A POSITIVE Emerging Illustration

[dan e.]

In light of easy negative attacks, and rightfully so in many cases depending on who you're talking about, here is a great example of a church that would be classified emerging (not emergent) living out the Good News.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708150555

 

[christianyouth]

That's a sad statement, that clearning barbershops and washing dogs is seen in 21st century Christianity as 'living out the Good News.'

 

[dan e.]

That's a sad statement, that clearning barbershops and washing dogs is seen in 21st century Christianity as 'living out the Good News.'

I would suggest investigating a little more about the church before making a criticism like that......:thumbsup:

 

[ReformedBaptist]

I know this is an emotionally charge word, but the single word that comes to mind in this article is: disgusting.

Here are a few reasons why I had this reaction:

Daniel Montgomery, the church's lead pastor, moved to Paristown Pointe from the Highlands. Montgomery said he hopes the projects might also result in people coming to the church, but there are no strings attached.

Now that is disgusting because the predominant impression ought to be that they "...went every where preaching the word."

Ivey also works as a disc jockey for events. He helped Sojourn and the neighborhood association team up to hold a sock hop in March at St. Therese Catholic Church.

There's a disgusting display of ecumenism.

"The good life is found in God," Montgomery said during his message.

Just disgusting. It's all I can say.

Carline Sanders, who is Catholic, was sitting on her porch across Mary Street watching people leave. She has lived there about 40 years and said her children and grandchildren went to the old Shelby Elementary.

She said she doesn't understand what's going on at the church, but she's glad they're trying to help the neighborhood.

This woman doesn't even know what's happening.

 

[dan e.]

keep 'em comin'!!:applause:

 

[dan e.]

I'm disappointed! That's all?!!

 

[Cutter]

I'm disappointed? That's all?!!

Sorry Dan, Reformed Baptist and Christian Youth are right. This church is only concerned with numbers and what they will get in return for their "works." I use that word loosely.

I'm afraid their motives are tainted.

 

[ReformedBaptist]

Sorry Dan, Reformed Baptist and Christian Youth are right. This church is only concerned with numbers and what they will get in return for their "works." I use that word loosely.

I'm afraid their motives are tainted.

I think dan was hoping for more people to chime in with their rebukes.

 

[dan e.]

HOLY COW! Are you guys actually basing these assumptions off of the article? Do you know anything about the church aside from the coverage of this local paper??

 

[Cutter]

I think dan was hoping for more people to chime in with their rebukes.

I took his disappointed statement to mean that he was disappointed posters didn't agree with his OP assertion that, "here is a great example of a church that would be classified emerging (not emergent) living out the Good News."

But if you are correct, I am happy to oblige!

 

[dan e.]

Your comments are pretty harsh for a very limited understanding of this church. My intent was to show a church that is considered emerging (based on style, methods), but is not caught up in the mess that most people think of with an emerging church. It is a church that is actually serving the community around it, with the actual message of the gospel. That article is an example of that. If you doubt the article, check out the church's website: www.sojournchurch.com.

 

[Cutter]

HOLY COW! Are you guys actually basing these assumptions off of the article? Do you know anything about the church aside from the coverage of this local paper??

Uh...Yea!

I think Reformed Baptist did a fine job of pointing out their true motives in the article and showing how watered down their message is.

Duh!

 

[dan e.]

Uh...Yea!

Ummm...yeah you are basing your assumptions off of 1 article, or yeah you know more about the church aside from the article?

 

[ReformedBaptist]

Ummm...yeah you are basing your assumptions off of 1 article, or yeah you know more about the church aside from the article?

The one article is what was presented for discussion on this thread. Based on it, there is much lacking in that church's engagment with their community. My impression from it is that they are engaging in a watered down social gospel.

 

[ReformedBaptist]

I took his disappointed statement to mean that he was disappointed posters didn't agree with his OP assertion that, "here is a great example of a church that would be classified emerging (not emergent) living out the Good News."

But if you are correct, I am happy to oblige!

I had the misunderstanding on this, you were correct.

 

[dan e.]

The one article is what was presented for discussion on this thread. Based on it, there is much lacking in that church's engagment with their community. My impression from it is that they are engaging in a watered down social gospel.

Well then, according to your own standards the appropriate response would be that you don't know much based on the article, not that you think it is "disgusting". Would it not?

 

[ReformedBaptist]

Well then, according to your own standards the appropriate response would be that you don't know much based on the article, not that you think it is "disgusting". Would it not?

No. Based on the actions and even the message the pastor preaching, it is disgusting. The testimony of the Apostolic church was that they were turning the world upside down with their doctrine. This community, apparantly, can't figure out what they are doing except a few handyman jobs.

 

[Cutter]

Ummm...yeah you are basing your assumptions off of 1 article, or yeah you know more about the church aside from the article?

Not assumptions, Dan E, fact. Are you saying the article is made up or untrue? It comes from a reputable paper and the head of the church speaks as well as others comment on the church. In light of the true gospel and our mission to preach the Word it appears that instead of being peculiar and standing out because of your faith, the church is standing out because of their desire to fill their pews. Nothing wrong with good works, nothing wrong with filling pews and building up the kingdom of God, but let's do it without compromising the gospel or winning souls by our own works. It would be interesting to see how many in this church would continue to come if there wasn't the payoff of community rehabilitation. Reminds me of the group in,
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

 

[dan e.]

In light of the true gospel and our mission to preach the Word it appears that instead of being peculiar and standing out because of your faith, the church is standing out because of their desire to fill their pews.

Hmmm....I think the phrase "it appears" would not make your thoughts fact, but assumptions.

Which is it....fact, or assumption? You said fact....but now you are saying what you think is based off of appearances, not facts. Can you please clarify, or maybe just save yourself the trouble and check out the church's website and educate yourself on the church a little more.

I was just simply trying to show a church that has nothing to do with the negative things of some emerging churches; but is seriously impacting the area for the kingdom of God.

 

[Cutter]

The fact of the matter is that this is a church engaged in fleshly activities to serve a secular, socially acceptable god. I did visit the website, I read some things about the church and I listened to the audio.

It only helped to elevate my suspicions from assumptions to truth.