A Node in the Web of the Emerging Church

The Great Emergence ... Is Emerging

Posted Nov 20, 07:00 AM | 0 comments | by Editor | Link

The Great Emergence National Event

By Brent Bill, re-posted from Holy Ordinary:

Well, it’s drawing nigh, a least. Based on Phyllis Tickle’s book of the same name, The Great Emergence will be a time of worship, discussion, dreaming, interaction, and thinking about the current state of and future possibilities for Christianity.

Tickle’s thesis that the Great Emergence that is upon us is a once in a five hundred year event should, by itself, lead to lots of lively discussion and debate. After all, that’s a pretty audacious assertion, to compare what it is happening in the Emergent movement to the Great Schism, the Great Reformation, and other “Great” motions and seismic changes throughout Christian history.

And so is her statement that “It is not unreasonable to assume that by the time the Great Emergence has reached maturity, about 60% of practicing American Christians will be emergent or some clear variant thereof.”

That’s a pretty heady prediction. And one that has huge ramifications for those of us who gather in congregations, work with congregations, and teach leaders of congregations. What does the Great Emergence mean for us?

I invite you to join the discussion by attending The Great Emergence. And, on the day before the event (December 4), various hypenated-emergent groups are meeting (Presby-mergents, etc.). If you’re a Convergent (emergent Quaker) or other interested Friend, come early and join in a discussion of what it means for Friends. I’ll look for a place for lunch and discussion. Contact me if you’re interested in such a meeting!

Learn more about The Great Emergence National Event
(December 5-6 in Memphis, TN) and register online now

Editor’s Note: Please enter “BLOG” in the “Coupon Code” field when you register. You won’t save any money, but you just might help send an intrepid blogger to the event with you for free!

Brent Bill is executive vice president of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations and the author of Sacred Compass: The Art of Spiritual Discernment.