One of the ‘buzz words’ in ecclesiastical circles in recent years is “Emergent Church.” The idea is that something is changing and evolving in the understanding of Church, which is still beneath the surface, not fully apparent.
Half a century ago, C. S. Lewis began referring to the “Post Christian Era.” His point was not that Christianity was any less valid or followed, but rather the culture and governmental institutions are less and less overtly following specific Christian tenets in order to serve a pluralistic world. This was to be expected in hindsight. The ability to travel rapidly, the instant communication possible anywhere, and the global economic community made it seem a necessity.
There has been an accelerating movement away from denominationalism since World War II. The raw ugliness of racism, the Holocaust, and the realization that we can no longer feel we are isolated led many to look for unity rather than difference.
Then there is the phenomenon of the Emerging Church, somewhat backward-looking to earlier eras — some exploring mystical experience, some exploring new ideas, some merging all of that together.
As the world changes, the institutional church is challenged. St. Martin’s began in a different time, and we find ourselves needing to ask ourselves serious questions as to what our future looks like and how we will get there. So far we know to ask, but have few answers. At the Mutual Ministry Review last Fall, the Rev. Canon Joanna Satorius called us an "Emergent Church" for this reason and the way we are actively engaging it. It was one of the nicest compliments I can remember about us!
In May for our Wednesday Class, we will use some reflections on the Emergent Church from Phyllis Tickle, a wise and witty chronicler of the Emergent movement. I know you will find it interesting.
