(e)mergent Voyageurs

I am thrilled and humbled by winning the 2006 Canadian Blog Award in the category of Best Religious Blog. I have been blogging at (e)mergent Voyageurs for just over a year and a half, but it has opened the world to many great people, changing the very nature of my work as a result. It has challenged me to wrestle with both the ideas and practice of my faith. It has led to conflicts with some, partnerships with others. It has been a great blessing. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and reads here.

As I am sure a few new people will come this way as a result of this win, I thought I would introduce them to some of the highlights of the blog. Here are a few of my favourites:

My Life: This is an introduction of who I am and where I came from. It might give you some context about the rest of the things I write. In three parts – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

What’s In A Name: Many people ask why I picked the name “(e)mergent Voyageurs” for the blog, so this post answers that question. Link.

Imagining An Urban Seminary: This series was made excellent by the conversation that occurred in the comment area, so be sure to check them out too. In three parts – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

What Is The Gospel?: While I am considering other post on it, this is my favourite series. I think this is a question that is not nearly discussed enough. In four parts – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Emerging Church & Nationalism: In this post I believe I offer a genuinely Canadian perspective on the impact of nationalism/patriotism on faith. Link.

Homosexuality & The Church: This series drew more attention than anything else I have ever written, but given the topic, I was amazed at the generous and respectful nature the comment conversations took. Well worth the read. In three parts – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

The Land Of Mystery: These are two short stories I wrote to illustrate our relationship with Truth. In two parts – Part 1, Part 2.

So, thanks again!

Emerging Church, Missional, Canadian Blog Awards

Day in and day out, we are bombarded with advertising. Whether it is on TV, through radio, in print, online or even on our own clothing, branding and advertising have become powerful forces for shaping our worldview and influencing our choices. Few people recognize how deeply these ads impact the way we perceive and respond to the world around us. It effects the way we do ministry, “promote” our churches and communicate our vision. It is everywhere.

Before anyone thinks I am an alarmist, the fact is that not all of it is bad. Without question, much of it is bad, but it is also a matter of degree. Despite all this, we, as the church, need to be more intentional about recognizing and countering the negative. Naomi Klein once had this to say about the dangerous impact this has had in our society:

“We are looking to brands for poetry and for spirituality, because we’re not getting those things from our communities or from each other.”

The reason this is posted as an art reflection is because I believe that part of the power and impact of these ads comes through the use of creativity. Perhaps the answer to responding lies through the use of artful creativity as well.

What are your thoughts? How have you seen ads & branding negatively impact the church? Wider culture? How many we counter it?

Emerging Church, Missional, Art, Branding