I read where the new moderator is an emergent church leader. No doubt some of the more liberal elements will rejoice while the conservatives will wonder just who and what he is.
From what I gather he is neither nor will he be either. For the most part we are a pure institutional/corporational church that thrives on numbers and adequate finance. Little do we realize as we intellectually gabble about with the terms of ‘postmodernism, emergent and missional’ do we realize that we are in a tremendous state of flux as a church and that the result may terminate much of what we thought sacred and essential. The emergent church is ‘localized’ and is terribly unique in its modus operandi as well as its theological expression. It draws its life and style from its immediate culture and its demand. Whether small or large its completeness lies not in numbers or in relation to a higher governing body but to its own authenticity and effectiveness where it is rooted. It avoids controversy as the gay/lesbian issue and it accepts them and others in grace with no reference to activist or ideological argument. I think that Presbyterianism as it is today will react adversely when the emergent spirit sweeps away mandated salary packages and pensions. Ultimately there will be no guarantee for its pastors outside of their commitment to the developing body and their zeal for their mission. Connected ness will not be based on polity structure but on commonality in mission. It all adds up to an interesting time with an interesting future for us mainline pastors who live with a certain amount of guarantee. Even now I realize how outdated I am in this light and am beginning to analyze my pastoral modus operandi in the light of the new that is upon us. As I write this I send this to some of you in Internet land for some reaction if you sense the same.
