Centered Set: The Sequel

Re: yesterday's post on the difference between fuzzy, centered and bounded sets:

I don't believe that the emerging church will ever become a bounded set in the extreme or negative sense. The difference between the emerging church and the Vineyard (which was the example being quoted yesterday), is that the Vineyard is a denomination, and the emerging church, while it encompasses a very broad spectrum of independent and denominational churches and groupings, is not.

Even churches within a denomination, Vineyard or otherwise, need not be "bounded" in a negative and legalistic sense. It's mainly a matter of saying that while we may have no problem hanging out ("fellowship" is the Christian jargon) with others whom we have differences with, there are still some areas that are "don't go there" for those in the denomination. For example, the Vineyard does not believe that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but that doesn't mean that the Vineyard doesn't enjoy friendships and ministry alongside Pentecostals.

The emerging church is incapable of becoming a bounded set, as (A) there is simply too broad of a spectrum in the conversation, and (B) there is no "head office" (including Emergent Village) that is trying, or even wants, to monolithically enforce a set pattern, doctrinal statement, or missional approach.

What I think we'll see as time goes on, is an overall centered set of the emerging church, comprised of many groups that are more bounded (but not rigid and legalistic) within it. It's actually a healthy thing for these more bounded groups to work out, with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), their own distinctives, while remaining in communication and relationship with the wider spectrum of the emerging church, and the Church Universal as well.