What is the emerging / emergent church movement?

Answer

The emerging, or emergent, church movement derives its name from the concept that as culture evolves, a new church should arise in response. In this instance, it represents a reaction by diverse church leaders to the contemporary era of post-modernism. While post-modernism originated in the 1950s, the church did not actively seek to adhere to its principles until the 1990s. Post-modernism can be viewed as a shift away from “cold, hard facts” towards “warm, subjective feelings.” Similarly, the emerging / emergent church movement can be seen in a similar light.

The emerging / emergent church movement aligns with fundamental post-modernist ideologies—it prioritizes experience over logic, subjectivity over objectivity, spirituality over organized religion, visuals over text, outward expressions over internal beliefs, and emotions over absolute truths. These principles are responses to modernism and are deemed essential for effectively engaging with contemporary culture. As this movement is still relatively new, there is no established standard approach to church practices among the groups adopting a post-modern perspective. In fact, the emerging church resists any fixed methodology for conducting activities. Consequently, there is a wide spectrum in how different groups embrace a post-modernist approach to Christianity. Some groups only partially incorporate these ideas to impact their community positively while maintaining biblical integrity. However, the majority of groups fully embrace post-modernist ideologies, leading to a more liberal and flexible interpretation of the Bible. This, in turn, results in liberal doctrines and theology.

For instance, when experience is valued more than reason, truth becomes subjective. Relativism introduces various challenges as it undermines the notion that the Bible represents absolute truth, rejecting the idea of its truths being universal. If the Bible is not considered the ultimate source of absolute truth, and personal experiences are allowed to shape and define truth, the foundation of a saving faith is compromised.

The faith in Jesus Christ is rendered meaningless.

Another area where the emerging/emergent church movement has become anti-biblical is its focus on ecumenism. Unity among people from different religious backgrounds and diversity in the expression of corporate worship are strong focuses of the emergent church movement. Being ecumenical means that compromise is taking place, resulting in a watering down of Scripture to avoid offending an apostate. This is in direct opposition to passages such as Revelation 2:14-17, Jesus’ letter to the church of Pergamum, in which the Church is warned against tolerating those who teach false doctrine.

False doctrine appears to be prevalent within the emerging/emergent church movement, although, as mentioned earlier, not within every group that embraces emerging/emergent church beliefs. Therefore, caution must be exercised when deciding whether or not to become involved with an emergent church group. We all need to take heed of Matthew 7:15-20, “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

While seeking new ways to witness to a changing culture is admirable, using methods that compromise the Truth of the Gospel in any way is nothing more than promoting false doctrine and leading others away from Christ instead of towards Him.