Deep Church

Book Review.
Belcher, Jim. Deep Church. A third way beyond emerging and tradition. IVP Books2009.
J.B.- founding church planter and lead pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (RPC) in Newport Beach, California,
Comment. Henry.
When confronted with two equally unacceptable alternatives it seems that a third acceptable option would be wonderful. This would be the most optimistic assessment of this resource. To call a choice that is an alternative between emergence and traditional “deep church” is somewhat profound. A lot of diligence and research has gone into the development of this alternative. The commitment to mission and community makes this choice relevant. The present ‘success’ of Redeemer Presbyterian suggests that “deep church” is doable.
In his introduction Jim expresses deep concern about the ‘gap’ that he feels exists between the camps of the emergent and the traditional. This book is his alternative or ‘’a third way”.
During his initial experience with emergence he came to the conclusion that he was both an “insider and outsider”. (Conflict avoidance syndrome?) As he began to explore a third way he made a commitment to learn all he could about emergence and traditional.
Neither the traditional churches nor the seeker movement churches have been successful in reaching the present generation. In an attempt to understand the emergent movement it is helpful to know what they are protesting against in the traditional church(es). Seven issues are identified. “Captivity to Enlightenment rationalism. A narrow view of salvation. Belief before belonging. Uncontextualized worship. Weak ecclesiology. Tribalism.” (40-43) The varying positions put forward suggests that “the emerging tent (44) What is needed between emergent and traditional is “unity in the gospel, in evangelical essentials”. (54) When they use the term ‘postmodern’ they attach differing meanings to the term.
Traditional churches are said to be boundary set (foundationalism); emergent churches are centre-set (post-foundationalism). When provision is made for ‘belonging before believing’ there needs to be a strong focus on believing. Another area of controversy is the topic of the kingdom of God. What some emergents believe to be the kingdom is considered by some traditionalists as a slippery slope of liberalism and a social gospel and a form of reductionism.
The four commitments of Jim’s ‘deep church’ (RPC) are: “Gospel- Community- Mission- Shalom”. (121) ‘Deep worship’ is developed by drawing from “the Bible tradition and culture”. (137) “Deep preaching’ “happens in centred-set preaching, in community groups and in individual lives”. (159) Ecclesiology is made up of “Bible + Tradition + Mission”. (173)
Where emerging and traditional camps are most divided is culture. Emergents are accused of being assimilated by culture and traditionalists are accused of being irrelevant in culture. This division provides motivation for Jim and his deep church alternative. Church must be understood as being an organization (traditional) and an organism (emergent). This calls for a “common-grace language”. (192) in conclusion Jim presents “seven suggestions for becoming a deep church”. (204)
Note: I am aware that I am interchanging the terms emergence and emergent and I apologize for the confusion that may cause. I know they do not mean the same thing.