More On Emergent Canada
In his recent post at Jesus Creed, Scot McKnight describe one key aspect of this journey as conversational (or relational). He says:
Within Canada, the emergent conversation has been deeply rooted in this relational exchange- an exchange of more than just ideas, but genuine friendship, edification and love. Perhaps that is why many of us felt initial pangs of what seemed like territorialism at the Emergent Canada news. As Brother Maynard commented to them, “To us in the blogosphere though, we feel we haven’t heard from you”. However, with time, most of us have recognize the need to continue to open our hearts and minds in generousity to fellow voyageurs who want nothing more than to share the journey with us.
In his post, Brother Maynard also speculated about other national expressions of Emergent outside of the US, wondering what could be learned from their journey.
I will caution, however, about making any hasty comparisons in this regards. For example, while it might be assumed that Canada & Australia will have more in common than the US, I am not sure this is accurate. Being married to an Aussie, in many ways I have learned that there are some significant commonalities between the US, Australia and the UK (interestingly, Canada shares a far closer cultural paradigm and history to New Zealand). Conversely, there are several differences between these three nations that make them very different.
All that to say, that while we can learn from one another, comparisons are ill suited to draw meaningful conclusions in this context. As Canadians, we know that one unfortunate cultural characterstic we have is defining ourselves by what we are not-namely, American. Therefore, we need to be careful not to try to find better suited nations to model after, but rather search for an indigenously authentic identity. (Additionally, I believe that Canada and the US desperately need each other in this journey, and that closer ties, while maintaining cultural autonomy, is a crucial step we need to take).
As to regional difference across Canada, this could be said for communities within a Province or neighbourhoods within a city. I agree that there are great distinctions between the regions within Canada, but I believe we need to begin the journey on that which we have in common. More to the point, however, is the nature of regional relationships based on our difficult history. Again, having lived and ministered throughout Canada, there is a distinct set of conflicts that divide our nation.
Because this, there is still negative attitudes between the regions, making a national movement difficult (which is why Emergent Canada being in the far West has probably raised some concerns). Even within YWAM, there are those who believe that our focus should remain only regional. Regional/local expressions will always be most important, as that is where relationship happen the truest, but this should be no excuse not to work to overcome these barriers. Can think of no better heritage to the emergent journey in Canada then to further work of reconciliation within out country.
In the end, if we are to become a Canadian expression of missional, relational, catholic/universal, global, emerging Christianity, then we need these challenges. It is in these difficulties that we begin to question our identities, visions, commitment, motivations, etc. As important as this topic is to discuss, Emergent Canada is not the real issue. The issue is that something is stirring in the Canadian church. And while challenges and conflicts are inevitable along the way, this is something for us all be excited about.
Canada has a unique vocation within the Body of Christ (as does every nations and culture). I believe that we have gifts to offer the global Church, such as what it means to be a “Mosaic People”, for example. As Canadians, we need to rekindlethis pioneering spirit that is at the roots our culture and heritage. So, let put our paddles in together and see where this journey will take us.
To affirm the place of "conversation," and if we aim at emergence more than design, and broad participation, try this cut from Wheatley’s article Goodbye Command and Control:
"Mort Meyerson, chairman of Perot Systems, said that the primary task of being a leader is to make sure that the organization knows itself. That is we must realize that our task is to call people together often, so that everyone gains clarity about who we are, who we’ve just become, who we still want to be. This includes the interpretations available from our customers, our markets, our history, our mistakes. If the organization can stay in a continuous conversation about who it is and who it is becoming, then leaders don’t have to undertake the impossible task of trying to hold it all together. Organizations that are clear at their core hold themselves together because of their deep congruence. People are then free to explore new avenues of activity, new ventures and customers in ways that make sense for the organization. It is a strange and promising paradox of living systems: Clarity about who we are as a group creates freedom for individual contributions. "
Excellent quote, Len! That is exactly why, if Emergent Canada seeks to represent something national, we must know ourselves beyond our regional contexts. Further, that in doing so, our regional and personal contributions find their fullest expression. Truly excellent! Thanks again.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, I thought I’d navigate over to your thought world. It was interesting to learn about how you and others face the challenge of uniting Emergent Canada. I like the gift you will bring: "being a Mosaic People." I long for a truly globally informed evangelicalism to emerge with each region bringing its best and all of learning from each other. Do you know Peter Fitch of the St. Croix Vineyard in St. Stephens, New Brunswick? He’s a good friend of mine. Peace!
jamie,
these sound like healthy challenges. i think one of the most difficult, but rewarding aspects is remaining engaged through the discomfort of conflict, and developing unity inspite of any differences of opinions.
Hey Jose,
Yeah, very healthy and so far, conflict free. Canada has a voice in the emerging church, which (in time) will deep unique and diverse. We need the prayer and input of other nations in the journey, so please add your voices frequently!
Peace,
Jamie
Hey John,
I think Canada is well placed to bridge the multicultural dynamics that the emergent journey is displaying. As for Peter Fitch, no luck. He is a looong way east, so I am not surprised (though I believe I have heard the name a time or two).
Peace,
Jamie
I recently wrote an article for Next-Wave E-zine’s August edition entitled "Technology and the Velocity of Glory".
From the fourth paragraph:
"To rip off Ellul, Im just a non-specialist who likes to think globally while acting locally. I am Canadian. And Canadians have always been interested in communications, engineering, and global issues. It stems from hosting 36 million people from all over the planet strung out over 9000 km (5700 miles) and six time zones."
We need to be careful to define pioneering spirit well. It could be misinterpreted by some to mean French or English. When I get on the subway in Toronto I’m sometimes the only guy who speaks either language.
Good demographic / spiritual reads stacked on my desk today:
Reginald Bibby: Restless Gods
Theodore Roszak: Longevity Revolution (as boomers become elders)
Eugene Taylor: Shadow Culture
Morris Berman: The Twilight of American Culture
Ron Graham: God’s Dominion
Bricker & Greenspon: Searching for Certainty (inside the new canadian mindset)
Foot & Stoffman: Boom, Bust & Echo
Stackhouse: Evangelical Landscapes
Balmer: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
Emberley: Divine Hunger (canadians on spiritual walkabout)
Adams: Sex in the Snow
kbartha,
Thanks for stopping by. I agree that we need to be careful with the word and concept "pioneer". However, whether referring to the First Nations arrival to this land, the European explorers or modern day immigrant communities, all reflect the bravery and determination that characterizes Canada (and not without flaw, of course).
Peace,
Jamie
Yes, and until every "white european christian" (all lower cased i realize) leader in Canada has at least confessed the sins of themselves and their forefathers to at least one First Nations leader there will be no more true pioneering for God here. We are at a Turning Point (to use Fritjof Capra). Many Christian leaders in this nation are French, German, Dutch and English. We need to repent.
I sat with some of the national leaders of 24-7 prayer at a recent national gathering in Calgary. Someone in the meeting commented on how we were all white and they would like to see more "representation". I said, "Do you know why we are leading the way…and white? Because we are the first ones who need to repent."
Daniel led the way and repented on behalf of all Jewish people in Exile in Daniel 8. He confessed the sins of his own people and he was one of the most righteous men of his generation in Babylon.
This is at the heart of what I am saying.