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Did you say that postmodern churches are not the point?
I have read much of your writings and I have enjoyed it greatly but I do have one question for you. I have read and heard you say that postmodern churches are not really the point of the emerging movement. I do however have a question regarding that. What about people who are planting churches that are "postmodern" or "Emerging". Some of them are I assume even friends and collogues of yours. Now I would assume you do not try and disregard or diminish what they are doing but if postmodern or emerging churches are not really the point are they not going against what might be not needed for the Emerging Movement at this point?
I personally have given this much thought myself but would rather hear your insights on that. I mean it seems to me that as time goes by I hear about more and more about new “postmodern churches” or “postmodern services”. If that is not the point why are so many people feeling the need to create them?
Great question. What I’ve said in this regard is probably not very clear or helpful. I was trying to point out that our hope is not in any new methodology, terminology, fad, or whatever – but rather in God and in the good news. Having said that, I’m all for innovation in church planting, and I don’t want to do anything but encourage people who are doing creative and needed things as church planters. It’s important to remember, though, that if the goal of church planting is reaching unchurched people and helping them become disciples – few if any unchurched people would know what “emerging” or “postmodern” meant. What will mean the most to them is a sincere demonstration of the love and goodness of God by a community of people who have been touched by that love. In comparison with that, labels are unimportant.