The Emerging Church By Dan Kimball

After I read Dan Kimball's book, The Emerging Church, I decided that I wanted to know what my spear of influence knew and thought. Here are a few of my thoughts on Kimball's book, please expand my view by commenting what you have discovered.
I found it interesting that Dan Kimball pointed out at the beginning of his book that there is no specific model to the emerging church. It reminded me of the Pharisees and how in their reform back to the law they made a model. Their model was full of added regulation and rules, and although their intent was good they went about the wrong way of following the law. I point this out because there is often a similar essence to the emerging church movement, yet Kimball acknowledges this in the beginning of his book like a disclaimer, or warning.
As I continued to read I noticed how repetitive this movement is of historical reforms. This is strongly echoed through Sky’s story in chapter 1 and the references like that of Plato’s cave in chapter 4. The thing that all reforms have in common though is change. Change happens through generation for many reasons and that is described through postmodernism. Reform, or change is definitely a great thing and has a great purpose especially in light of sharing the Gospel. You can do things differently and share the same message. Change, in regards to Christianity, only becomes a problem when the biblical message is changed. I would agree with Kimball when he says that, “a high value is placed on personal preference and choice, as opposed to predetermined truth.” It is because of that statement that there is a problem with the Post-Modern perspective.
However, I also want to point that Kimball also acknowledged the opposite as well. As one does grow up placing that value on personal preference they relate and learn according to it as that is what they know to do. This in turn does not mean that they will ignore the predetermined truth, but that they recognize it in a different way. This also means that they desire to worship and seek God in different but still biblical ways.
As I wrestled with the book I noticed a lot of different things. Interesting, and confusing things. In spite of this I noticed one more thing. This sense of togetherness, due to the search and confusion many individuals face in light of Christianity, becomes a key factor to the emerging church. This is not so much relationship as it is being apart of something with others. Whether this is being involved in a worship service or small group there is something profound about the encouragement offered when we are a part of something together.
As people who were created to worship God we will always seek to do just that. Just as the Pharisees tried to ‘get it right’ so will we. The emerging church is doing that and this will be successful base not on a number or other measurements but how successful it is in capturing the hearts of God’s created children and bringing them into a relationship with them.

God Is

God...

Is Redemptive
His Love Abounds

Reigns
His Majesty Prevails

Loves
His Grace Renews

Cares
His Worries are None

Strong
His Power is Enough

Forgives
His Forgiveness is Eternal

In the midst of busy month I found myself reflecting this morning on all the things God has done. All of the big and small. In worship later I noticed how great God is. Not the God I make him to be but the one True God can take the smallest thing, a caterpillar for instance, and turn it into something amazing, a butterfly.

The beauty behind God hands is very humbling. When I think that God created me to fit perfectly into his enormous plan is unfathomable. Then, I realize that the moments in which I see God's hand the most is when personal abilities are either laid aside or given to God.

In the spirit of thanksgiving: What has God done recently that you are thankful for?, How is God humbling you today?, or Has he shown you mercy, grace, love, or healing?

(Consider sharing it with me and others through the comments or email me!)


With Joy,

Sherry

It's A Perspective Thing

"No way Lord... it's not possible." My response to so many things to think about it is very depressing; especially since God reminds me everytime that Jesus Said, "I am the way...." I have always had a house, food, clothes, and love. In the mist of it all God still says, "I care." He always cares about my needs. Whatever they may be and whenever they arise.

In fact, God often provides for me with better. For instance, take a look who I was raised by: my sister and her entire family. Better. I also was never alone during play time as I have been blessed with a brother. A twin brother. Better. To top that off my family has been supportive of a rare chance for me to attend a Christian college in Colorado. (Thank you, guys!)

Though I have found myself struggling to worship, and sometimes find it difficult to pray I know without a doubt that I still walk in step with God. It is here I find my need to be dependent on God. (Thank you, Lord.) Here I want to ask why, and have on many occasions within the past month. Everytime God shows me his redeeming and unconditional love. Loving me through family, friends, and many seemingly small things I am nothing less than thankful.

When we have a need or face a difficulty why do we not cry out to the only God who can carry the weight of every heavy heart. Though Jesus' life we see God do the impossible. It is notable though that God works when people are available not when people just have talents.

All the things a person could do if they turned to the Lord first.

~Sherry~