A common thread of conversation for me lately has been the problems within the emerging church. Interestingly enough, these are coming from people within the established church who are genuinely interested in the dialogue about church and culture. I’ve already posted about the Gospel of the Kingdom, as I see being the solution to the number one issue “seekers” from the established church have with the emerging church, which is abuse of freedom.
Other concerns are very familiar to us who have been dealing with these questions for nearly a decade now (and longer for some). Next to a belief that the emerging church just seems to throw out any and all “rules” comes the concern that the movement is inherently selfish. It’s all about what we want and what makes us happy. It’s as if we think the Gospel’s sole purpose is to bring happiness of an earthly nature to all Christians. If we aren’t happy, there must be something wrong. If culture doesn’t accept our message, it must be wrong (especially if it doesn’t make them happy to hear it).
So the thinking goes, we’ll stay in our established churches and not be selfish. This is an oversimplification, but I’m not overstating my observation from many real conversations. The perception, which isn’t entirely without merit, is that the emerging church movement (get over it) is inherently selfish.
If I can put my thoughts together about the valid parts of that critique, I’ll share that with you soon. But I want to share my general response when the issue comes up in conversation. First off, my thoughts on this topic in a round-about way our covered in my article, “Privileged Positions and Church Structure.”
My response, in short, is that while the critique may hold some validity, it cannot be used as an excuse to justify your own structures. Especially when the critique is probably just as valid of the established church.
Because those in the emerging church are trying out different structures for the local body of Christ, we’re seen as being a little self-aggrandizing… like anyone can actually find a better way of doing church… it’s God’s way that counts!
Well therein lies the problem. What is God’s way? Is there a privileged position for church structure? I emphatically say that there’s not. And simply seeking out new forms which come from the human imagination does not make you selfish. At least no more so than holding your current structure as the “right” method and thinking there’s humility and submission towards God in that.
This probably should’ve been a more thought out post, but I wanted to throw it out there. I’m going to be moving over the next few days, and I’m hoping this resonates with some of you and your input can get my mind moving in how we can effectively converse with those in the established church who see issues with that which is emerging, but still hold an interest. My heart is telling me they want us to have the answers, because they too sense something wrong with the establishment…
Good topic…I appreciate that fact that the EC is searching and finding it’s place. They deserve the time and opportunity to do so. In the meantime the questions being raised are good and interesting. But overall, I kind of agree with Jewels. I’m a missionary is South America (home on furlow right now) and I’m finding that I’m not sure where I fit. I find the N.A. church kind of inward focused and more than a bit selfish. It’s interesting they should label the EC this. One of the things I’m appreciating about the EC is it’s desire to focus on injustice and suffering. And as I said, the questions being raised are refreshing. But in the midst of appreciating these parts…I find that I can’t agree with other parts. So I end up having a foot in both worlds so to speak. It’s difficult to say the least. What is God’s way?
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Alan. This probably could also have been a better thought out response, but it’s late…
And Jewels…you’re definitely not alone in all of this. Neither are answering all my questions either…but they’re both answering some.
Jeb
May 28th, 2005
I don’t know how to verbalize this, but I guess I feel the “tension” you speak of. Its funny that today I was feeling very lonely in my thoughts. It seems the groups are extreme. Either I have to give in, give up something to be apart of the EC or the IC. I don’t see either answering any of my questions and if they do they are met with contempt. I don’t want to hide out in the IC, but I find it easy at times to find a cave and stay there. I’m some where in the middle and I wonder alot what there is for people like me. I’m just sitting here with questions, ideas, and frusteration.
I’m not sure if this helps you, but its where I’m at in all this right now.
Jewels
May 28th, 2005