Emergent church
Episode 22: Doug Pagitt
Matt talks to Doug Pagitt, founder of Solomon’s Porch, about embracing contemporary culture, a participatory approach to preaching, and everyone acting like pastors.
The Deconstructed Church, by Gerardo Marti and Gladys Ganiel
In The Deconstructed Church, Gerardo Marti and Gladys Ganiel give us a comprehensive and revealing ethnographic study of the worldwide phenomenon known as the emerging Christian movement.
reviewed by William H. Willimon
We Make the Road by Walking, by Brian D. McLaren
Academics may find no theological breakthrough in Brian McLaren's latest book, but the ones who care about church life may still do a double take.
reviewed by Charles Scriven
Seeds of doubt: Ikon's Peter Rollins
Peter Rollins is a prominent figure in the Emergent church movement in the United Kingdom. Schooled in philosophy, with several degrees from Queens University in Belfast, Rollins is determined to revitalize Christian practice with a peculiar blend of self-critical Christian practice and theory. He works with a group called Ikon, which engages in “anarchic experiments in transformance art” and holds “theodramatic” events in pubs and on the streets of Belfast.
Emerging model: A visit to Jacob's Well
If yesteryear’s evangelical church was a castle in the exurbs, Jacob's Well is a rehabilitated loft in the city. Evangelical churches attract young people with spaces stripped of Christian symbols and tradition; worshipers at JW like its dark wood, stained glass and high ceilings. Other churches would be thrilled to have 1,000 attenders; JW worries that it will lose the intimacy that nurtures community and friendship. And stewardship? Jacob's Well urges members to give time or money only out of gratitude.