After months of studying and reading about the emergent church movement I have learned a lot. One question was proposed in an article by Rev. David Felter in Sept 2009 Holiness Today was “ARE THE EMERGING CHURCH FOLKS STEALING THE CHURCH?” My answer to that question from the article is both a resounding YES as well as a resounding NO. I believe the whole emergent church thing is not simple, that is for sure. All those "emergent" leaders should read the book,”
Yes many within the emergent church movement are stealing the doctrinal clarity away from the those in the pews through false teachings. This cries Danger! Also, the answer is NO! In various ways, many are emerging to break free from ineffective methodologies so that they might more effectively win souls with new “out of the box methods” with the same clear message of holiness. Take the coffee (pot) shop method for example. Using a coffee shop atmosphere to attract people to the table to connect and share. For decades it was the Coffee Pot in the class room and now its the Coffee shop in the foyer. In the church world this is becoming more and more common as a means to share Christ inside the church buildings yet outside the class room. For a Church to use a coffee bar or “Starbucks” method in the church is an emerging methodology.
My 9 minute chat about Emerging Methods!
Read this article from Sept 2009 as well. By Rev. David Felter