emergence in our place

Some respected religious scholars are calling the current redefinition of church or ecclesial reformation 'emergence'. It is an opening up, an unfolding or arising of something new within the ancient form of Christian community. A reframing of the church's story that considers the deep rootedness of the kerygma, both in the 1st century church and in 1st century Judaism; as that kerygma addresses the situation we find ourselves in today. It is a recontextualization of the significant matters of our faith through engagement with 21st century postmodern culture. We seek to hear and live this good news, but through the framing narrative of postmodernity. Churches are still trying to embody a gospel for a situation that no longer exists. Its like we're still trying to feed people food high in saturated fats and cholesterol when we know the health risks inherent in such a diet.

As some of us in our synod begin to explore what it means to belong to church in the 21st century, we might seek some inspiration from the above web community. Emergent village has been at this for about a decade. Click on their link to "cohorts" to watch a youtube video about these local, missional/theological conversations being generated around the country by people who are seeking a deeper intentionality about their spiritual formation as people of GOD. I think we are leaning toward this new social, public spiritual conversation as we foster local cluster group formation among Lutheran Christians,our friends, and neighbors. If you are wondering how you might connect with others who are searching for a safe place to talk about God, Jesus, church, ministry and vocation in the world, faith and relationships, etc...then comment on this blog entry. We are trying to get people connected. There is a social networking component to this at a Facebook group called "koinonia 21c."
Church is becoming something other than it has been in the modern,Constantinian, institutional model. It is being redefined and reshaped. And it is sparking interest where interest in these things had lost momentum or priority. Church is shedding its buiding, budgets, and boards business model and realigning with a simpler way---a way characterized primarily by authentic relationships held together by the mystery/presence and story of Jesus the Christ, the Son of GOD.