Is the Emerging Church "Effective"?

I tried to vote on Schellman’s page, but could find no where to enter my comments (I voted other). I wanted to say that I think the Emergent Church has not been expressly successful in communicating the Gospel while I think it is moving in a much better direction than both Evangelical and Mainline churches in communicating the Gospel as proclaimed by Jesus and the early church. From my point of view, we will never be “Successful” because the Gospel calls us to such a difficult way of life rather than a system of beliefs. The Emergent Church is trying, but most folks don’t want to hear it. I have to add that “Nothing is impossible with God.”, So don’t give up. :-)

Hey Bob, thanks for voting and for commenting here. It looks like Mike’s site does not have comments enabled, so sorry about that! Feel free to leave your comments on the survey here instead.

Hi

I think one of the problems in the “emergent church ” expressing the gospel is that you have to find one to hear or read anything about this newer trend.Those who grew up in the church and are disatsified with the rigid fundamentalist routine are finding outlets through word of mouth or by picking up books that reflect our hurt,concerns and hope for a true gospel presentation. If I didn’t pick up one of Brian McLaren’s books, I wouldn’t know you existed. Most , then are already searching christians and recovering fundamentalist.If you are outside the church, where do you look to find you? Maybe a redefined web site focus for those who ask; why bother with christianity vs any other religion or none?

I know for a fact that the churches are being misled from the truth. I know for a fact that the true gospel is not being taught anymore. Salvation is not being taught and SIN is not relevant anymore. Sin is not sin anymore. Sin is not being taught because we don’t want to hear about it anymore. There are those leaders who are going away from the gospel taught in the Bible and someday they will be responsible for what they are doing by misleading the Church. We are to accept this New Age teaching or else we are not wanted in the church. Is that what the Bible teaches? We are to love and accept everyone but the old ways are to be discarded for a new way? I see that happening with the emergent church. These are the end times and this has been prophesied in the Bible. So are you telling me that the Bible is not relevant as well? Wake up Oh you sleeper and see what is going on. The Bridegroom will come when you are least ready and then there will be a gnashing of teeth.

Hi

Linda your concern about the actual gospel being missed is valid and I along with the others here pray with you that all will here what Jesus taught.

Don’t confuse the actual message in the bible with the politicized and consumer based structure that has encrusted the church today. Here, we are not talking about a mushy,vaque,new age, “all roads lead to God” spirituality, but living in God’s kingdom NOW, based on following Jesus, as taught in the Bible.
The “Good News” is not that we have to hide behind a dogmatic , denominational wall to live a life in fear,mistrust and even hate for anyone on the other side of the wall.(Note the shooting in the church this week) ,but that Jesus and His KIngdom has come for all now.
With open hearts and prayer, we read our guide book-THE BIBLE-and with the Holy Spirit’s help, attempt to follow HIM.