Toward a Hopeful Future: Why the Emergent Church Is Good News for Mainline Congregations [Paperback]

Phil Snider (Author), Emily Bowen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2010

Snider and Bowen, co-pastors of Brentwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Springfield, Missouri, provide a much-needed emerging resource that will benefit both progressive mainliners who value inclusivity, diversity, and social justice as well as emergents seeking a point of entry into progressive mainline traditions. Winner of the 2011 Mayflower Award for best book in church and society.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"A lot of us have been saying that a book like this one needed to be written. Snider and Bowen have given us just what we need -- and more, because the book not only says what needs to be said, but does so in a delightful, intelligent, and encouraging way. Enthusiastically recommended -- yes, for Mainliners, but also for Evangelicals and Roman Catholics who also need a shot of hope about the future."

-Brian D. McLaren, activist, author, and speaker

"Convergence between streams of emergent and progressive Christianity is a striking and hopeful happening. This exciting book is very much needed now."

-Marcus J. Borg, Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon, and best-selling author of The Heart of Christianity

"This painstakingly researched, beautifully crafted work not only places the reader's hand on the pulse of emerging theology but draws out how this contemporary movement relates to, and resonates with, the wider Christian heritage."

-Peter Rollins, founder of Ikon, and author of How (Not) to Speak of God and The Orthodox Heretic

About the Author

Phil Snider is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He holds an M.Div. from Phillips Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Chicago Theological Seminary.

Emily Bowen earned her M.Div. from Phillips Theological Seminary. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Pilgrim Press (March 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0829818472
• ISBN-13: 978-0829818475
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.9 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #940,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Toward a Hopeful Future: Why the Emergent Church is Good News... December 26, 2012

By Tracey Ivy

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have not had the opportunity to read the book. I imagine it will be one that I enjoy and learn from as I am interested in the Emergent church.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Emergent Church for Mainline Churches June 27, 2011

By Robert O. Weitzeil

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

An essy to read history of the Emergeant an its various strands by folks who have been involved in the mailine emergent experience. Gives a good background and an excellent bibliography of the movement.