Brian McLaren Reflects on 2008

Thanks Brian, for the hard work you and all the EV folks are doing. Here we may be seeing both you and Phyllis in Boston this spring, definitely looking forward to it. The meetup at Harvard Divinity was wonderful last fall, and we just had an excellent visit from Peter Rollins from Ikon in Belfast.

Kieran Conroy
Harvard Divinity/Boston Emergent & the Gathering and Crossing Communities.

Brian, I thought that the systematic structure of Emergent was being disabanded and Emergent being reorganized for a more communal identity rather than a systemic structure? That is what i got out of the podcast recently.

Jeremy Nakasone
student at Multnomah University Portland, OR
and Intern for New Wine, New Wineskin Institute www.new-wineskins.org

Brian,

Thanks for being a brave soul and calling the church to a new sense of awareness. By reminding us of others who have broken similar ground, you have helped us negotiate the waters of faith and the “crisis of representation.”

Shawn David Young
Ph.D. Candidate
Michigan State University

Jeremy,

Thanks for your question. I think that any confusion comes from the word “disbanded.” That’s not what we were seeking to do. Instead, we want to support what is happening – what we believe the Holy Spirit is empowering and encouraging – by continuing to provide certain key support structures (like this website and the capacity to respond to questions like yours) to thousands of self-organizing groups and initiatives.

The fact that we think we can do so for about $10,000 in 2009 is pretty amazing. I hope that makes sense, and thanks to you and everyone who is interested in what’s going on … and special thanks to all who have already donated, or are about to at this moment.

Warmly,
Brian

Brian,
I’m sure you wish you could keep the conversation on larger themes, but I was wondering what your response to Tony’s comments regarding “the homosexual” question were. Does he believe it is something that Christians struggle with, like alcoholism or other lyfestyle-type struggles, or is he flat-out condoning homosexuality?

I like to think that we, as Christians, can separate the Bible from the US Constitution. I believe same-sex couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples here in America. Anyway, just interested to hear you thoughts on the matter.

Have a Blessed Christmas,
Scott-A Christ-follower in Ohio

The Emergent Church is the greatest threat to Christianity in ages. All who have ears let them hear – the Bible commands that you test all new teachings against scripture – your one true Word. Do not be deceived. Many false teachers will come amongst you, wearing sheeps clothing. They will lead some astray. Remember Jesus is the Good Shepherd – follow ONLY Him. Jesus said that many will come in his name, shouting Lord, Lord, and He will say depart – I never knew you. You cannot/ should not make God comform to your desires, but your desires confirm to God. See this dangerous movement for what it is and flee – don’t look back.

Just kidding.

Entry #7 was NOT left by Sola Scripture, it was just someone who couldn’t think of their own response to what I posted and tried to be – funny? – I stand behind everything I wrote – flee the ECM – it;s heresy plain and simple.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV)

Matt 24:10-11 At that time [just before Jesus comes back] many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (NIV)

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)

“You all live according to truth, and no heresy dwells among you; in fact you will not even listen to anyone who does not speak about Jesus Christ in truth” (Ignatius, To the Ephesians 6.2). “I have learned,” Ignatius added, “that some from elsewhere who have evil teaching stayed with you, but you did not allow them to sow it among you, and stopped your ears, so that you might not receive what they sow”