Societal Origins

• The emergent church movement, or "conversation" as many prefer, has its origins in cultural moves and shifts during the past several years, most notably in North America and Europe. It came about as a result of sociological changes resulting in postmodernism. In some ways, it is a Christian response to postmodernism.
  
  

Core Beliefs

• In the words of religion scholar D.A. Carson, the movement might be summed up in one word: "protest." Whether to traditional evangelicalism, modernity or the megachurch and seeker-sensitive movements, protest is the driving force behind most all of the emerging church leaders' practices.
  
  

Personal Origins

• Theologian Mike Yaconelli found "protest" at the center of his journey to emergent. He became frustrated with the traditional, polished and "perfect" church, as well as the invasive influence of modernity on it. For Brian McLaren, another leader in the movement, the story is much the same. He grew frustrated with the supposed certainty of Christianity, of boiling down the answers to life's most difficult questions to a few key verses, and of inauthentic spirituality among those who claimed to follow Christ. Thus, in protest, he sought a different kind of Christianity, one that accepted flaws and practiced genuine faith: He desired a generous orthodoxy. Yaconelli's book, "Stories of Emergence," contain many similar experiences.
  
  

Impact

• Although the movement has found its impetus in cultural shifts, it is now interacting with and even transforming the culture that gave it birth. If nothing else, it is forcing mainstream evangelicals to rethink their approach to our culture and the sensitivity needed to reach people with the Gospel. However, the very fact that the movement continues to grow suggests its fixed role in modern society and Christianity.
  
  

Controversy

• Although there is no single emergent church to critique, many evangelicals are uncomfortable with the stance of many in the movement on certain issues. These issues include their aversion to talk of sin, their proclivity to only speak of love and their tendency to reject absolutes.