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Discernment and the Emergent Church Movement
Session 13
What is Emergent?What is Emergent?
The Emerging Church is a movement that claims to be Christian. The term “Emerging Church” is used to describe a broad, controversial movement that seeks to use culturally sensitive approaches to reach the postmodern, un-churched population with a Christian message.
Matt Slick (President and Founder of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry), “What is the Emerging Church?,” http://carm.org/what-emerging-church
10 Common Traits10 Common Traits1. An awareness of and attempt to reach those
in the changing postmodern culture. 2. A broader approach to worship using candles,
icons, images, sounds, smells, etc. 3. An inclusive approach to various, sometimes
contradictory belief systems. 4. An emphasis on experience and feelings over
absolutes. 5. Concentration on relationship-building over
proclamation of the gospel.
7. A de-emphasis on absolutes and doctrinal creeds
8. A re-examination of the Bible and its teachings.
9. A re-evaluation of traditionally-held doctrines.
10. A re-evaluation of the place of Christianity in the world.
6. Shunning stale traditionalism in worship, church seating, music, etc.
What is Emergent?What is Emergent?
Mars Hill Bible Church Sojourners
Crossroads Emergent Village
Transmission Mosaic
Solomon’s Porch Vintage Faith
Saddleback U2
Roots of Emergent?Roots of Emergent?
Liberalism…modernism…social gospel
Postmodernism…skepticism…Emergent
Who Is Emergent? Brian McLaren
Leonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller Doug PagittTony JonesNadia Bolz-Weber BonoRick Warren
Who Is Emergent?Brian McLarenLeonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus
Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller Doug PagittTony JonesNadia Bolz-Weber BonoRick Warren
Who Is Emergent?Brian McLarenLeonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller
Doug PagittTony JonesNadia Bolz-Weber BonoRick Warren
Who Is Emergent?Brian McLarenLeonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller Doug PagittTony Jones
Nadia Bolz-Weber BonoRick Warren
Who Is Emergent?Brian McLarenLeonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller Doug PagittTony JonesNadia Bolz-Weber BonoRick Warren
Who Is Emergent?Brian McLarenLeonard Sweet Erwin Raphael McManus Rob Bell Eddie GibbsDan Kimball Donald Miller Doug PagittTony JonesNadia Bolz-Weber Bono
Rick Warren
The Danger of EmergentThe Danger of Emergent
A different meaning of “truth” A different view of “scripture”
A different meaning of “truth” A different view of “scripture”
Dangerous because they “claim” to be Christian, “followers” of Jesus Christ and “believers” of the Bible.
The Danger of EmergentThe Danger of Emergent
A different view of God A different view of Jesus A different view of man
A different view of God A different view of Jesus A different view of man
The Danger of EmergentThe Danger of Emergent
A different Kingdom A different view of church A different kind of worship
A different Kingdom A different view of church A different kind of worship
The Danger of EmergentThe Danger of Emergent
A different purpose for mission A different take on morality
A different purpose for mission A different take on morality
The Danger of EmergentThe Danger of Emergent
A different view of heaven A denial of hell A different view of experience A false Gospel
A different view of heaven A denial of hell A different view of experience A false Gospel
Trinity………………. PantheismSin Separates……… UniversalismJesus=Cross………. Jesus=teacherLast Days………….. DominionSalvation…………… EnlightenmentJudgment………….. InclusionAuthority (Word)….. DiscussionConversion………... Self AcceptanceRepent/Believe…… ExperienceCertainty………….. Uncertainty
God’s Truth vs. Emergent Belief
God’s Truth vs. Emergent Belief
How the Emergent Church Became Influential
How the Emergent Church Became Influential
Changing religious terminology Twisting and distorting Scripture A lack of discernment among
Christians
Changing religious terminology Twisting and distorting Scripture A lack of discernment among
Christians
Effects of EmergentEffects of Emergent
Distrust of Scripture Conforming to the world of universalism The lost think they are saved (false
conversions) Christians condemned for believing and
following God’s Word.
Distrust of Scripture Conforming to the world of universalism The lost think they are saved (false
conversions) Christians condemned for believing and
following God’s Word.
Guarding Against EmergentGuarding Against Emergent Know Scripture Encourage your pastor Use discernment (1 Thess. 5:21-22) Educate yourself (2 Timothy 2:15) Enlighten others
Know Scripture Encourage your pastor Use discernment (1 Thess. 5:21-22) Educate yourself (2 Timothy 2:15) Enlighten others
Response to EmergentResponse to Emergent Know God’s truth Proclaim God’s truth Defend God’s truth (1 Peter 3:15, Jude 3) Expose falsehoods Pray for leaders and followers
Know God’s truth Proclaim God’s truth Defend God’s truth (1 Peter 3:15, Jude 3) Expose falsehoods Pray for leaders and followers
Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
CASE STUDY…The Inevitable Trajectory of Emergent Theology
CASE STUDY…The Inevitable Trajectory of Emergent Theology
Rob BellRob Bell
Case Study: Rob BellCase Study: Rob Bell Dissatisfaction with ‘church’. Uncomfortable with Scripture. Seeking alternative ‘truth’. Offering alternative
interpretation/understanding. Denying the gospel. Endorsing / Promoting immorality,
promiscuity. Condemning those who believe Scripture.
Dissatisfaction with ‘church’. Uncomfortable with Scripture. Seeking alternative ‘truth’. Offering alternative
interpretation/understanding. Denying the gospel. Endorsing / Promoting immorality,
promiscuity. Condemning those who believe Scripture.
End Session 13
