A.M.E.N. -- A Missional Emergent Network

In my former church, we formed a group that we referred to as AMEN. Though I might alter some of what is found below, I think that at least some of these ideas are worthy of consideration and implementation.

A.M.E.N.

A Missional Emergent Network

a•men (ā-měn) Used at the end of a prayer or to express approval.

[Heb. ̕āmēn, verily.] Hebrew meaning - “let it be so,” to be “firm, true, or faithful,” to give our “yes” to what God has done/is doing/will do.

We at AMEN give our “amen,” not merely to a movement or a trend, but to what God is doing to revive his church, woo people into his presence, and revitalize the faith of many.

- A -

We are a group with a distinct calling, a people who seek God’s wisdom as we live out our lives within our particular social environment. We recognize that we are not the only ministry within the body of Christ, and we do not assume that our ministry is for everyone. Still, though we are only one manifestation of God’s presence, we are at least that. Indeed, we sincerely believe that God desires that we have an impact on those inside and outside of the community of faith. This outlook, we hope, will foster both humility (God knows that we do not have all of the answers) and a sense of purpose (God has something for us to be and do). This is who we are: A Missional Emergent Network.

- Missional -

We believe that one of the primary reasons for our existence is to make known the good news of Jesus. Through words, activities, creativity, and a vibrant faith community, we hope to share our God experiences and our real selves (both the good and bad), inviting others to join us on this spiritual journey. This is who we are: A Missional Emergent Network.

- Emergent -

We recognize that the world is changing rapidly, and that the church must learn to wisely respond to these changes. While not wanting to compromise with the worst features of human society, we truly believe that God is at work in culture, providentially ordering events, and leading people in a new direction. Though dangers abound, we maintain that this new emerging world can provide opportunities for the church to mature and to learn how to best interact with and attend to the needs of the wider culture. As a new “postmodern” society emerges, so do fresh ways of envisioning and implementing the truth of the gospel. Thus, in contrast to those who resist what is taking place in our culture, we are mindful of the need to engage current thought, and we are hopeful that–by the grace and power of God–this undertaking will yield fruit for the kingdom of God and the benefit of people. Our goal, then, is to align ourselves with what God is doing in our world today. This is who we are: A Missional Emergent Network.

- Network -

As stated above, we are not a single, isolated entity. Rather, we consider ourselves to be a part of the larger community of God (and of human society in general). Though we desire to make a positive contribution to the larger cause of God in the world, we are very mindful how dependent we are on the gifts and insights of others. With these things in mind, we intend to make a concerted effort to connect with various resources, people-groups, and relationships. Of course our ultimate “network” is the body of Christ, to which we hope to remain faithful. As we network with others (both within and outside of the emergent movement), we hope to become more and more what God wants us to be. This is who we are: A Missional Emergent Network.

AMEN is a group of (basically) like-minded people, who are asking God to enable us to get in touch with what He is doing in our world today. Among other things (many of which we might be yet unable to envision), we are here:

1. To consider what God may be teaching us about ourselves, the church, and the world around us.

2. To actually help–by God’s enabling grace and wisdom–to shape the future of the church.

3. To interact with various books, web sites, and people that are helping to shape today’s culture.

4. To prayerfully engage culture in committed and open ways.

5. To be thoroughly biblical in our focus. Only by having our hearts in tune with the Bible can we expect to remain truly Christian, avoid error, and recognize God’s hand in culture. The postmodern turn in culture coaxes us back to the Scriptures, challenging us on how best to read the sacred text; it is thus our intent to conduct our lives and ministries within the sphere and influence of God’s written Word.

6. To help foster an attitude of “us,” and to imagine and embody an outreach that is community oriented (and not merely individualistic).

7. To meet regularly to keep this conversation going and so remain in touch with what God wants us to be and do.

8. To do both a lot of thinking and a lot of doing.

9. To critically engage the culture, carefully yet under the current assumption that there really is something to this emerging church thing. As such, we do not exist primarily as a place for arguments about the legitimacy of things like the emerging church. Certainly, we recognize that there are (and will be) dangers and debatable features to the emerging church phenomenon. These, we will not shy away from or deny. However, we are people who, by and large, agree that something new is upon us, and God is (or at least can be) involved in it.

10. To encourage one another to follow Jesus. Though sensitive to postmodern inclinations and themes, we are, above all, looking to the One whose presence, power, and love permeate and transcend every age, postmodern and beyond.