Thanks for your comments. When one attempts to reform an institution there is always going to be the critique of biting the hand that fed you. However, I do not find this to be a substantial enough reason to cease needed reforms; if so, humanity would never make any progress whatsoever toward justice. (Imagine American slaves not wanting to bite the hands of the masters that fed them, for one.) I am not trying to equate slavery with our far more benevolent attempts at reform, but I do want to point out the problem with such a critique. If applied universally, it would silence us all into an Orwellian world.

I also would say that your comments assume a strong delineation between an “us” and “them” that I don’t believe exists. Just because one may not attend the same denominational church of one’s childhood does not mean one is now outside the Christian story. We all share the same body, and the same proverbial hands. We all are seeking to make the church more faithful. If there is any call for reform, it is for edification and not teenage rebellious destruction. As such, certainly we are ministering back to the Church that ministered us; this Church is one and the same.

The kind of institutional structures that you criticize, Danielle, are the ones that got you guys started. It seems more that the rebellious teenager analogy shoe fits. Your theology seems to allow you to knock hard the ones that ministered you your cohort the most. Do you minister back to the church that ministered you into existence?

All1: Thanks for your comment! If I may, I would disagree that the emerging church movement is dominated by white Western males. I do hear that critique a lot, and certainly there are reasons that concern continually pops up. However, I do not think it categorizes the whole of the movement, where people across the globe are experiencing this deep shift. Many of us in the US who are women and minorities have been around just as long; though people might have to search a little more to find us (and make a choice not simply to stop at the white males “in the front.”) Especially at this point in the conversation, I’d argue it’s just as easy to find a non-male (if not non-white) voice.

Secondly, there is a great amount of action going on, but again, you do have to search to find it. Most of these communities are living quietly and going about the un-flashy work of justice and peace. (I’m posting today about a conference coming up in Arkansas, which is a great example of how many people “off the radar” are doing honorable things.) I absolutely agree that this is where the future of our movement lies- in the daily practice, in looking squarely at our religious institutions and critiquing them prophetically, in becoming the kind of people who recognize God in the coughs and giggles and tears and joys of those around us (as you so beautifully put it). I’m thankful for all the work that you are doing to live that kind of life! Peace to you!