Over the last 2 days, I have had the privilege of being at a Brian McLaren Conference.
We have heard and talked about the emergent church and this excites me but also leaves me with questions like: Is an established church able to make that transition? Is it fair to expect it to make that transition? Can we do both or is it an either/or situation? What would an emergent church in South West Sydney look like?
The statement was made: "It's easier to give birth than raise the dead", but as Brian pointed out, he has only ever heard men make that statement. He has never heard a woman put easier and birth in the same sentence. Either way it's hard work which requires revisiting and redefining.
Grace McLaren also discussed with women and some men at the conference about the role of women in the emergent church and the contribution that we can make to this process. If you are a female 'church planter' I would love to hear from you about the difference you see in a woman's approach to the emergent church.
My head at the moment is incredibly full of the possibilities for the congregation and the unending number of ways we could be connecting with the local community and aren't. It is also full of the tension of how do we do this in a way that doesn't leave me pastoring a church of 2 passionate people with everyone else being scared off.
This will probably be the subject of a number of blogs to come as I grapple with the large amount of information I have received over the last 48 hours.
Now I must stop procrastinating and finish the sermon I am meant to be writing for tomorrow
Blessings
Emma
3 comments:
Hi, Emma~
I would love to hear more about women in emergent. In the U.S., it seems like they are pretty much in a support role in Emergent. As a woman who was ordained at age 41, I worry that I've come into something that is hoping to phase me out! And that seems in conflict with the call to women that seems so clear.
Early morning ramblings--I look forward to hearing more of what you think.
Emma, I'm so glad you were able to participate in the conference. The best kind of workshops and conferences always send us home with lots to think about!
I look forward to hearing more about women and emergent. I have concerns very similar to Songbird's.
Welcome the the RevGal ring. I wish I could have been at your conference. I'm dying to hear Brian McLaren speak. I am a collegiate minister in the states and I have a 7 yo, 5 yo and 4 yo, so I think you & I (as moms in ministry) have a little in common!
Micah Girl
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