<Theofragen>

Today I led a breakout session at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in muggy Atlanta. The title of my chat was "Beer, Candles and Kierkegaard: CBF and the Emergent Conversation." You can see my Keynote slides here. In my presentation I briefly introduced the salient features of the Emergent Conversation, focusing primarily on the praxis, ecclesiological and theological strands of the discussion. My talk was an explication under a thesis. I wanted to help CBFers to wade through the turbid waters of hearsay about Emergent Village in order to understand the primary facets of this generative friendship. My thesis was that Emergent Village, as a multi-tiered generative friendship of Christ-followers, is a kindred spirit with the CBF. For those of you who don't know, CBF is not a denomination. Rather, we are a fellowship of autonomous Baptist churches and Christians that share a passion for the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice (esp. soul, religious, Bible and church freedoms).

I printed out 40 handouts to go along with my presentation. (You can see my resource list here). I thought I would have some left over. To my pleasant surprise, we had over 150 people in attendance! During the Q & A, someone asked if we currently had any venue to discuss issues of emergence within CBF. I told them that I knew of no such venue, so I have decided to get the conversation rolling.

If you are reading this post and are interested in broadening the Emergent Conversation within CBF life, then here are some action steps I would suggest:

I am envisioning three definite streams of intersection between CBF and Emergent Village: 1) Emergence and Theological Education (for college and seminary students, professors and administrators); 2) Emergence within Pastoral and Parachurch Ministry (for all pastors, lay leaders and parachurch professionals); and 3) Emergence for Church Planters (for church planters and national/state missions coordinators).

If this sounds like your kind of conversation, let's begin to dialogue about how this will take shape within the Fellowship. When and where would be a good place to meet? Ought this be played out on the state or national level (or both)? Are the proposed streams listed above adequate or would you suggest others? Feel free to post your comments, suggestions, concerns or queries in the comment section listed below. FYI: I'll be out of pocket for a few weeks on a mission trip to Sri Lanka to do Tsunami relief. I'll be interested when I return to the US to see where this organic conversation might have spread. Peace.

posted by Jake at 6/23/2006 08:53:00 PM

Emergapalooza 2008?

Last week I had the privilege of meeting with many emerging leaders from the Emergent National Coordinating Group (ENCG). We met in sunny Minneapolis thanks to the hospitality of Solomon’s Porch. We drank, we laughed, we voiced our hopes, dreams and concerns for Emergent Village, and we strategized. One of the topics that Tony introduced was that of some kind of national gathering during Memorial Day weekend 2008. This proposed venue would not only replace the Emergent Conventions but; hopefully, supersede them. We were unified in our resolve to meet but somewhat dissonant on the shape and scope of said venue.

The conversation took form under the leadership of Lilly Lewin and Mark Scandrette. Their passion for this event was palpable and they shared their vision with us all. Lilly and Mark (and I think Tony as well, though as the facilitator, he did not weigh-in heavy handedly) envision a venue similar to Greenbelt (minus the Brits), Burning Man (minus the debauchery), or Lollapalooza (minus the big-name performers) for our 2008 gathering. The suggestion was to meet in a huge pasture in the middle of the country (Kansas City was suggested) and pitch our tents, or find a nearby hotel, and celebrate the generative friendship we call Emergent Village.

Unfortunately, having never been to an outdoor festival like this, I was not much help to the conversation. As others started to share their input, consensus diminished. Some on the ENCG shared that we typically don’t travel across the country to merely hang out, although many acknowledged the benefits of this. I know that I typically travel to learn something that I want to know more about or lead something that I already know a little about. Although I share some hippieish sensibilities, I questioned the efficacy of such a gathering. I’m an idea-o-phile … what else can I say?

The questions, for me, are both philosophical and practical. Would such an event sufficiently replace the void left by the discontinued Emergent Conventions? Would people really commit the time and financial resources to make such an event a success? What would success look like for such an amorphous gathering? One bit of reality that was brought up several times last week was that the cultural creative/artist constitutes a minority of the population. Most people prefer structure, schedules and predictability. The Emergent Conventions of the past seemed to cater to the majority. The Glorietta Gathering has tended to serve the commune-o-philes. So the caveat for many of us invited to participate in the ENCG is that when we get together we house a disproportionate number of cultural creatives.

Whom are we striving to reach with such a gathering? Will this allow our generative friendship to grow or diminish? Will this provide sufficient room for Emergent neophytes to merge into the conversation, or might they feel disconnected? Would this venue be mainly for those already ensconced under the emergent umbrella? Can such a gathering be multifaceted? How? Feel free to weigh-in on this discussion.

posted by Jake at 6/22/2006 10:09:00 PM

Week One Update

Miles run...12
Hours at the gym...only 1:-(
Beers consumed...6
Initial Weight...184lbs
Current Weight...178.5lbs

Total Weight Lost...5.5

Total Weight Remaining...13.5lbs
Weeks Left...11

posted by Jake at 6/20/2006 07:41:00 AM

Another Tear is Shed, or Maybe Two

Okay, so I don't actually cry about anything that goes on within the Southern Baptist Convention. I'm an outsider now. I read about things that transpire within the SBC ranks, not from some voyeuristic stance, but because of the ramifications for North American Christianity in general.

Were I to actually cry over the events that transpired at the recent SBC Annual Meeting meeting in Greensboro, the emotions would be mixed. First, I would cry tears of pain when I read about this amendment which now vies for total abstinence from the consumption of alcohol. In reading the transcript from this debate, I was not surprised about the way in which a few over-zealous messengers and committee members can so manipulate a crowd that they will utterly ignore common sense arguments. This reminds me of a scene from Gladiator, which I will reappropriate for this situation:

"I think they know what the SBC is. The SBC is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of the SBC is not the grey matter of the messengers; it's the vocal chords of the ignorant few. --adapted from GRACCHUS - FROM THE MOVIE GLADIATOR (2000)

Next, I would cry tears of joy for the hope that I see emerging from the younger generation of SBCers for voting Frank Page into the SBC presidency and not this man or this man.

Although I have significant points of disagreement with Frank Page, especially over the fact that he avers the abominable doctrine of biblical inerrancy, I appreciate his desire for a more amicable SBC. He mentioned in another article that he seeks to "clean house" with regards to current SBC leadership and that his election signifies a "turning point" in the denomination. Page attests his victory to the many SBC bloggers who have expressed their disapproval of the direction that the SBC and its daughter institutions (like the IMB and NAMB) were heading. This victory was one of only two points in the history of the SBC, since the fundamentalist takeover in 1979, where an "unapproved" candidate defeated one who tows the conservative power-brokers' party line. Page seeks to create a more "open and inclusive" Southern Baptist Convention (but don't read into this what you think it means). I am interested to see what transpires this year. Peace.

posted by Jake at 6/16/2006 08:55:00 AM

On Rationalizations

So I went to my doctor this week for my tri-yearly physical, which is always a pleasure, and I got some disappointing news: I'm overweight. Now the designation "overweight" is a relative concept for sure, but it hurts to be diagnosed as overweight by a medical professional. On the doctor's scale (which doesn't account for the clothes I was wearing, the curvature of the earth, the effects of global warming, el nino, etc.), I weighed-in at 184lbs. Apparently, for my height, I am supposed to weigh 155lbs. That's 30 freakin' pounds! After a bit of compromising, the doctor and I agreed that 165lbs was a more realistic goal for me.

I told the doctor that my problem was that my metabolism had slowed down since my high school days, and that was why I had put on a few extra lbs. Without hesitation, he replied, "No it hasn't." A healthy male's metabolism does not begin to slow down until he is in his mid-30's (I'm 27) and even then it only slows by a few % points. Shit! So much for rationalizations.

So, with a baby on the way and the mounting pressures of planting one church while working at another, I have resolved to make a concerted stab at the 165 goal. Following in the spirit of a dear friend who is making great progress and one who did not make such good progress (;-)), I have shamelessly decided to share this personal information with you all in the ubiquitous cybervoid.

I'm giving myself three months from Saturday (September 10th) to hit this mark. I'll keep you posted. I could use your encouragement. Anyone want to do this with me?

posted by Jake at 6/08/2006 09:12:00 PM

Brian McLaren: Not Just Another Personality

Confession: I don't typically like religious personalities. I'm not sure if it is a result of an overexposure to the stereotypical "pastor personality" that I grew up watching on TV or if it is disdain stemming from unconscious ministerial jealousy. For whatever reason, I tend to bristle when I hear someone talk about how wonderful, charismatic and brilliant some pastor, evangelist or author might be. Perhaps the reason I pooh on so many of these personalities is because many of them vehemently espouse an ideology and theology that falls a little too close to my lamentable past. When I was younger I attended a megachurch whose pastor is renowned for labeling the prophet Muhammed a "demon-possessed pedophile." That's my past. Or maybe it is because I too was mesmerized by the hypnotic tune these religious pipers played and their melody led me to follow the evangelical rats out of the city of critical reflection and engagement.

I can't help it. When I see one of these personalities on a magazine or cover of an overpriced hardback my thoughts digress. Through the clergy scandals of the 80's and the clergy scandals of today, I have lived and I have become a cynic. Moreover, my own ministerial vocation has heightened my cynicism from an existential perspective. I know my own dark thoughts and peccadillos all too well. "I am now ordained?" "I am now reverend?"

When I hear someone like Richard Land or Jerry Fallwell touting their homophobic agenda, I can't help but think--reaction formation. When I see the plastic smile of Joel Osteen, I can't help but think--he beats his wife. I don't mean to think this negative thoughts, they just come out. Quickly, however, my rational side kicks in and I say to myself, "these guys are probably great people. They probably love their wife and children, pay their taxes and are loving, gracious, humble and hospitable."

Surprisingly, this was not my experience with another religious personality who is gaining prominence in the US and abroad: Brian McLaren. My first encounter with Brian was at a training event for young CBF leaders. Brian talked about ministering in a postmodern world. We were given a copy of his book, "The Church on the Other Side." I liked him instantly. But this was four or five years ago. He had not yet been declared one of the '25 most influential evangelicals' by Time Magazine. He had not yet been invited to speak on Larry King Live. He was just a pastor who was trying to help other church leaders figure out how to navigate the turbulent waters of our culture.

Now, Brian is a bonafide religious personality. I've heard him speak several times and every time I have been thoroughly impressed with his humility, pastoral nature, perspicacity, ammenablity and un-imposing sense of humor. I have read most of his books and I thoroughly appreciate how he writes without pomposity or bombast; he writes like a friend chatting over coffee. He is one religious personality that I consider a mentor.

I wanted to share these thoughts with all of you because I know that some of you share my disdain for many religious personalities. I hope you will all read Brian's latest reflections on the church that is emerging. Peace.

posted by Jake at 6/08/2006 08:23:00 AM

White-male Privilege

Last weekend I officiated my first wedding. This experience afforded me the opportunity to meet a fascinating woman, Jen Lemen. I was thoroughly intrigued by her wisdom, passion for ministry, and spiritual depth. During the reception, we chatted at length about the state of women in the emergent conversation. As she relayed bits and pieces of her struggle as a woman straining to effect change in a group dominated by men, I was saddened. If a person like Jen has become disheartened by the emergent conversation, then perhaps we are having the wrong conversation! Perhaps those of us who have found refuge under the Emergent umbrella from the incessant onslaught of the theological right or the lethargy of the theological left have become too self-absorbed.

Continue reading...

On the one hand, this is understandable. When people go through various crises they tend to withdraw into small associations of like-minded supporters; others who can existentially identify with what one has gone through. As one left embittered by several hurtful situations stemming from conservative fundamentalism, I myself have found a good bit of solace in the emergent conversation. On the other hand, this is no excuse for me or my emerging brothers to deign the lived experience of our emerging sisters. The majority of those actively participating in Emergent are white-males. Unless we are intentional about including minority voices, it will always be a majority conversation. It is incumbent upon those of us who are ensconced in the double-societal privileges of whiteness and maleness in America, to diffuse this power by supporting those with less.

I'm reminded of an historical event that bears semblance to this situation. In 1895, nearly 50 years after the women's suffrage movement got its first start at Seneca Falls, the NAWSA (National American Women's Suffrage Association) decided to exclude black women from their movement. This was largely a political move, or at least that is how it was rationalized. Some of the group's leadership (Susan B. Anthony included) did not believe that they could garner the support necessary for women's suffrage by including their African American sisters, so they excluded them. BTW: Elizabeth Cady Stanton was vehemently opposed to this decision. This resulted in the formation of the National Association of Colored Women in 1896. Here two groups of women who were fighting for the exact same thing were forced into schism because the majority was not willing to subsume the minority voices and speak as one. I'll leave it to you to draw the connections to our present situation.

This morning I read the latest post on the US Emergent blog about the Emergent Women's Roundbarn ReGathering. I was encouraged by Julie's reflections of the event. However, I was also saddened that these emerging leaders felt the need to withdraw to a barn in Indianapolis in order to have their voices heard. I understand the need to do this completely, but it saddens me nonetheless. So what can I do about this fissure that has the potential of forming a schism in Emergent?

Here's the deal: I have been a part of the emergent conversation for a few years now. I've vented, and bitched and deconstructed for much of this time. (One needs only to read some of my early blog posts here at theofragen to see how emotionally effusive I was.) I feel as if I have gotten (most of) that out of my system. I am now interested in reconstruction. I want to build bridges that are positive. I am seeking ecumenical inclusivity, racial solidarity and the cessation of sexual segregation within this burgeoning fellowship. But I am still a white-male. Whether I want to or not, I still hold the reigns of discourse and, as a result, am responsible for the kinds of conversation that ensue.

I am also a church-planter located in Atlanta, GA. And although Trinitas is still a nascent dream in my obfuscated mind, I offer it up to any of my emerging sisters who might share a similar vision for ministry. Said more directly, if any of you reading this blog would be interested in co-planting and eventually co-pastoring with me, please contact me. As long as white-males are planting and pastoring emerging churches, these will be the faces we see on book-jacket covers and on television. I would like to see this change and I now have the means to see it happen, maybe.

To other white-males who are a part of Emergent, use your privilege to support your emerging sisters. To Jen, and other emerging women, I say "Illegitemati non Carborundum."

A Generative Fellowship, or, Broadening the Conversation