Emergent Church

STUDY

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THE notion of ‘emergence’ was coined in the world of science and philosophy in 1999 by the economist Jeffrey Goldstein as: ‘the arising of novel and coherent structures, patterns and properties during the process of self-organisation in complex systems.’ There is no doubt that our churches and our faith communities are ‘complex systems’ – organisations where there are many moving parts, and where it’s not always obvious how they best fit together.

Within the process of growth, emergence is the gift to notice those ‘novel and coherent structures, patterns and properties’ that are going to be part of the new future.

Jesus encourages us to consider the ‘now and the not yet’ of faith belonging. What are the glimpses of community, kingdom, or koinonia that we catch out of the corner of our eye as we look to the future? What are the moments of glory that, like a kingfisher, flash across our vision? What stance, mood, or tone must we adopt in order to be in a place to receive these moments of insight? How might we be emergent patterns, fit for the work of reconciliation, for the future? Matthew 18 is a chapter with patterns, ancient and emergent. It begins (1-5) with the disciples arguing over power and leadership. It ends with Jesus talking of forgiveness, debt and money (23-35).

Power and money: patterns, or concerns that resonate with us today and that for many are still the cause of conflict.

At the heart of this chapter (15-20) is a further pattern. Jesus outlines a four-step conflict transformation process:

• Go directly to the one with whom you are in conflict: In the beginning, take your concern directly to the ‘other’ so it may be contained within a confidential conversation.

• Take along another: If the first step doesn’t work, take along a trusted further two or three to widen the circle of listening and wisdom.

• Share your concern with the wider community: If the first two steps don’t work, seek the wisdom from an even wider wisdom circle – there are trusted folks around you who ‘will’ the best for all – lean on one another.

• Treat the other as if they were a tax-collector: If your best efforts at reconciliation don’t bear fruit – sit down, eat with the ‘other’ – share in an expression of radical hospitality.

And in all of this: ‘know that I am with you always’ says Jesus. For ‘where two or three are gathered in my name’, where human beings get together, there will most certainly be difference, even conflict.

And in those particular moments ‘I am there among’ you. (v20) . ¤ Ruth Harvey is a Church of Scotland minister and Leader of the Iona Community.

The Iona Community is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship. www.iona.org.uk

This article appears in the August 2020 Issue of Life and Work

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