Emerging Churches

Gibbs (ChurchNext) and Bolger, both of Fuller Theological Seminary and who believe that churches need to respond to current social issues to remain viable, here explore the subject of emerging churches. They illustrate the intersection between religion and contemporary society and the ways people relate to this religious community in the United Kingdom and the United States. Chapter topics include identifying with Jesus, transforming secular space, serving with generosity, and leading as a body. Throughout, Gibbs and Bolger portray the importance that emerging churches place on responding to contemporary society. They describe how they function as well as explain their draw by sharing participants' stories, faith journeys, and commitment to their church and include interview testimonies from 49 emerging church leaders, among them Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, Karen Ward, and Spencer Burke. Best for libraries where there is interest and an existing collection supporting contemporary religious life.