i wonder as i wander: what is the emerging/missional/monastic/ multicultural/postmodern church anyway?.

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We in Emergent Village are poised for an important year in 2007. A pivotal year, I’d say. Lots of people are watching—some with high hopes that EV might be a part of a re-birth of Christian faith, a revolution in what it means to follow Jesus. (Others, of course, are plotting our demise J.)

The part I highlighted above about revolution has got me thinking. Is that why some people are “plotting the demise” of EV. Would it be more accessible for people to think of the emerging emergent church as an evolution of how the church practices the faith rather than a revolution? Can the emergent folks make claim to being the vanguard of a revolutionary movement in following Jesus (especially when it is still so monolithic in its racial ethnic makeup)?
Kester Brewin in his book Complex Christ suggests that emergence is more closely connected to evolution than revolution. Revolution he continues correlates more with insurgence than emergence. The point of view from which we view the emerging church and emergent conversation determines how we pursue the developing practice of the faith and who ends up coming along for the ride.

So is it evolution or revolution? Maybe it is both and what say you?

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Here is what one reviewer said about the book

"The Complex Christ combines a theological integrity with imaginative and innovative ways of thinking about Church as a complex network. Not only does this book contribute to the current debate about the Church it is also a meditation on faith and believing in the city. It is a must read for all of those thinking through the future of the Church – in all its forms."

As I wait for the book I’ve been reading the authors blog and posts on his discussion board. Here is a review and and interesting post about Christ in the city on their BBS

http://www.thecomplexchrist.com/phpbbcc/viewtopic.php?t=37

http://www.thecomplexchrist.com/phpbbcc/viewtopic.php?p=91#91

It is worth exploring for anyone interested in expressions  of emergent in the city.

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