Report – YWAM Western Canada Leadership
Having just returned from Calgary where Kim & were attending the Youth With A Mission Western Canada Leadership Team (YWAM WCLT) meetings, I wanted to give some feedback to the emerging church discussion that was on the agenda. Again, many people who are familiar with YWAM in other regions might be surprised to realize that it would garner much attention, but several leaders within Western Canada are pushing for more intentional exploration and engagement with it, as it has already had deep impacts in our missional mandate.
Unfortunately, due to other unscheduled (though important) events, the time designated for the topic was cut by more than half. However, we had enough time to get people engaged enough to expose some interesting assumptions were the emerging church is concerned. Namely that many people have very misguided assumptions as to what the movement actually is. For example, while it certainly plays an influencing role, it is a common mistake to assume that the phenomenon is a generational issue. This came up more than once.
In response, I offered to make a “What Is The Emerging Church?” presentation at our next meeting in the Fall in Kelowna. However, as I have considered what I would present, then consider the common misconceptions, I realize how difficult it actually is to define. The truth is, the emerging church (or the church in the emerging culture) is an amorphous matrix of complex, overlapping influences, ideas, histories, etc. In the end, I hope to at least present a framework for them to engage the issue, with specific emphasis on YWAM’s place in the conversation & praxis. Some questions that came up that will also be worth exploring were: Is YWAM a church? (and What is church?) Can we engage the emerging dynamics of faith and remain faithful to our Foundational Values? Is our region (YWAM Western Canada) unique to the mission in the level of our interest and involvement with the conversation?
More to come…
Jamie! That’s too bad, I’m just heading back to Red Deer for a visit back home, would have been cool to connect. Another time perhaps. I agree, I often feel the same difficulty in explaining, but, with the boatload of books out on the subject, do you think there’s some help out there? I found Dan Kimball’s book quite good for the cultural aspects, which I think someone like my Mom would really appreciate/understand. What do you think?
Kenny,
I wouldn’t have a free moment anyway, as we pack in every minute with meetings. Alas! In regards to books, there are several helpful ones out there, but almost too many. They all differ, yet are all right, in their own way. Ulimately, it is why I dislike the title “emerging church”. However, I still use it out of convenience. Perhaps that will change. Thanks for stopping by!
Peace,
Jamie
Sounds like it was a fruitful time, even though the schedule changed.
Perhaps one way to go at the “what is emerging” thing, rather than to try to define it, is to examine the questions people are asking.
Hugs to you both-
Dana
I dislike the title “emerging church” too! Hey! We must be related!
I dislike the title “emerging church” too! Hey! We must be related!
This question would make a whole other workshop: What is the difference between church and parachurch? Is YWAM a church or parachurch?
Some thoughts
DAWN
DAWN,
Funny you should mention that, as it came up at the meetings. Also, I have been having this discussion for several years with people in and outside of the organization. The short answer? The is One Church. (wink)
Peace,
Jamie
David Ruis used to use YWAM as an example of how the so-called para-church is actually doing all the things that “church” usually does. David’s point was that he felt YWAM WAS church, just more missional in focus. David wondered (as do I) whether YWAM might actually be MORE “church” than church.
But that’s a controversy for another time!
Looking forward to seeing you here in Kelowna in the fall.
Rob,
Yeah, I hear you. In the end, I don’t think defining “church” in greater or lesser degrees is helpful. I stand by the firm belief in one Church, known and defined in it fullness by God alone. If YWAM can play a part, so be it!
Peace,
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
I find that the “what is emergent?” discussions are sometimes difficult to frame. I often find its easier to discuss with nontraditional folks because we’re asking alot of the same questions or using the same vernacular: organic, postmodern, missional, urban, etc. For folks that are content with traditional church models, there’s less receptivity.