Signs of Emergence: A Vision for Church That Is Always Organic/Networked/Decentralized/Bottom-Up/Communal/Flexible/Always Evolving (mersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith) [Paperback]

Kester Brewin (Author)

Book Description

Series: mersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith | Publication Date: August 1, 2007

Many in the church are recognizing that traditional "top-down" structures are no longer functional. The church is seen as an institution that is out of touch, ignored by the very people it seeks to serve, and unaware of the opportunities for ministry that exist as the interest in things spiritual rises. Signs of Emergence challenges the church to face its fears and take a bold step toward doing things in a completely new way--to adopt an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, approach to change. Drawing on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, as well as urban theory, art, and social practice, Kester Brewin calls the church to dispense with tired structures and re-emerge as a networked, bottom-up organism that is responsive to the needs found in the urban environment. This unique book will be of interest to pastors, church leadership, and consultants.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Embracing an evolutionary approach to change Drawing on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, as well as urban theory, art, and social practice, Kester Brewin calls the church to dispense with tired structures and re-emerge as a networked, bottom-up organism that is responsive to the needs of our changing world. "A dynamic and hope-filled book to provoke the ecclesial imagination. May it help us grow closer to God's dream for the church."--Shane Claiborne, activist, author, The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical "With a concise yet pastoral message, Brewin guides the reader through a dynamic understanding of this major movement. This book has the potential to blow the emerging church conversation wide open."--Will Samson, coauthor, Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live "Signs of Emergence is a rich and luminous meditation on the nature of change, which is grounded in a deep understanding of the Christian narrative and a keen insight into the structure of organic development."--Peter Rollins, author, How (Not) to Speak of God; founder, Ikon community "Kester Brewin has fertilized the Western church's dulled imagination with this fine work."--Alan Hirsch, author, The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church; founding director, Forge Mission Training Network "I predict this book will stimulate a very important conversation regarding the future of the church in the West."--Tom Sine, Mustard Seed Associates Kester Brewin is a writer and pioneering church planter based in London, England. In emerging church circles, he is best known for working with a collective of artists and city lovers to create the experimental, alternative worship group Vaux. Brewin has worked in an advisory role at Fuller Theological Seminary, helping them to think about new ways of training emerging leaders.

About the Author

Kester Brewin is a writer and pioneering church planter based in London, England. In emerging church circles he is best known for working with a collective of artists and city lovers to create the experimental, alternative worship group Vaux. Brewin has worked in an advisory role at Fuller Theological Seminary, helping them to think about new ways of training Emerging leaders.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801068088
• ISBN-13: 978-0801068089
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moves Beyond Religious Rhetoric into Reality, August 9, 2007

By 

Becky Garrison "author, "Jesus Died for T... - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Signs of Emergence: A Vision for Church That Is Always Organic/Networked/Decentralized/Bottom-Up/Communal/Flexible/Always Evolving (mersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith) (Paperback)

"Through Kester Brewin's eyes, pilgrims can see cities as the place where one's dreamy theologies and `psycho-spiritual bull' confronts the Concrete Christ. A highly recommended faith journey for those who dare to walk the walk and follow the trouble-making Jesus."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The idea of an 'emergent church' which may be better suited to meet the needs of worshippers., November 5, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Signs of Emergence: A Vision for Church That Is Always Organic/Networked/Decentralized/Bottom-Up/Communal/Flexible/Always Evolving (mersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith) (Paperback)

SIGNS OF EMERGENCE is a pick for serious ministry and spirituality holdings, covering the basic of how to organize a church of believers and how to make it a decentralized body with more flexibility than the usual church structure. Chapters survey the idea of an 'emergent church' which may be better suited to meet the needs of worshippers. Chapters offer important guidelines and specifics on achieving such an institution.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent take on the form of emerging church, November 23, 2008

By 

Alan T. Stucky "bigstuck" (Elkhart, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Signs of Emergence: A Vision for Church That Is Always Organic/Networked/Decentralized/Bottom-Up/Communal/Flexible/Always Evolving (mersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith) (Paperback)

The chapter on what the emerging church looks like alone is worth buying this book. The rest helps flesh out the the character of emerging churches they're a bit more nebulous than chapter 4. Nevertheless there are some great things in this book worth discovering.