convergence church movement

The CEEC emerged through an organic movement of faith leaders known as the Convergence Movement in which Anglican communities cultivated a rich openness to the gifts of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in corporate worship, while Evangelical churches reached back to the buried treasures of sacred sacraments, scripture, liturgies and creeds. I see that you mention you are affirming, evangelical, charismatic and sacramental, in light of what I have learned so far - what does that really mean? The key to attaining membership in our Communion is found in building meaningful relationships with our members and leaders. Anglican minister David Watson once remarked that, This break with Rome (the Reformation), although probably inevitable due to the corruption of the time, unfortunately led to split after split with the Body of Christ, with the result that the mission of the Church is today seriously handicapped by the bewildering plethora of endless denominationsa torn and divided Christianity is, nevertheless, a scandal for which all Christians need deeply to repent (David Watson, I Believe in the Church). The Bishops of the Church are collectively called the Episcopacy. [31][32][33], Following Lumanog's consecration and the start of their diocese in this Convergence denomination, he appointed Gideon Arinzechukwu (a deposed Episcopalian priest)[34] as interim archdeacon for their diocese in the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches in 2020. (If I'm wrong, please correct me.) The outward and visible sign of the sacrament is the imposition of hands by a bishop, sometimes accompanied by the transmission of an object or objects associated with the order, such as a chalice and paten for a priest. Convergence supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from "organized religion" to "organizing religion" driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. These men, along with theologians, scripture scholars, and pastors in a number of Protestant denominational traditions, were calling Christians back to what they saw as their roots in the early Church prior to the Great Schism and rise of the state church of the Roman Empire. The following graph, developed by the leadership of Hosanna Church of the King located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, illustrates the essential elements and ingredients being drawn upon by the majority of those participating in the movement at this point: The blending or converging of these traditions is seen by those involved as the work of God the Holy Spirit imparting a spiritual operation of grace best captured in the vision of Psalm 46:5,6: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Holy Place where the Most High dwells. Thus, the city of God is seen as the Church, the river as the action and flow of Gods Presence through His Church and the many streams as expressions of the one rivers life that have developed or broken off from the main river through history, all of which are necessary to enrich and make glad the city with the fullness of Gods life, power, purpose and Presence. Despite the considerable differences among them in doctrine and practice. Protestantism,is oneofthethreemajor divisions of Christianity, the others being Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. The additional Anglican argument of "once a bishop, always a bishop" gains prominence among those in the Convergence Movement;[51] there is also an understanding through Roman Catholic teaching on sacramental character. The experience of holiness is also referred to as the second blessing. AN INCREASED APPETITE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE EARLY CHURCH, 3. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), A coming together from different directions, especially a uniting or merging of groups or tendencies. Copyright 2023 Converge. Our clerics are organized through the lens of Church history in which Deacons, Elders and Bishops supported the community. Maintain active membership in a local congregation, meeting the requirements of membership, including regular worship attendance. To remain a member with the communion, each member must: Demonstrate, through submission of Ember Letters, that they are engaged in Active, Accountable and Authorized Ministry. Professional development and online learning at the intersection of leadership and faith. The Convergence Movement, also known as the Ancient-Future Faith movement, is a Protestant Christian movement that began during the Fourth Great Awakening (1960-1980) in the United States.. of the free-flowing elements of a Spirit-led worship experience in their lives. Liturgical churches that incorporate praise music can be regarded as convergence models. You can begin that process now by joining our Facebook Group. 1 0 obj We are entrepreneurial. They feel most at home going to a service that is some iteration of the classical non-liturgical experience. x[[o~/Gy+"%R>u Some of our clergy are married or partnered and some are not; some may choose celibacy and others do not. In 2016, upon the death of Rev. Largely a result of the ecumenical movement and its foundation primarily attributed to Robert E. Webber,[2] the Convergence Movement developed as an effort among evangelical, Pentecostal and charismatic, and liturgical Christians of varying denominational backgrounds to blend charismatic worship with liturgies from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer; they also made use of other liturgical sources common to Lutheranism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism. It emphasized as absolutely basic to Christianity the following beliefs: the. What is the process for those wishing to join the C.CC.? In short, it's complicated. The Pentecostal churches had their origin in a similar movement in the early 20th century, as small groups of believers withdrew from Protestant denominations in order to pray, study the Bible, and practice their gifts. b. the angle of Earth relative to the Sun. All new members are admitted as provisional members for a period determined by the Bishop, with approval from the Presiding Bishop. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. ", Convergence Movement, Association of Religion Data Archives, Website of the Apostolic Pastoral Congress, Website of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Website of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, Website of the Holy Communion of Churches, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Convergence_Movement&oldid=1142357754, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. [52] In Roman Catholicism, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992), 1121 expresses: The three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders confer, in addition to grace, a sacramental character or seal by which the Christian shares in Christ's priesthood and is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions. The Convergence Movement (also known as the Paleo-orthodox Movement or less commonly the Ancient-Future Faith movement) is a Christian movement that began during the Fourth Great Awakening (1960-1980) in the United States. Convergence also equips future pastors through a 2 year multifaceted program to prepare aspiring pastors/church planters for the work of ministry. Our Communion is not of one mind when approaching the topics of infallibility and inerrancy. <> "Evangelical, Sacramental, and Pentecostal: Why the Church Should Be All Three", Gordon T. Smith, 2017 IVP Academic, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 23:48. Bishops are consecrated for the whole Church and are successors of the Apostles through the grace of the Holy Spirit given to them. This configuration to Christ and to the Church, brought about by the Spirit, is indelible; it remains for ever in the Christian as a positive disposition for grace, a promise and guarantee of divine protection, and as a vocation to divine worship and to the service of the Church. It is largely a result of the ecumenical movement. All rights reserved. [8], The pioneers of the Convergence Movement were seeking to restore a primitive form of Christianity different from what the Restoration Movement taught. Our Communion was borne out of the vision of two ministers - the Reverend Drew Haywood-Larsen, our late founder, and the Most Reverend Kenneth von Folmar, our current Presiding Bishop. Haywood-Larsen, the General Council appointed Rev. Followers of Jesus continue to receive the gifts of the Spirit (charismata). Robert Webber's 1985 book Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail: Why Evangelicals are Attracted to the Liturgical Church documents the stories of six evangelical Protestants who, for various reasons, had transitioned to the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. Charles Ward "Chuck" Smith (June 25, 1927 - October 3, 2013) was an American pastor who founded the Calvary Chapel movement. f*1D+FlxMveozM8$6N)Ik{o Y|D. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Convergent Church Movement seeks to depart from traditional religious practices. Components of the document include: "A Call to Historic Roots and Continuity; A Call to Biblical Fidelity; A Call to Creedal Identity; A Call to Holistic Salvation; A Call to Sacramental Integrity; A Call to Spirituality; A Call to Church Authority; and A Call to Church Unity".[18]. Sorry, there's no account connected with this email. They would be drawn to congregations whose spiritual life and worship services are fully evangelical, fully charismatic and fully sacramental. Many Evangelicals follow a traditional, interpretation of the Bible and insist on its inerrancy (freedom from error in history as well as in faith and morals). More About Us Strategic Planning ThefourmainProtestant traditions that emerged from the Reformation were the Lutheran (known in continental Europe as Evangelical), the Calvinist (Reformed), the Anabaptist, and the Anglican. Convergence also equips future pastors through a 2 year multifaceted program to prepare aspiring pastors/church planters for the work of ministry. In early 2014, Rev. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that, a cord of the three strands is not easily broken. When the three strands of Gods Church are braided together there will be a new strength and unity in the church as hasnt been seen since the apostolic age. Thomas Reese. relating or belonging to any Protestant Christian church that emphasizes the authority of the Bible and salvation through the personal acceptance of Jesus Christ, relating to or based on the Gospels of the Christian Bible, enthusiastic or zealous in support of a particular cause and very eager to make other people share its beliefs or ideals, Although the term is sometimes applied to Jewish worship, it is especially associated with the prayers and ceremonies used in the celebration of the. For those located outside of the United States, your application will only be consider if there are independent methods for verifying the information submitted. These individuals range in background from Fundamentalists and Evangelicals to Anglican/Episcopalian and mainline Protestants; and Classical Pentecostals and independent Charismatics to Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. , we mean that we believe in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the world today. Convergence also aids single and teen moms, providing monthly care packages to assist in their prosperity. In 2016, upon the death of Rev. The Resurgence; Church History. Like Christ, we seek to serve rather than to be served. The Convergence Movement (also known as the Paleo-orthodox Movement or less commonly the Ancient-Future Faith movement) is a Christian movement that began during the Fourth Great Awakening (19601980) in the United States. CONVERGENCE MOVEMENT The Convergence Movement: A coming together of the three major historic branches of the Church; John 17:6-10 & 17-23 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. "Forgotten Power", William L. DeArteaga, 2002 Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids Michigan, 49530. And Why Should I Care. 0 Researching the historical basis of the Christian faith, Gillquist and his colleagues found sources for this restoration in the writings of the early Church Fathers. while expressing . It is therefore encouraged that members remain engaged in virtual connection opportunities offered by the Communion; as well as plan to attend the Biennial meeting of the General Assembly. Haywood-Larsen and Rev. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. The following is not a complete list, but aims to provide a comprehensible overview of the diversity among denominations of Convergence Christianity. Haywood-Larsen, the General Council appointed Rev. Largely a result of the ecumenical movement and its foundation primarily attributed to Robert E. Webber, the Convergence Movement developed as an effort among evangelical, Pentecostal and charismatic, and . , we mean that we embrace the sacramental and liturgical life of the historic Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship began among Pentecostalists in 1951. the world through church planting and multiplication, leadership training and coaching and global missions. Additionally, it means that we have a strong appreciation for restoration, renewal, and revival within the Church. Viewing Converge National. We offer these definitions as a way of starting conversation but we wish to stress these are oversimplifications and really do not capture the nuances that are present. During deliberations, a decision is made in light of the, The key to attaining membership in our Communion is found in building meaningful relationships with our members and leaders. In the last couple decades Convergence Christianity - borne from Emergent Christianity - has become a phenomenon primarily among post-evangelical and post-liberal Christians who have or are on the path of deconstructing their belief system in an effort to reconstruct what they see as a more authentic and open approach to faith and spirituality. Chances are, you have never heard of Convergent Catholicism and you have found yourself on these pages trying to figure out just what we mean by that. Rev. This Expression recognizes the ancient church as a legitimate voice, but mostly in their insistence on a celebrating weekly Eucharist. A small element exists within Eastern Orthodoxy. The clergy within expression would lead services would be, fully vested. Although evident in the earliest forms of the Church, the role of Bishop has evolved as the Church has grown and matured. Publication of this book stirred up a great deal of interest in the evangelical Protestant press, generating numerous reviews in Christianity Today and other widely read evangelical publications. We also lead, Even Exchange, a Quarterly couples gatherings. . Learn more Watch Church planting Start a new church, campus or multiply your church Strengthen your church Lead you and your church to long-term health Global missions Reach people with the gospel in key areas of the world [6][7] Denominations in this movement have also been referred as some form of broader, or new Anglicanism or Episcopalianism. Professor of Theology at Wheaton College), along with Peter Gillquist, Thomas Howard, Richard Holt, Donald Bloesch, Jan Dennis, Lane Dennis, and Victor Oliver, the conference discussed the need for evangelical Protestants to rediscover and re-attach to the Christian Church's historic roots. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.. The convergence model, which draws from a variety of traditions, exists in nearly every denomination. Ends of the Earth. endobj We consider this type as first expression due to the belief that in the first few centuries of the Church it was fully evangelical, fully charismatic and fully sacramental. AN INTEREST IN INTEGRATING MORE STRUCTURE WITH SPONTANEITY IN WORSHIP, 6. The CEEC Embraces Diversity. [35][36] In December 2022, his churchMessiah Anglican Church[37]affiliated with Lumanog's diocese were publicly disowned by the Church of Nigeria in the Anglican Communion to prevent alleged misrepresentation.[38][39][40]. Additionally, the term Connexion further stresses the interconnectedness of the various parts of our Communion. "Schism in the Order". [10][11][12][13], Peter Guillquist and the Evangelical Orthodox Church, The Chicago Call and Three Streams, One River, Transitions to Roman Catholicism and the ACNA, Transitions from the Anglican realignment, Convergence Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy, were calling Christians back to what they saw as their roots. Their church services would be a liturgical experience frombeginning to end; likely including formal prayers of the people, congregational prayers of penitence, professing a Creed aloud together, and sharing thepeace. The Greek liturgy of Saint James, used once a year at Jerusalem; The Syriac liturgy used by the Nestorian church; The Malabar liturgy, used by the Saint Thomas Christians of India; the Byzantine liturgy, used in various languages by the Orthodox churches; The Armenian liturgy, used by the Georgians and the Armenian Eastern Rite churches. Convergence hosts moms groups, family small groups, and house churches across the city. [16][17] Others later joined the Orthodox Church in America or Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. When considering the whole of Christian history, The Convergent Catholic Communion is still very young. Liberal Protestants often oppose the use of Evangelical to refer only to the strict traditionalists. We are a convergence church. Arising out of a common desire and hunger to experience the fullness of Christian worship and spirituality, the Convergence Movement (also referred to in the remainder of this article as CM) seeks to blend or merge the essential elements in the Christian faith represented historically in three major streams of thought and practice; the Charismatic, Evangelical/Reformed and Liturgical/Sacramental. A church does not necessarily have to change its identity when it becomes a part of a convergence movement.