journal before but followed a link from mark to unearth it. ryan bolger and eddie gibbs, authors of emerging churches, are the team behind it. and this issue reflects on the emerging church in denominational settings. this is the description they are working with which chimes in with my own sensibilities.
It is a mistake to think of “the emerging church” as a cohesive
movement with authorized spokespersons. It is more of a matrix of
networks attracting a range of like-minded travelers. It has been
described as a conversation in which countless numbers participate via
websites and weblogs (blogs). Critics and observers who focus on major
gatherings and high-profile authors miss the core nature of diversity
of opinions and ongoing dialogue. The church emerging is not a
centrally organized, hierarchical organization, but more a spontaneous
grass-roots phenomenon.
the issue particularly focuses on emerging initiatives within traditional churches which they see as the next
horizon for the spread of emerging church practices in the United
States. i think this is a really hopeful thing to name and hope that it is the beginning of something more…
Amen – thanks for the link. I haven’t met Ryan Bolger yet but was told he’s part of the emerging church theology put that Nadia organized at AAR – Doug Gay will be there too talking about y’all’s book.
It’s not just observers and critics though who call into the trap you outlined. Some high-profile authors tout themselves as the experts while claiming this is a horizontal movement. Saying, oh that’s not me, that’s my publicist talking is rubbish. Maybe an author isn’t kept in the loop regarding the first press release/tour but they certainly can have input in subsequent PR efforts.
Jonny, thanks for the link — we had the idea a year and a half ago — and we were really excited about the authors who joined us…http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=144
Peace,
I’m getting the same sense that simple, engaging initiatives are how this new network will grow within established churches. Personally, i’m working on an initiative that re-introduces the concept of “play” to communities and their leaders.