Ontluikende kerke � �n nuwe mission�re beweging. Deel 1: Ontluikende kerke as prototipes van �n nuwe mission�re kerk

Abstract

The article describes Emerging Churches as a 21st century phenomenon. Emerging churches are not a new denomination, but are experimental forms of church life, found in all denominations; formulating and living Christian faith in a post-modern world. The importance of emerging churches is� that they serve as risk-taking prototypes, researching ways of being a relevant church and expressing faith in a current language. Serving older churches with new insights which they can consider. They are a new expression of church. Emerging churches should be understood in terms of their strong missional orientation � even to the extent that they should rather be called emerging missional churches.� The emerging movement is missional in the sense that they are seeking what changes God is doing in this world.� They become missional by participating with God, in the redemptive work God is doing in a changing world.� This missional understanding is profoundly influenced by David Bosch� s elaboration of the concept of the Missio Dei: the understanding that the very life of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a process of mission. Emerging Churches are a new expression of church - Christians who are doing what they can to get the church back in line with the kingdom vision of Jesus. Part 2 will describe and elaborates on core� practices of emerging missional churches.