Video: Nadia Bolz-Weber testimony of a graceful God

Nadia Bolz-Weber  is the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, an ELCA mission church in Denver, Colorado. She’s a leading voice in the emerging church movement and her writing can be found in The Christian Century and Jim Wallis’ God’s Politics blog. She is author of Salvation on the Small Screen? 24 Hours of Christian Television (Seabury 2008) and the Sarcastic Lutheran blog.
In 2012 she shared her testimony of a graceful God at the ELCA Youth Convention


For more information about Nadia visit http://www.nadiabolzweber.com/

Book: No perfect people allowed-creating a come as you are culture in the church

How do we live out the message of Jesus in today's ever-changing culture? 
The church is facing its greatest challenge---and its greatest opportunity---in our postmodern, post-Christian world. God is drawing thousands of spiritually curious 'imperfect people' to become his church---but how are we doing at welcoming them? 
In No Perfect People Allowed John Burke shows you how to deconstruct the five main barriers standing between emerging generations and your church by creating the right culture. 
From inspiring stories of real people once far from God, to practical ideas that can be applied by any local church, this book offers a refreshing vision of the potential and power of the Body of Christ to transform lives today. 

Sections include:

• The struggle for the emerging generations
• The struggle with trust
• The struggle with tolerance
• The struggle with truth
• The struggle with brokenness
• The struggle with aloneness
• The struggle forward

Reviews
Visit the Amazon Customer Reviews

'We now are living in a post-Christian America---and that means we must be rethinking ministry through a missionary mindset. What makes this book both unique and extremely helpful is that it is filled with real-life stories of post-Christian people becoming followers of Jesus---not just statistics or data about them.' Dan Kimball, Author, The Emerging Church '. . . 
John's 'get it' factor with people, lost or found, is something to behold! Reading this book filled me with optimism regarding the next generation of pastors and faith communities . . .' Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church 
No Perfect People Allowed is a timely and necessary word for church leaders in a post Christian culture. John Burke serves up quite a tasty meal full of the rich nutrients that will strengthen the Body of Christ. Randy Frazee, Senior Pastor, Pantego Bible Church; Author, The Connecting Church and Making Room for Life

Free Book Preaching and the Emerging Church

Preaching and the Emerging Church
The emerging church movement has significantly influenced contemporary Christianity. Evidence abounds—the creation of blogs, conferences, seminary classes, doctorate programs, and the birth of an entire class of literature. In recent years much has been written to help the church better understand this latest Christian phenomenon. However, a deficiency still exists when it comes to understanding the role of preaching within the movement. Since preaching is God’s appointed means to convert sinners and preserve the church, then an understanding of this movement’s preaching is of vital importance to the church and the culture it serves.

This book looks at the preaching approaches of 4 pastors who have had significant influence in the emerging church movement.

visit http://theresurgence.com/preaching-and-the-emerging-church to obtain a free pdf copy

Emerging Church

One of the phrases being thrown around by those involved in anything new in the church is 'Emerging Church'. Just about anyone who wants to be different can claim to be part of the Emerging Church, for some people it means one thing for others it means something else. When I first started exploring what is the emerging church, some people indicated it was about bringing the old stuff of the church into a new environment and some times understanding it in different ways. Some even used the term Ancient Future. Others said it Christianity as it originally was. After awhile I soon realised that the best way to understand the Emerging Church is to read, visit, participate and explore what it was about it. The following information hopefully helps you on this journey....

Understanding the Emerging Church
Article from Christianity Todays that explores five streams that lead into the lake called the emerging church; they are prophetic, post modern, praxis (how the faith is lived out) orientated, Post evangelical and Political
Wikipedia entry on the Emerging Church provides a quick overview
Religion and ethics news weekly has an discussion that introduces the emerging church
What is the emerging church? article by Scott McKnight
What should we think of the emerging church? article in Christian Post by R Albert Mohler jnr
Apologetics index has a number of articles explaining and crtiquing various aspects of the emerging church
Richard Bennett of Berean Beacon offers an online video that gives an overview of the Emerging Church and some of its leaders.

Concerns about the emerging church
Take back Canada examines and collates a number of articles, books and papers that oppose the Emerging Church
Understanding the times offers a number of articles and resource critizing the emerging church. Some of what they call the emerging church (like Purpose Driven Life) is generally not seen as the emerging church.
Sound witness critiques the emerging church

Resources and web sites relating to being an Emerging Church
Emergingchurch.info offers an introduction, emerging church stories, reflection from those in the emerging church, research, prayer and links
Emergentvillage is a growing, generative friendship among missional Christians seeking to love our world in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It offers events, PODCASTS and WEBLOGs
The OOZE is one of the original and premier sites for the emerging church movement with a host of articles, conversations, recommendations and a lot more.
The Next Wave is an online magazine for the church in a post modern culture
Tyndale University and College online reading room offers articles, books and links relating to the emerging church
Anglimergent offers details of events, stories, information on books and other resources, discussion and a lot more
ChurchNext is a place where Christians forming new expressions of faith can share stories and ideas
FutureChurch NZ is a platform for emerging forms of Spirituality

Specific Lutheran articles and resources relating to the Emerging Church
Emerging Lutherans offers a range of resources, conversation opportunities and ideas on Lutherans being emerging
Perspective: A good fit for Lutheran theology....the Lutheran (ELCA) magazine
The emerging church, emerging eucharist and the U2charist article in the Lutheran ELCA magazine
Lutheran Emerging Huddle on Facebook
Emergent Leaders Network is a site for sharing resources, stories, experiences, hopes, dreams and prayers
The Lutheran Zephr offers a range of articles and blog articles relating to the emerging church
The Lutheran wikitionary entry relating to emerging church
Emerging Lutheran Blog
Father Hollywood offers a discussion and critque on the claim that Lutherans can be emerging
A short discussion from the WELS church about the emerging church

Emerging Church Congregations
House for all sinners and saints
Church of the Apostles
The Well
Mosiac
Anchorgaslamp
The SimpleWay
Solomon's Porch
The Living Room
Cafe Church

Blogs from Emerging Church Leaders
Jesus Creed: Scott McKnight
jakebouma.com offers great resources including a chart comparing various eras of Christianity
Leonard Sweet article and blog
Brian McLaren
Dan Kimball
Erwin McManus
Josh Reich
Dion Forster
Doug Pagitt
Tall Skiny Kiwi

Books and other resources for those exploring the emerging church
Book Reviews in Christianity Today

Emerging Ministry: Being church today (Lutheran Voices)



An Emergent Theology for an emergent church

The Emerging Church

Emerging Churches



Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church


The Emerging Church:


Listening to the beliefs of the emerging church


They like Jesus but not the church: Insights from the emerging church


Church in the emerging culture: 5 perspectives


Emerging Worship


Confessions of a reformission Rev


If you know of anything else relating to the emerging church please feel free to email me at richard.schwedes@lca.org.au

Book: After McDonaldlization ministry, mission and Christian Discipleship in an age of uncertainty

After McDonaldlization ministry, mission and Christian Discipleship in an age of uncertainty
by John Drane

about the book
In his earlier book The McDonaldization of the Church, John Drane critiqued church trends toward "fast food" spirituality while offering suggestions for change. In this long-awaited sequel, After McDonaldization, Drane addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context. He argues that increasing numbers of people are turning to "spirituality" even while church attendance has continued to decline in the US and Europe, and that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. In light of these developments, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty-first century. The book offers interconnected chapters on culture, community, mission, ministry, and theology and is, writes Drane, "an invitation to think outside the box of what we now know, and to imagine what the Christian future might look and feel like if we allow ourselves to ask new questions." This accessible book will appeal to church and culture readers, pastors, and those interested in the emerging church.

From the Back Cover
A New Rendering of Classic Christian Beliefs
John Drane's acclaimed The McDonaldization of the Church identified the catastrophic trend of Western churches offering uninventive, pre-packaged worship to dwindling congregations. Since its publication, church attendance has continued to decline even though increasing numbers of people are searching for spiritual integrity and turning to "spirituality."
In After McDonaldization, Drane argues that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. He asks what it means to be Christian in a post-Christendom context. Where are today's mission opportunities, the places where God is at work? In our fragmented society, how should Christian community be shaped? And what values might inspire the leaders of the twenty-first century?
As he addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty-first century. "To continue as we are may be comfortable, but could also be institutionally suicidal," writes Drane. "Our options are simple. We either do nothing, and the decline continues, or we ask fundamental questions and take whatever steps may be necessary to re-imagine church life."
"The continuing decline in both numbers and influence of Christian churches within the broader culture is increasingly evident in North America and the United Kingdom. I am delighted that John Drane's insightful book is now available to leaders in North America to alert them to the serious nature of the challenges they face."--Eddie Gibbs, coauthor, Emerging Churches; author, ChurchNext

The Jesus Enterprise: Engaging culture to reach the unchurched

Pastor Kent Hunter, a Lutheran Missouri Synod pastor and holder of a PhD and D. Min. has a book and web site called "The Jesus Enterprise: Engaging culture to reach the unchurched."

The Jesus Enterprise is about developing ministries that engage non-Christians around you and building bridges so the Gospel can do what the Gospel does: change people’s lives.

This is a book about sharing that good news in such a way that you are a bridge, not a roadblock.
The Jesus Enterprise is all about doing ministry in Jesus’ style. In spite of the risk and criticism, Jesus’ passion to seek and save the lost drove him to engage the culture.

Churches around the country are seeking new ways to attract followers. One Church in Indiana has opened a Starbucks in the lobby of the church to create a more inviting atmosphere. Another in Houston is set to open a McDonald’s. And one in Maine has an on-site fitness center.
Enterprise ministries are God’s strategy for reaching any culture in any age.
It’s so simple, biblical and profound you’ll wonder why most Christians and churches don’t get it. But you can, and will, through The Jesus Enterprise.

Begin the Jesus Enterprise journey by visiting....http://thejesusenterprise.com/

A web site well worth visiting: Friends of Missional

Just stumbled across this late last night
This is a web site overflowing with information and conversartions about being a missional church...

The web site begins with the following:
One important note before you continue: On this website, the term "church" refers to the people of God; the called out ones; those formed for his dwelling and bearers of his presence in the world. It doesn't refer to a building, denomination or physical location. So when you read "church," think of yourself and your faith community, not that building you go to each Sunday.
In an article titled, "The 'Missional Church': A Model for Canadian Churches?" David Horrox writes, "The church should stop mimicking the surrounding culture and become an alternative community, with a different set of beliefs, values and behaviors. Ministers would no longer engage in marketing; churches would no longer place primary emphasis on programs to serve members. The traditional ways of evaluating 'successful churches' – bigger buildings, more people, bigger budgets, larger ministerial staff, new and more programs to serve members – would be rejected. New yardsticks would be the norm: To what extent is our church a 'sent' community in which each believer is reaching out to his community? To what extent is our church impacting the community with a Christian message that challenges the values of our secular society?"

There are links to articles titled:
Can Traditional Church be Missional?
Characteristics of Missional Church
Comparing Attractional and Missional
Consumer Church to Missional Church
Clarifying Emerging vs. Missional Community
Eight Patterns of Missional Faithfulness
From the Heart of a Missional Evangelist
I Dream
Images of Missional
Leadership and the Missional Church
Marks of a Missional Church
Missional Apologetics
Missional Bricks and Mortar
Missional Church Frequently Asked Questions
Missional Church Outline
Missional Essentials: A Short List
Missional Evangelism
Pastors Not Sold On Being Missional
Ten Things NOT to Expect in a Missional Church
The Community Coming To Be Known As Missional
The Four Missional Mandates!
The Shaping of Things to Come
The Missional Church
The Tension between the "Pastoral Context" and the "Missional Context"
Understanding Missional: Personalizing the Central Tenets
What Does Missional Community Take?
What Is a Missional Community?
What Is Missional... To Me
What I Mean When I Say "Emerging-Missional" Church
What Missional Churches Look Like
When the Missional Church Gathers

plus links to many conversations involving the missional church

If you are interested in the missional or emerging church movement/approach/conversation it will be worthwhile visiting http://www.friendofmissional.org/