Emergent Church

So, I've been doing some thinking about what we discussed a few Sundays ago. Like you said, this isn't anything that we haven't been thinking... its just that we never thought of doing it for church. I think the fundamental drive here is to "reinvent church" as we know it, not to bend to societal pressures, but rather to meet the needs and worldview of today's population.

As I meditated on the idea, I immediately thought of concepts that are apropos. Most of these concepts are borrowed from the haven of the post modern world... the coffeehouse.

Authenticity

This is big. Yesterday's church is filled with people constantly trying to be good, but constantly failing. We want others to think we "have it together", when in reality nobody does. Tommorrow's church is filled with authethetic people. Vulnerable people that encourage one another in the Lord. Nobody is perfect. The power is in strong relationships, not perfection. Be real with God, be real with each other.

Not every seat faces forward

I think the common practice of "putting on a show" needs to be reversed. We always pray in worship teams that we would be transparent and that God can shine through. I just played at a coffeehouse tonight and realized that not everybody was looking at me and that's just fine. Its not disrespectful... its social interaction... and through those bonds ideas are shared, encouragement is given and God is glorified. Small groups and accountability flourish in such an environment.

Expressive Freedom
In yesterday's church there is a stigma that only ordained individuals can be up front, play in the band, or do anything without the approval of leadership. In tommorrow's church, the walls are filled with art from the congregation. Participants are encouraged to develop their gifts such as speaking, music, poetry, or drama. Church should have open mic and all should be encouraged to do so to glorify God. This freedom should create fruit... Those with gifts should be encouraged to teach others.

From the Hands
In yesterday's church the congregation members ask what the church does for them. In tommorrow's church the focus is on filling the need. The scripture is pretty straight forward... the greatest command is to Love the Lord with all your heart, and love each other as yourself. Greater love has no man that he lay down his life for a friend. When Jesus asked Peter if he loved him... he said yes... then Jesus said "Feed My Sheep" - John 21:15-19 - What does this mean? It means we should be seeking those in the community that have a need and fullfil it. If there is a widow that has a house that needs painted, do it right away with the church, each with there own skills. Those that can cook should feed the workers. Those that are able can labor, those with money can purchase supplies. It is in the face of the widow when she says "thank you" where we see the face of God. In doing this we will be known in the community as those that love. All the words in the world cannot express that love. We should make signs that say "This job done by God". We are his feet and hands... that is the church!

Leaders Become Guiders

The leaders of the church are oriented to assisting in forming relationships and encourage everyone to encourage everyone in seeking God and giving him glory in whatever they do. They get people in touch with one another and foster ideas.

Consider Different Time
Sunday morning is a little forced for some. Church should occur at night either as the sole, or in addition to Sunday morning. Time should be flexible, services longer. This is just a thought but not neccessarily needed.

What I See

I guess in general I'm thinking way outside the box. I see tommorrows church as not representing church at all. I see chairs and tables and bibles. I see people talking about work and play. I see folks mingling, encouraging, fostering each other to meet and prevent cliques. I see encouragement in creative expression and in purity and in God glorification. I see art on the walls and a cozy environment. I see an environment where others can be free to bring the needs of the community and have them met. I see coffee and food. I see communion served to each table on a plate... great artisan bread to be broken and grape juice. I don't see Sunday School... I see small groups. I see a different Sunday each Sunday. I see flexible hours and longer times. I see merging modern culture with the community oriented aspects of the Amish (like barn raising). I see a meeting house and not a meeting. I see the word of God being shared in earnest.

So, I hope you don't think I'm too crazy now :)