One thing my own denomination is really good at is labelling people. We are very quick to label people liberal, if they seem a little hazy on the essentials, fundamentalists, if they seem too sure, catholics, if they like liturgy, evangelicals, if they mention the bible. All of this seems to me to be a desire to box people in and set up walls of exclusiveness. Also, admittedly, I don't like to be labelled, but do like to be a bit of a free spirit, which means I must be a charismatic! So to my disappointment I find labelling going on in the 'emerging' camp. 'Emergents', so the story goes, are followers of Brian McLaren and obviously closet liberals. 'Emergings', followers of Rob Bell and company. 'Fresh Expressions' are those who are in the main-line denominations but are planting new ministries to the un-churched (another label). All a bit of a shame, really.
Yet, on the other hand, some sense of shape is important to give us a sense of direction. It is the over association with a label that leads to a stunting of growth. It is good to know who you are, bad to be defined by others who want to keep you in a box.
At'connecT' we would probably label ourselves as 'emerging', but not in an exclusive sense. We are built on the foundations of the historic faith, but open to creativity and exploration; a community that seeks to serve and love. But, I guess, it doesn't matter what we label ourselves and where we fit in the ecclesiastical system. The bigger question; who does God see us to be?
Chris
