Handout for North Puget Sound Presbytery presentation on Presbymergent.

1. Presbymergent – Presbytery Presentation – 2.27.10
Ke y Qu e s t i o n s :
o How can we tune into broader changes in Christian culture to enliven our
Presbyterianism?
o What ways are we embracing the concept of “nimble wisdom” in our own
communities?
o What ministries, programs, or forms are your churches holding onto that
are ineffective, outdated, and limiting to your congregation?
Key Ter m s :
Presbymergent: Presbyterians, either in ordained positions, lifelong membership,
or fringe affiliation who are engaging in the larger conversation of shifts in
Christianity facing us today.
Emergence/Emerging: The growing, adapting, and faithful listening to new
directions the Spirit is guiding the church. The places where Christians adapt and
develop ministry to reach new cultures and changing people.
Emerging Generations: In this conversation, I’m speaking about young adults,
caught in limbo between adulthood and youth. The intermediate cultural space of
18-25 (and sometimes beyond). The missing generation.
Key Con c e p t s :
The emerging conversation has, in my opinion, less to do with theological
disagreement and much to do with structures, forms, and practice of ministry.
While our theology shapes all we do, there is still space within the emerging
conversation for diversity of opinion. Much more, this is a conversation about
“doing church” in ways that reaches changing cultures and peoples, rather than
existing only in the “way it’s always been.”
Key Re s o u r c e s :

2. “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle
“Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional” by Jim Belcher
“How (Not) to Speak of God” by Peter Rollins
M o r e in f o o n
Pr e s b y m e r g e n t :
Website: www.presbymergent.org
Twitter: @presbymergent
Sp e a k e r In f o :
Seth Thomas
Worship & Programs Architect
the INN University Ministries
www.theinnministries.org
Email: seth@theinnministries.org
Twitter: @sethjames
Phone: 360.733.7704