While it is yet too early to see what emerging churches might look like,
there are already a handful of budding examples. But first I will suggest a few
of the commonalities. Since they, for the most part, are not and will not be
part of existing denominations or other ecclesial structures, in fact they tend
to stand over against them, they will be self-governed. While radical
congregationalism has its own problems, which can make it a law to itself and
lead to abuses by dominant personalities, it allows for a latitude not
available in other forms of church government.
These emerging bodies will probably reinterpret the meaning
of faith, and will depart from it being belief in specific propositions. While there
may be common ideas to which the members subscribe, they will not ordinarily be
rooted in traditional doctrines or liturgical practices.
Doctrines such as the
verbal inspiration of Scripture, miracles, the virgin birth, and the trinity
will become matters for individual belief, and not part of the group’s
affirmation. Faith will tend to mean trust. No one will be considered outside
the body because of what they believe, their race, gender, sexual orientation
or any other personal characteristic. The welcome will be extraordinarily
generous. Experience, not doctrine, will tend to be the common bond. These
groups will tend to be interfaith. While basically coming from a Christian
background, they will reject Christian exceptionalism, and be open to any discipline,
person or group of good will. Major emphases will tend to involve, peace,
justice and care of the earth. Otherwise each group will develop its own style,
and agenda. There will be a renewal of following the ethic of Jesus as a way to
transform society.
Let me briefly suggest a few of the models I have recently
encountered.
There are now churches that exist only in cyberspace.
Texting, e-mail and skype form the group’s ways to communicate. Often a
self-appointed pastor leads the body. This, however, may not be so different
than my grandmother’s radio minister—although in that case, other than her
regular financial contribution, all the communication was one way.
None of the emerging groups I know about own property. The
large expensive buildings which tend to determine the nature of the
institution, are seen to be barriers to authenticity.
A number of these groups are constituted by the remnant of
once were vital denominationally based congregations. One meets in the evenings around shared meals in the social
hall of a former Lutheran church. While there may be some form of prayer, most
of the evening is spend in conversation. In this and other such groups, the
common meal is seen as Eucharist, without the traditional trappings or
language. A decade ago several groups using the "emerging church" as their
model but still denominationally oriented, gathered for traditional Eucharistic
celebrations. It is unclear as to whether that style has persisted within the
emerging movement. None of the documents I have found seem to have moved in
that direction.
One group meets monthly in a local bar for beverages and
food ("bread and wine"?) and has
developed a varied modern liturgy build around art, drama, and other forms of
personal creativity.
"Women's Church" is now a national phenomenon among
feminists who have become disillusioned with what they perceive the
intransigence of the Catholic Church and the failure of other denominations to
take seriously women’s issues. In my community Women's Church meets one Sunday
mornings once a month for simple food, and a home-produced liturgy, much of
which pays attention to ancient feminist symbols and practices.
Other groups, which value experience over belief and use
that distinction to separate spirituality from religion, are centered on
meditation, yoga and other Eastern practices.
I would be interested in hearing what other forms you know
about or have personally encountered. Is this the church of the future? It is too early to tell. What is clear
is that alternatives to the diminished role of the traditional churches are on
the horizon. We are dealing here with a rapidly changing phenomenon. Much of
what happens will have no staying power, and history will filter the wheat from
the chaff. And that will be an exciting thing to watch.
Charles Bayer
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