Emerging Churches in Post-Christian Canada

Bibliographic Data

ID3417413
AuthorsSteven Studebaker, Steven M Studebaker (McMaster Divinity College, corresponding author), Lee Beach (0009-0007-8424-1870), Lee Roy Beach (0000-0003-0712-8886, McMaster Divinity College, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume3
Issue3
Pages862-879
Publication date2012-09-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel3030862
OpenAlexW2072609243
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited9

The traditional mainline and evangelical churches in Canada, as in most western countries, are either in decline or static. Taken as a measure of the future, the prospects for Christianity in Canada, and more broadly the West, are bleak. Post-Christian Canada, however, contains thriving alternative and innovative forms of church, often called 'emerging' churches. They take many forms of expression, but share common theological convictions. Based on site research and personal interviews, this article describes the various types and contexts of these churches in Canada. It then highlights three of their central theological characteristics. First, rejecting the 'culture wars' social involvement of Christendom churches, they embrace practices and initiatives that transform their local communities. Second, they embrace an incarnational and contextual understanding of Christian life and ministry. Eschewing mega-church franchise models, they endeavor to shape their ministry to the their local communities. Third, they adopt a comprehensive rather than compartmental spirituality

Christian ministry · Christianity · Environmental ethics · Franchise · Local church · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Spirituality · Theology · Thriving · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Society, and Development · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

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