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

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Key Phrases: dirt boundaries, conjunctive church, emergent church, Old Testament, Jack Miles, Sex Pistols (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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.

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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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #148,150 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

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

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 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 "Religious Satirist" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"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."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent and provoking, January 10, 2009

By	H.J. van der Klis (Balkbrug, Overijssel Netherlands) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

Ik kreeg dit boek van Amazon aanbevolen bij de aanschaf van de boeken van Frank Viola over het herontdekken van gemeente zijn. Brewin's boek heeft een indrukwekkende ondertitel "A Vision for Church That Is Always Organic/Networked/Decentralized/Bottom-Up/Communal/Flexible/Always Evolving" en haalt al zijn hobbies en referenties uit de kast om de 200 pagina's vol te krijgen. Lessen uit de economie, politiek, kunsten, sociologie, psychologie, geschiedenis, interactie met publiek op het Greenbelt Festival tot verrassende lezingen van overbekende bijbelgedeelten. Zo neemt hij in het slothoofdstuk Judas Iskariot onder de loep, heeft hij een scherp oog voor de rol van vuil en reiniging en pleit hij voor een invloedrijke rol van kerken in steden en verstedelijkte gebieden. Wil je als gemeente doorgroeien, is het zaak stil te staan, God te zoeken en vooral geen concepten van buiten te kopiëren. Brewin werkt het concept van (offer)gaven, giften en aanbidding langs ongewone wegen uit, laat zien wat de rol van carnaval is en hoe goed het concept 'stad'. Als echte Brit schrijft hij ook merkbaar een ander Engels dat dat van een doorsnee Amerikaanse auteur. En dat merk je bij het lezen. Dat gaat in een fors lager tempo dan bij een Amerikaans boek. Kester Brewin heeft niet de wijsheid in pacht, brengt geen stappenplan, maar schetst de contouren van een organische, open, netwerkende, gedecentraliseerde, van onderaf gevoede, midden in de wereld opererende, zich verder ontwikkelende kerk. Een paradigma, dat verder ingevuld, uitgewerkt, geconcretiseerd mag worden, maar waarbij meer levenskracht zichtbaar wordt dan in menig kerk of kring om je heen.