I read and hear this a lot. Some angst over whether one is postmodern or emerging or whatever the phrase of the moment is as it relates to church. It isn't just individuals either. Institutionally I have heard churches say, "we are not postmodern" or "we reject postmodernity" or conversely, "we are a postmodern church". Generally it is a more rejection or acceptance of the style and structure than theologically but, whatever. Another church consultant I know does these surveys that ask, "How postmodern is your church?" to help you decide if you are going to be postmodern or not. 

It really is the wrong question. I was thinking of friend of mine who has had tremendous success under modernity's models. Fame, nice expense report. A superstar in his circles. In his explanation of why he left those models, he gave the name of the university he lived near. It wasn't his worldview that was important, it was the worldview of those around him that the church was trying to serve and bear witness too.

That seems really simple but from conversations and observations, it seems to me something that is lost. Postmodernity/emerging church more and more is described as a place for me to belong because that is what I am. I keep hearing, "I couldn't keep working under the established system, I needed a place to be me." In some ways the emerging church has moved from a missionary movement to a worldview that has rejected the church to a sub ghetto for people that are uncomfortable with the established church and I find that trend quite depressing. The language is already out there that hints that, "this is the true church" as if we don't have problems with our theology and worldview like every other movement of Christianity in 2000 years has had.

A friend of mine once described a fellow theologian too me as this, "He has good theological instincts but isn't old enough to have learned what he needs to learn yet". I think the same could be said for a lot of us. He wasn't saying this to be critical but as an acknowledgment of the need for continual learning, reading, and experiences.

I have never cared for the term postmodern or emerging. The terms that I prefer are just as stupid sounding but we know what I am talking about. From my own viewpoint it is realizing that my church is not for me. It is called to reach the people out there, not be a safe haven for the people in here. As Pete Ward used the phrase, "church as a refuge". He means it being a safe place from the evil society that so many Christians are afraid of. I think there is also a danger for new and emerging churches to recreate "church as a refuge" as a place to hide from the established church and creating a place of retreat for themselves. I don't think that view of church is any better than the kind that so many people want to replace.

---

Jordon,

I believe I am hearing you..

But I also think.. we need places of refuge. I know so many people burnt, hurt, or who just don't fit in traditional settings. They need a place of safety where they can discover who they are.. get healed.. and move on to become all Jesus would have for them.

I have always been struck by the story in John where Jesus bends down and picks up a towel to serve.. hear it with me..

"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside HIs garments, took a towel and girded Himself...." Jn 13

Jesus.. knowing who he was.. bent down to serve. I think many people fail to get to that point because they dont know who they are. Always insecure, they don't stand in a safe and centered place from which they can give of who they are.

It's kind of like "vocation".. until you find your voice, you don't truly find your vocation. Does this make sense?
--Leonard Hjalmarson ( lenhjal at telus dot net ) on 9/16/2004; 11:54:08 AM

regarding your writing about those who question: 'am i a postmodern?' --- that was a well articulated statement, which reflects my own concerns as well.
--tammy ( tammy at theooze dot com ) on 9/11/2004; 10:51:09 AM

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