A response to "A beginners guide to the Emerging Church" from Mark in Guernsey

As a 30 year old, I should agree with Andy Peck’s article on Emerging Church (January 2004). However, for an article to be convincing, it requires informed argument.

The claim that the evangelical church mirrored modernity is a paradox. Modernity dismisses faith as irrational and unable to be proved. Conversely, the concept of truth, and communicating it, has always existed in the church. Jesus told His followers that the truth would set men free. Teaching was given as one of the core ministries of the church within Ephesians 4.

Any attempt to reach this culture must understand the contradictions within postmodernism. All beliefs are of equal value, unless you happen to be a terrorist; or a Eurosceptic or Europhile. All beliefs are of equal value, yet how many Leeds United supporters would say they respect Peter Ridsdale’s point of view? Postmodernism is an illusion, inconsistent at its origin. The truth that still sets people free should and could cut through this.

I am increasingly struck by the loneliness of my peers. Professionally dedicated but, post-Enron, unable to find friendships with colleagues in other firms. Lone parents unable to attend office parties because there is nobody to babysit a child. Conceptually they are citizens of the world but, empirically, alienated from their neighbour. Conceptually Plato’s philosopher-kings: empirically disillusioned.

There is a management theory that focuses on strengths/opportunities not on weaknesses. When a church works well, her core strengths are in presenting unconditional love to one’s neighbour, a sense of belonging in community, discipling, and use of gifts – all in the strength of the Holy Spirit. The opportunities in today’s culture are obvious. Her weakness? Well, Peck is right in that this is the gospel itself. Strange that the gospel has always presented itself as foolishness, so why are we worrying about this? The gospel was never designed for an overwhelming response rate.

I believe that the Emerging Church has offered much for discussion in the area of outreach. Many churches from the Restoration movement have adopted similar strategies but with sound base. I fear that the deficit in the intellectual grasp of the issues will leave the Emerging Church marooned.

Mark