The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations

by Dan Kimball, Rick Warren (Foreword), Brian D. McLaren (Foreword)

Includes ·Samples and photos of emerging church worship gatherings ·Recommended resources for the emerging church The seeker-sensitive movement revolutionized the way we did church and introduced countless baby boomers to Jesus. Yet trends show that today’s post-Christian generations are not responding like the generations before them. As we enter a new cultural era, what do worship services look like that are connecting with the hearts of emerging generations? How do preaching, leadership, evangelism, spiritual formation, and, most of all, how we even think of “church” need to change? The Emerging Church goes beyond just theory and gets into very practical ways of assisting you in your local church circumstances. There is no one right way, no model for us all to emulate. But there is something better. Dan Kimball calls it “Vintage Christianity”: a refreshing return to an unapologetically sacred, raw, historical, and Jesus-focused missional ministry. Vintage Christianity connects with emerging post-seeker generations who are very open spiritually but are not interested in church. For pastors, leaders, and every concerned Christian, Kimball offers a riveting and easy-to-grasp exploration of today’s changing culture and gives insight into the new kind of churches that are emerging in its midst. Included is running commentary by Rick Warren, Brian McLaren, Howard Hendricks, and others.

Genres: Church, Christianity, Theology, Ecclesiology, Religion, Nonfiction, Leadership

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dankimball
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dankimball
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dankimball

Dan is the author of several books on leadership, church, and culture. He was one of the founders of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California where he still serves on staff. He is also a faculty member at Western Seminary and leads the ReGeneration Project, which exists to equip and encourage new generations to think theologically and participate in the mission of the church. He is married to Becky and has two daughters, Katie and Claire. His passion is to see Christians follow and represent Jesus in the world with love, intelligence, and creativity.

He has a master’s degree from Western Seminary and a doctorate degree from George Fox University.

He enjoys comic art, punk and rockabilly music, big band jazz, pre-1960 gospel roots music, Ludwig drums and Zildjian cymbals, Ford Mustangs, bowling, Sun Records and 1930’s though 50’s Universal Monster Movies.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

The one thing Kimball does effectively is to blast the shaky foundations of the seeker-sensitive movement; however, the careful reader will note that he does not escape from this morass in practice, as witnessed by the many points at which he seems more concerned by what outsiders/non-Christians would think of the church than he seems concerned with their Christian counterparts. Take for example his reference in Chapter 16 to his "haircut homiletics" sessions with his unsaved hairdresser, during which he's supposedly learned more about preaching than in any seminary class. Unfortunately, after who knows how many years of his using her to keep his finger on the pulse of the lost generations, a Christian friend of his almost ruined the entire set-up by mentioning becoming "saved" in front of her! Oh NO! Now she was actually in danger of being confronted with the Gospel, something that Kimball had been carefully shielding the poor little postmodern hairdresser from for who knows how long. If he had his way, it would be much better to take years of giving her dating advice before working around to faith, since that's what postmodernity demands. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for building relationships and rapport with people: after all, I have conversations with my own hairdresser that have led to spiritual things. Sensitivity, care, and love are needed, but not to the extreme that causes us to avoid sharing the Gospel.

As I read this book, I came to understand that the reason Kimball seems so off-base is that his underlying philosophy of what the church is intended for seems to be flawed. This forum does not allow for a full analysis of this premise, but I plan to write a critical analysis of this in another forum. (If you are interested in reading it, feel free to contact me.)

Apart from occasional Scripture references sprinkled sparsely throughout in a sort of proof-texting way (many of them used out of their context, I might add), Kimball offers very little Bilical foundation. In fact, for someone who claims to be a "Bible junkie," he spends much more time quoting Madonna, U2, Gandalf, and Deepak Chopra than he does the Scriptures. There are even points at which he speaks in favor of ignoring theological conviction in order to pursue what he thinks is the best thing to do in response to post-modernity (see p. 150 and 163 for examples).

Coupled with his heavy, underlying use of negatively connotative words to describe senior pastors or anyone in leadership outside of the Emergent Movement, the above issues were enough not only to set my teeth on edge from early on, but also led me to read with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. A reader who approaches this book with a similar grasp of Biblical teaching, historical context, and desire to evaluate the overall message critically will likewise experience a similar reaction.

Addendum: I am not wholly averse to everything that I encountered in these pages. Kimball offers fair points concerning the evangelical lack of emphasis on the arts, the dangers of being merely seeker-sensitive collectives, and the importance of being Christ-focused disciples. Unfortunately, the negatives overwhelm the positives when it comes to what this book has to offer.

[Reid Mccormick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Until I read this book I was very interested in the "Emerging Church" but after reading this book I realized that the "Emerging Church" is not a movement in Christianity but just a movement in American culture. Unfortunately the author doesn't realize this and makes a lot of assumptions and only shares his perspective.

The author is Gen X with a skewed view of the Millenial generation. These two generations are very different with very different cultural identities and attitudes. Of course, Christianity is going to have a slightly different culture, but to be honest Christianity tends to react to culture instead of paving a new culture.

The emerging movement is a non-movement, in that emergents do not agree to on one set of definitions or have a leader to represent them. So how do you write a book about a non-movement? You really can't.

[Wes Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

in my opinion, this is the best book to read as an introduction to the idea of the emerging church. it lays out the ideas of the post-modern, post-christian culture that the church of the modern era is failing to reach and gives a lot of practical ideas of how to make the emerging church happen. a must-read for any christian who wants to see their faith remain viable for younger generations.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ‘POSITIVE’ OVERVIEW OF THE ‘EMERGING CHURCH’ (ca. 2003)

Dan Kimball was pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Western Seminary.

He wrote in the Introduction to this 2003 book, “While many of us have been preparing sermons and keeping busy with the internal affairs of our churches, something alarming has been happening on the outside. What was once a Christian nation with a Judeo-Christian worldview is quickly becoming a post-Christian, unchurched, unreached nation… Instead of one emerging church model, there are hundreds and thousands of models of emerging churches… However, you can see striking patterns developing among churches that are connecting with post-Christian hearts and minds all across America, as well as in England… The emerging church is more a mindset than a model.” (Pg. 14)

He suggests, “Of course teenagers still need plenty of fun events … But now we need to recognize that perhaps this culture is forcing their spiritual hunger to surface all the more. Their desire is to EXPERIENCE God and not just be told about him or told about the things he doesn’t like, which also happen to be the things they want to do.” (Pg. 36)

He observes, “When famous musicians receive awards on television, we hear them over and over publicly giving enthusiastic thanks to God or Jesus for their success, even though their music, image, and lyrics may be in contradiction to the Bible. There is no hypocrisy here. It is simply their personal viewpoint of God and Jesus. They feel there is no problem with the contradiction because to them, there isn’t one… women who are vocal about their Christian beliefs [may] send hypersexual messages through their appearance and lyrics. Beliefs blatantly contradict actions, and from a postmodern viewpoint, no harm is done.” (Pg. 53)

He acknowledges, “We cannot blame emerging generations for believing what they believe. Remember, this is the only world they know. *Of course they are going to view spirituality from a pluralistic viewpoint. *Of course they are going to be drawn more to the mystical and experiential over the rational. *Of course their view of sexuality is going to be much more open and tolerant. *Of course they are going to view Christianity as the negative religion of finger-pointers. That is all they have seen and known, especially if they weren’t born in Christian families.” (Pg. 63)

He advises, “We need to teach emerging generations because most parents aren’t… children growing up outside of Christian homes naturally are being taught personal religious pluralism, and this trend will only accelerate in the years to come.” (Pg. 74-75)

He admits, “The danger, or course, in focusing so much on experience that we teach people to respond only by feelings and emotions… We need discernment. I believe the more the emerging church uses multisensory worship and teaching, the stronger and deeper the use of Scripture needs to be.” (Pg. 131)

He notes, “to emerging generations who are seeking a spiritual experience in church and a different kind of reverence in their approach to worship, darkness is more desirable. Different audiences have different values.” (Pg. 137)

He emphasizes, “In the emerging culture, the role of women in the church is a huge issue. People in the emerging generations think of churches are male-dominated and oppressive of females… I would … highly encourage you to have females in up-front roles as much as possible, whether it is teaching, giving announcements, leading worship, sharing testimonies, or reading Scripture. This is critical for the emerging church.” (Pg. 150)

This book will be of great interest to those studying the so-called ‘Emerging Church.’

[Paul, · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE EMERGING CHURCH: VINTAGE CHRISTIANITY FOR NEW GENERATIONS BY DAN KIMBALL

This book is written to those in seeker-sensitive churches who have found that the younger generation is not finding their services attractive. His case is built on personal experience of what the postmodern generation is looking for. Some of what he says he feels a little over-trendy (regardless of his protestations to the contrary). However, he does have put forward some very good insights in this book. The book is limited to American culture, focusing particularly on the state of things in the more liberal West Coast.
Deconstructing Postmodern Ministry, Candles, and Coffee

I think that Kimball makes several valid points in this section. First, he notes that postmoderns do not come into church with a Judeo-Christian worldview that everyone in previous generations was expected to have. Instead of being people who would welcome Christianity if they could just be shown how it fits into their life, they are actively anti-Christian because of our perceived abuses of power. Second, Kimball notes that postmoderns are into spirituality, not presentations. His point here is that slick powerpoint presentations and well-produced music and drama do not make a worship service that appeals to postmoderns. They appreciate community, authenticity, and “spirituality”. Third, postmoderns live in a pluralistic religious society. They are much more aware of Buddhism, Islam, Wicca, and New Age than their predecessors. As such, they are also much more wary of Christianity's claims to uniqueness. Fourth, postmoderns are not just going to “Grow up” and come back to church like their parents did. This is more than a generation gap, it is a world view change. He has LOTS of modern versus postmodern comparison charts. The gist is that moderns are rational, systematic, propositional, fixed, and individualistic. Postmoderns tend to be experiential, fluid, mystical, narratival, and communal. FACT: The unchurched population of America is the 5th largest mission field on earth. Postmoderns tend to be less deterministic about religion, sexual orientation. Kimball also marks the trend towards a global culture. (I would add, a global culture dominated by consumerism. How does THAT fit in with postmodernism?) Most postmoderns are mistrustful of Christians while respecting Jesus Christ. They are especially leery of the creepy, consumeristic Christian subculture that we have created. Kimball is all about being the church instead of going to church. He believes that postmoderns respond much more to interaction and the responsibility that comes to them in a kingdom theology. Absolutely against the idea of consumer Christianity (passive entertainment Christianity).
Reconstructing: Vintage Christianity in the Emerging Church

Kimball emphasizes the necessity of change from the seeker-sensitive model in order to reach the emerging generations. He wants worship services that are experiential, Christ-centered, communal, and spiritual. Organic versus linear. Multisensory worship. Kimball argues that the incarnation is the ultimate example of God providing multisensory worship for us. We should, therefore, continue to recognize that we are multi-sensory beings and try to create experiences of worship that involve more than just the ears. Kimball believes that aesthetics are particularly important to postmoderns. The worship space must feel spiritual. He advocates the use of candles, dim lighting, and religious iconography/symbology to create such an atmosphere. This seems a little gimmicky. But I do like his though that the people who are “leading” the worship service should do everything they can to disappear. Kimball moves the band to the back of the worship center, creates a very low stage to emphasis the unity of the speaker and the audience, etc. People should be allowed to express worship through the arts, both visual and auditory. Also advocates male and female speakers up front often, to communicate that we are not male chauvanists. Importance of preaching narrative. Kimball speaks of “theotopical”preaching. This is important because the postmodern generation lacks a Christian worldview. It must be created for them. He also mentions a hunger for depth of teaching. He believes the following topics are critical for the coming generation: kingdom living, discipleship, Christ is the only way to God, human sexuality, marriage and family, hell, trustworthiness of Scripture, and messy spirituality. The preacher should posture himself as a fellow traveler, not an answer man. Living out the message is the best form of preaching. Use visuals. Evangelism should no longer be a sales pitch. Instead it should be based on relationships, and living in the kingdom now, instead of focusing purely on the hereafter. Not an invitation to an event, but an invitation to a community. An invitation to the kingdom, instead of a way to get to heaven. MISSIONS IS NOT JUST OVERSEAS. Do you know any non-Christians? Do you pray for them by name? Spiritual formation is necessary. Young people need a Gandalf or a Yoda. Create spiritual feeders instead of spiritual consumers. Leaders need to be shepherds, not CEOs, holy men, not managers. There is great value in listening as well as speaking. Reflections I wonder why, when the Midwest is still in the throes of modernity, that presentations to young people do not have to be tailored more to meet the needs of kids on the West Coast. There was a lot of good stuff in this book. I did not like some of the trendiness of it. I also do not like using the term vintage. But it does have a lot of the things that I have been doing in there, and that is always helpful to making me like something.

[Catherine E. Brock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not recommend this book in any regard except as a device and tool in the “how not to’s.” The LORD showed me this book when He was taking me through the study of the emerging church as a whole (2018) and opening my eyes to the destruction of His church and the heresy of this new generation of churches that proposes and purports Christianity but actually is nothing of the sort. Of course the author writes this book in favor of the emerging church (he is one of its founders). I am writing this review as anything but.

[Todd Luallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging and thought provoking. It's interesting to hear what Dan has to say about the culture and what people think about "church." Of all the books I've read about how "church" is organized in America, this book is probably the most surprising and exciting.

[David Rawls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class. I find that the Emerfing church movement has moved on but I think that Kimball does a good job in helping the church think through how it relates to postmodern culture. Ieas especially interested in his thoughts on the church thinking missionaly.

[Guillermo Jiménez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un llamado a replantear la formas en que comunicamos el evangelio a un mundo posmoderno

[Andrew Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimball's book was not only captivating in content but also in the layout of his material. This was in itself a postmodern approach to written text with multiple suggestions, comments, dialogue and monologue on each page. Divided into two parts Kimball explores deconstructing and reconstructing ministry. The story of his friend `Sky' and how he became a Christian set the pace for part one. Challenging the focus of worship and examining how we arrived here today by quoting the men of Issachar provokes expansive thought. Thos men `knew' the times they were living in. Multisensory approach to ministry that includes music, images, communion, incense and personal contribution appreciated the postmodern culture that needs to experience God. This was recognized by accepting people return to their roots at some point. But what if those roots were not Judeo-Christianity?

After conducting personal interviews, Kimball makes the statement that a postmodern culture likes Christ but not the Christian. He examines what the church is and what it is not. Through the scriptures Kimball explains that Christians themselves are the church not the building we attend on Sunday. He concludes that it is impossible to `go to church' but that we `gather as the church.'

Part two begins with defining the approaches of the seek-sensitive with a post-seeker-sensitive with four practical ideas for engaging the latter. What Kimball calls `Vintage Christianity' is more organic is approach in gather as a church than a linear approach of the modern culture. This is also reflected in the style of leadership by quoting Grenz from Primer on Postmodernism. He compares the leadership of Captain James T. Kirk as a CEO modern leader to Captain Jean Luc Picard as an emerging leader. How leaders lead will determine the type of disciples they make.

I found myself in complete agreement with shifting values in preaching, evangelism and discipleship. While the message of the Bible is unchanged the method of communicating it and growing in it were a welcome challenge. Kimball places the emphasis on changing `values' without changing scripture itself. Relationship and trust are essential to a process instead of an event with a concluding invitation. This not only engages people to be missional as a church but it also cuts the cost of annual budgets in half. Kimball restates throughout his book that the core of shifting values is centered on the mission of the church to make disciples. It is not the Roman method of presentation, decision and fellowship but the Celtic method of fellowship, ministry and belief.

I disagree with a polarized view of the church Kimball seems to have. He welcomes pull points from colleagues who seem to grasp a both modern and postmodern. It could be seen as a fashion, trend or fad church. Although he acknowledges a postmodern culture will engage in intelligent theology, very little of this is seen in how he describes their gatherings. Although multisensory ministry is vital in communicating to a postmodern culture, I would want to see a clear explanation of scripture rather than a study of other religions. (1 John 1:1) Although Kimball quotes it I cannot fully see it in practice.

Kimball's work is relevant both in content and layout in understand culture. As a whole The Emerging Church keeps the focus on the church and what happens as Christians gather together. The material is a powerful tool for anyone in church leadership or approaching a church / service plant. Kimball examines the `experience' of church as his focal point throughout. He avoids the trap of criticizing other churches several ways. He demonstrates a perspective from other colleagues in pull points. He tells frequent stories of visiting other churches to learn. Overall Kimball's book was a practical exercise in being relevant to the postmodern culture.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a challenging book for any traditional pastor. In fact, I think the material presented within would be quite challenging even for pastors of more modern churches. But challenging in a good way. I would encourage every pastor to read this and work through the material within, but maybe read a book like Stott's Cross of Christ or Noel Due's Created for Worship first to get your priorities straight.

The need for having a firm Biblical foundation before reading this book is great because though the ideas and concepts are quite engaging and exciting, some of them can be easily carried out in excess and without the proper motivation, setting, and emphasis.

Kimball also has a habit of generalizing and stereotyping which sound convincing but aren't necessarily true. In addition to that, his criticism of the Seeker movement is rather passionate, but in the end his model is very similar, for it is also focused (on one level) at attracting people to church, though since this attraction is played out in a postmodern setting it looks, feels and behaves quite differently than the modern Seeker movement.

What I think is good about this book (as I thought the same about his corresponding Emerging Worship) is that Kimball raises issues and difficulties facing the church at present. These issues must be dealt with, but not necessarily the way Kimball demands they be. The primary problem with his solutions is that not every church is in California, and nor are all the high school and college age church members completely up to their heads in postmodern thought. Pastors and ministry leaders should read this book not because it has all the answers, but they need to see if the issues are relevant to their body of believers as well as if any of the solutions proffered by Kimbal might be able to minister to their people in their respective settings.

It's a great book, but not to be read lightly or overly passionately. It must be taken with a grain of salt - but it can be great for every pastor to tackle these issues.

[Rachel McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimball tries really hard with this book. From the "post modern" layout to the writing style, this book is supposedly a definitive apologetic for the "Emergent" movement.

The harder the author tries to explain and explore the concept, the more traditional religious boxes he puts things into, until those readers (like myself) who are involved in what has been labeled the emergent movement do not recognize it, nor want to be associated with what is doomed to be another church program.

Kimball anticipates this, and really makes a sincere effort... explaining that these ideas are not a template to follow for programing, but a way of life. Although it seems to be very beneficial for those unfamiliar with the "Emergent" movement, the heart of the story gets lost in the fancy packaging.

Read "Red Moon Rising" by Pete Greig instead.

[Kessia Reyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again: don't judge a book by its cover. This book is less about "the emerging church" as a movement and more about re-approaching church in terms of new/old methodology. Yes, Kimball does try to reshape what you think about "church" and "evangelism," but this isn't a primer on the Christian movement everyone is talking about. It's a simple and fast read: didn't tell me a lot that I didn't already know, however, but I do think it'd be a good book for an old-timer trying to understand these younger, strange folk in her or his faith community. The most salient point to me wasn't his most important point, but it was regarding the importance of worship participation in conversion (along the lines of Sally Morgenthaler's "Worship Evangelism").

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Divided into two sections, the first section does well at setting the scene for the emerging church and explaining the difference in philosophy and culture between the modern and post-modern generations. The second section talks about the practicalities of doing church in a post-modern world and this is where time has taken its toll. I can see how this would have been radical stuff eight years ago but nowadays most of his suggestions are common place. Perhaps the church has truly emerged after all?

Read more on .

[Margaret Nahmias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't see this working in all contexts. He asserts that many post moderns are interested in religions but are put off by Christians. That maybe true for some. But for those who are agressively postmodern I don't see how they are going to believe in the abosulute truths of Christianity when they believe that there is no meaning and contrdiction is normal. And experience comes before belief. However, the first part does give Without heart change, these people will probably fall away too. Therefore, I can understand why some people critcize it. However, the first good insights in the mindset of postmoderns.

[Graham Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to help Christians understand those who are interested in spiritual things but not how many Christians practice it. He balances critiquing and praising the past well. He stays in the personal realm - shying away from theorizing what people "might" want. Be warned, though, you may see yourself in his descriptions and want more change than others are interested in.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I didn't always come to the same conclusions as Kimball, I LOVED his approach to uncovering the ancient and holy ways to approach God in our hi-tech, low-relationship world today. Check it out and wrestle with his views... it's good for you.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book! "Emerging church 101" for those who don't know what it is or why it's important. Kimball is the best and making the complex topic of postmodern ministry clear and simple. It's full of quotes and comments in the margins by other voices in the e-church movement.

[Bradly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but as with any book dealing with church practice and/or doctrine, be sure to read it with your open Bible in your other hand.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good. It really made me think.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was like a simple review of a class I took in college.. I enjoyed it but didn't always agree with the stereotyped it gave for the modern and post-modern generations.

[Thefiremun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read to challenge your thinking on what worship is. Does it have to be on Sunday morning at 10:45 or can friends gather on Thursday after work?

[Mike Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the book to read when being "emerging" or "emergent" was cool. Dan is cool and makes a lot of sense. I am afraid that others have come along and ruined what he and a few others started.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very lucid, well-written argument for why and how American Christian churches need to rethink evangelism.

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro book.

[Laura]

Picked this up at a garage sale for 50 cents. So far it's interesting.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read NOV 2004

[Gary Froseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book gets me thinking about applications for my ministry. This book does that. I have recommended it for congregational leaders.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attempts to describe post-modernism. Explains how we can embrace people in their culture rather than conforming people to our own culture, without compromising the message of the gospel.

[Cathy Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good handbook for those who need to understand the postmodern Christian and what he or she is searching for.