However, I observe that this ‘conversation’ typically attracts the intellectual and illustrious. Really intimidating you know … especially if one isn’t theologically or philosophically trained … like myself.
Somehow, I feel that this [complex] ‘conversation’ will eventually have to be digestible to the common man so they too can be involved in its formative and normative development less we risk creating an ‘emergent bourgeois’ and ‘emergent proletariat’.

- Language / semantic simplification? (distinction between scholarship and pragmatism)
- Intentional & created inclusiveness for the ‘conversation’ to take place (embracing the different learning styles)
- Partnership projects to model ‘emergent’ values and questions? (embracing multiple intelligences during the involvement)

Well … God grant us grace.

For now we are merely encouraging “conversations” - and allowing issues, concerns and stories to surface in a “safe” and trusting environment … filled with some level of humor as well as prayerfully a big chunk of humility.

This is why I like the more “monastic” order paradigm (especially when it’s about life-sharing community - in our case beyond local church and denominational boundaries) or another term with less history probably is “network” (which would have the “discussions” and “learning” bit). Having said that, the REALITY is many of us are connected via “friendship” and relationship - and I think this must be given due recognition. A lot of our interaction has been “generative” - and at least I can speak for myself the insights and ideas shared have helped me “generate” more that helps me where I’m at and where I perceive we should go, And of course, that “missional” word right … it’s not just for the sake of talking and eating dim sum .. there’s a trust that all this will help us become better witnesses in & through our churches, organizations we are part of, people we connect with and live with, etc.

So, what’s next? Let me try to be “enhancing” to my denomination first (at least through this weekend). Then we’ll talk more … or should I saw we’ll do more.

I have always seen myself as an anonymous member of an “order”, haha. The only thing is, I have not found an order within my current context that provides for this sort of contemplative/sacramental spiritual expression. Hence the need for an Emergent “Order”? We could be the Jesuits of the coming century you know!