Emergent Village at Solomons Porch

I'm up in beautiful Minnesota for the EmergentVillage national coordinators meeting.   

Solomon's Porch is very graciously  hosting us in their lovely new space.  Being a part of church start that is actively looking for space - I'm quite jealous of the old Methodist church that SP is now leasing.  They've taken out all of the pews and replaced them with their trademark sofas, coffee tables, and astounding art.  I've been to Solomon's Porch many times and always enjoy being in their worship gatherings.  Last night was a wonderful experience which included community creedal statements, a child dedication/baptism filled with prophetic metaphor, engaging personal story, and an opportunity for the Emergent leadership community to interface with a local missional community.  Many thanks to the Porchers for opening their doors to us.

Emergent Village is nearing the release of a new website that will empower our community at the grass roots level.  We're also working very diligently on justice/compassion initiatives - EmergentVillage in the future will forge its identity in active, missional Christianity. 

After many years in Emergent's leadership, I watched this story develop from the days over a decade ago when very few noticed us to this present season when we have a "brand" (like it or not) and are part of conversation that has been commodified to some level as methodology of ecclesiology.   EmergentVillage may never be able to escape its misrepresentations - but our narrative does continue on.  I remain excited and committed to this very organic community that is far more a missional friendship than any doctrinal or methodological generalization. 

Our future will be filled with the continuation of many initatives - publishing, events, etc.  But many new initiatives are also being explored.   As written eariler, but it bears repeating,  EmergentVillage has reached a point in its narrative when the embodiment of the heart of Christ as his kingdom through paths of compassion, justice, and creativity moves even more to the center of this friendship. 

Comments

[Andrew Seely]

Tim, it's been a blessing to get to know you and hear your heart these last few days, and especially the car ride home last night!!

[Bill Colburn]

Tim:

I'm looking forward to hearing more! I like what they did with the Methodist Church. I appreciate that freedom within the emergent community to be creative with how church is 'done' as well as to allow for the creativity of God seekers. As Jesus commended the faith of those who tore up a roof to access 'church' and His presence with a sick friend, so we must always allow for 'organic creativity' that is free to tear apart whatever obstacles there may be for those seeking Christ. I'll bring my axe and hammer to our next gathering!

[Andrew Tatum]

Enjoyed our chat and your words tonight at Campbell BSU. It'd be great if we could chat sometime about all this stuff...I'm becoming more and more involved in the CBF (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship) and there are many similarities between the emergent "movement" and this Baptist Church Renewal movement within the CBF. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I enjoyed it and look forward to hearing/speaking with you again.

Grace and Peace,
Andrew Tatum, Campbell Divinity School

[Andrew Tatum]

sorry, my URL was wrong on the above post. feel free to check out my blog.

~Andrew

[Jan]

Thinking of you and your ministry this Advent. Hope all is well in God's country. (Chapel Hill.)

[Eli Dorman]

Tim,

Hey, I just started reading The Church in Transition. I am so challenged by the Emergent movement and am finding myself irresistably caught up into an emerging way of thinking about the church and my expression of Christian faith as a follower of Christ. Keep the good stuff coming.

Eli

[Andy Rowell]

Good to find your blog though it looks a little neglected at the moment but you have been doing lots of podcast stuff. In all seriousness, you are probably doing better things than blogging. No condemnation from me. Do your thing. Just wanted to say thanks for the book.

[Marja]

It is glad to a meeting!
;)

[Teofil]

Girls, have fun, not boys
;)

[Dominic]

All greetings!
;)

[Mikolaj]

It was a great pleasure for me to visit and enjoy your site. Keep it running!
;)

[Walery]

Very interesting website. Keep up the outstanding work and thank you...
;)

[Morris Young]

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[Jozef]

like your site ! Its very well !
;)

[Dorota]

Best site.
;)

[Honoratus]

Lets go! Respect!

[January]

Just wanted to say hello

[Weronika]

like your site ! Its very well !

[Charlotte]

This is a cool site! Thanks and wish you better luck! Brilliant but simple idea.

[Joachim]

This is a cool site! Thanks and wish you better luck! Brilliant but simple idea.

[Magdalene]

Crosby leads the in points and assists and is near the top in goals.

[Ludwik]

Girls, have fun, not boys

[cathryn Thomas]

Hey Tim..
get a hold of me.. when your back in the area.... you've got my email...
I'm pondering how to translate to London... EU emergent gonna hook up at Shannon's - Andrew is gonna be there too.
I'm stuck in NC at present...
but really want to hook up... got a few that you would love to meet.... in "town"-
Lovingly, cathryn

[Br. Jay]

Hey thanks for keeping us up to date on what is going on. God bless you and keep you.

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