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<\/p>\nThe emergent church movement has its fans and critics. My own denomination has been engaged in discussions about the helpfulness of ideas and theology with the “emergent” label. Recently, denominational leadership released a statement on their own views of the emergent church.<\/p>\n
The statement is balanced. The key leaders in my denomination, the Church of the Nazarene, write that emergent church issues vary. Some emergent ideas are “helpful and positive.” Others are “problematic and deeply troubling.”<\/p>\n
The statement rightly notes that diversity reigns in the emergent church movement. “Conversations range all over the map,” as the document puts it. In my opinion, both proponents and opponents of the emergent church should keep this truth in mind when using the “emergent” label.<\/p>\n
Some self-identified emergent church leaders, say denominational leaders in this statement, “are orthodox in their theology and views of Scripture.” The statement also notes, however, that “others embrace positions which we would view as far away from what is orthodox and acceptable.” <\/p>\n
The motives of emergent church leaders whose views may be considered unorthodox are not in question. “Even those authors and pastors who are not orthodox in their views of Scripture and its authority,” write denominational leaders, “have an awareness of the need to make the church more engaged in society so as to bring about a radical change and improvement.”<\/p>\n
The Church of the Nazarene leadership does “not endorse those ’emergent churches’ or leaders who are not orthodox in their theology.” Presumably, what counts as orthodox would be measured by the denomination’s articles of faith, the classic creeds, John Wesley’s thought, and, above all, the Bible.<\/p>\n
The statement on the emergent church ends with two claims that I find especially helpful. The first rightly identifies John Wesley as one whose theology and approach to ministry fits the “emergent” label. The statement reads…<\/p>\n
“By most definitions of what is genuinely meant by “emergent,” John Wesley more than fits the description. He was radically engaged in the social needs around him while clearly calling men and women to a radical commitment to Christ and to the fullness of the Spirit in cleansing and heart purity. That is the objective toward which Nazarenes, engaged in the conversations regarding the emergent church, are committed. It is a vital conversation, but one that also carries with it the risk of being misunderstood or being classified with positions which are not healthy or appropriate.”<\/p>\n
This parag![](\"https:\/\/thomasjayoord.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/jwesley2.jpg\")
raph seems especially important for today’s Church of the Nazarene leaders and laity. Sometimes we forget that Wesley was a maverick with Bible in hand, a trained mind, and a heart of compassion for the least of these. <\/p>\n
The second especially helpful claim comes in the last two paragraphs of the statement. The basic thrust is that we must continue to converse with those in the emergent Church dialogue. We must interact in good faith and love, with an eye toward Scripture and our theological heritage. The statement concludes in this way:<\/p>\n
“We hope these thoughts are helpful to you. The issues are complex, and the rhetoric is sometimes shrill and angry. We are hopeful that we can be patient with what is a phase in a conversation that is already beginning to wind down in some areas even while it is just now being engaged in by others. Hopefully, we can move beyond the mischaracterizations and embrace what is legitimate while we readily and without hesitation reject the aberrations.”<\/p>\n
“We pray for you as you work with your people through this issue. We are not at all embracing anything heretical, but we want to engage in conversations with our young Nazarenes who want a vibrant church that is committed to our theology and actively engaged in ministry to the lost and broken people around us.”<\/p>\n
This recent statement was penned by Church of the Nazarene general superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf. It was circulated by general superintendent Jerry Porter with the consent of the other denominational superintendents.<\/p>\n
I want to thank the Church of the Nazarene’s leadership for taking a wise and balanced approach to this sometimes contentious subject. Many of us have been the victims of unwarranted criticism, because we have engaged the ideas and leaders who adopt the “emergent” label. This document provides a tool to justify the ongoing work of giving an account of the hope that lays within us. <\/p>\n
I pray that this document will provide avenues for discussion as we all attempt to live as members of God’s loving reign.<\/p>\n