Here's a good introduction to this movement (or movements):
"Converging Conference 2007"
Session 3: Mark Driscoll
In this presentation, Mark explains that at one time, he was directly involved with the "emerg/ent/ing" movement. He speaks to its history and issues in the presentation, but has since distanced himself somewhat, though he remains friends with emerg/ent/ing leaders. Mark Driscoll's critiques are probably about the same as D.A. Carson's (in other words, theologically conservative from a "Calvinist angle," so to speak. I may be wrong on this, as I don't recall Carson's summary of the Movement(s) offhand; Carson may be a bit more "sternly against it" (?).
"Emergent" isn't necessarily the same as "emerging."
This can be somewhat confusing....
(You can't really "broadbrush" the Movement(s).
I'm recommending Mark Driscoll (above) by way of introduction, not as the final word,
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(Therefore, please listen to the following for 'balance' so to speak).
"Emergent" is more or less an 'established movement' at:
Emergent Village:
December 2007
29: AAR Panel - Part 2
15: AAR Panel - Part 1
(the sidebar has Part 2)
The above is a good panel discussion, with Scot McKnight as a panelist.
Tony Jones is kind of like the "leader" of Emergent Village (well known guy, anyway; he and Brian McClaren, who is probably more known).
McKnight isn't an "emerger" per se. He's just in on the dialog.
At the same time, "emerg/ing/ent" is, if for nothing else, "about dialog"....
(There isn't a single qualifier for either "emerging" or "emergent" with the exception of them being "postmodernist" as Steve mentioned on the radio).
However, Emergent Village is a more focussed/established group.
Some of the theology of certain panelists, most notably from Diana Butler Bass, was decidedly liberal. Others did not appear to be so much liberal...as simply "questioning." (Note: Scot McKnight is not theologically liberal).
There are wide variations in the movement(s) and what each "leader" in it focuses on.
It might be in areas of doctrine, styles of worship (or "doing church"), targeting in on lifestyle (helping the poor/needy), environmental concerns, global awareness (on any number of issues), or any combination of All of the above.
Steve said it best when he summed up Emergent/Emerging as "postmodern" (in orientation).
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P.S. I mistakenly posted the wrong link...(and got Kimball and Driscoll mixed up!) a few minutes ago. The Converging Conference and Emergent Village links are best for a broad overview.
"CWS" sessions are also good...but listen to the other two first, imo.
Converse With Scholars:
See Mark Driscoll: "Vintage Jesus" and
Dan Kimball on: "Emerging Culture"
(I'm loading Driscoll's most recent CWS on dialup right now)....
From CWS you can go to the Parchment & Pen blog which has several articles on different types of emerging or emergents.
God bless,
