In 2000, I read a book entitled “Postmodern Youth Ministry” by Tony Jones. I had the privilege of meeting him and his friend Dan Kimball at YS NYWC soon after. Kimball then wrote a book called “The Emerging Church” which I fell in love with church all over again. That book’s follow-up, “Emerging Worship,” was also a hit at the Felker desk. Then came the earthquake: “A New Kind of Christian” by Brian McLaren. I soon discovered other McLaren gems such as “Finding Faith,” “Adventures in Missing the Point,” “The Church on the Other Side,” and now recently, “A Generous Orthodoxy”. These books were so refreshing and honest. They completely spoke to my heart as one who seeks to see the Church become what it was intended to be and not just what we have settled for. This group and its message became known as Emergent.
For a while, Emergent was considered by some to be a fad by the “mainstream”. It was a “coffee and Christmas lights” worship movement and nothing more. It wasn’t dangerous. It wasn’t even on the radar for many (and still may not be).
Now, things are different. As I have followed their stories on blogs and though print I have seen a dramatic backlash against these men and their teachings. I believe one of them (Jones, Pagitt) saw this backlash on the horizon a little over a year ago. Now I’ve seen it to be true. Below I have pasted an article from The Ooze written by Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, Spencer Burke, Brian McLaren, Dan Kimball, Andrew Jones, and Chris Seay. The article is a response to some of the criticism that has sprung up. I have met or heard in person almost all seven of these men. They have meant a lot to me and their writings have helped me focus my ministry on Christ Jesus. If you aren’t in on the conversation, get in.
We continue to be amazed by the enthusiastic interest in the work of emergent, a conversation and friendship of which we are a small part. This conversation is bringing together a wide range of committed Christians and those exploring the Christian faith in wonderful ways, and many of us sense that God is at work among us. As would be expected, there have also been criticisms. A number of people have asked us to respond to these criticisms. These ten brief responses will, we hope, serve to clarify our position and suggest ways for the conversation to continue constructively for participants and critics alike. It is our hope and prayer that even our disagreements can bring us together in respectful dialogue as Christians, resulting in growth for all concerned.
First, we wish to say thanks to our critics… (more)