It’s Revolting
I see basically two reasons for the current emerging church and postmodernist movements. One is certainly a change in culture with advancements in technology at the top of the list. Communication methods, media, and technology in general demand change. Baby Boomers wouldn’t go back to horses and buggies any more than a teenager will ask for a cassette player for Christmas. But I also see another reason for the radical shifts in society and the church – it’s a revolt against tradition and the status quo.
The emerging church seems to embrace everything contrary to the traditional way of doing church. They boast of freedom to worship and express yourself, being group led instead of listening to one person each week, diversity, synergism in beliefs and worship practices, a lack of structure, and a contemporary incorporation of multi-media (Powerpoint is frowned upon!). I am reminded of the Beatniks of the 50’s and 60’s when the younger generations rejected everything the older generations did because it didn’t seem to be working.
Likewise, the way we do church today is being rejected by those (especially young adults) who want something real. When the church focuses too much on what kind of music should be played, how long the service is, what is acceptable expression, and all the other “political” bickering that takes place when two or more are gathered together, those who are truly seeking God will look elsewhere. Now let’s think about that for a moment. Which type of person do you prefer to have in the pew next to you?
from my notebook 