SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
: 85-102
Copyright @ SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi pISSN: 20888236.
eISSN: 27220079 DOI: 10.
46495/sdjt.
Submitted: 16 August 2025 / Accepted: 26 November 2025 Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An Evangelical Theological Review Pieter G.
Sunkudon Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Injili Indonesia Palu.
Sulawesi Tengah.
Indonesia pietersunkudon@sttii-palu.
Ester Lengkong Kantor Kementerian Agama Kota Palu.
Sulawesi Tengah.
Indonesia etenglengkong@gmail.
Abstract This study reassesses the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) and its theological implications for Evangelical churches in Indonesia through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR).
The review synthesises 41 peer-reviewed sources published between 2013 and 2025, analysed thematically using both deductive and inductive coding.
Originating in Western postmodern contexts as a reaction to the perceived rigidity of traditional churches.
ECMAos influence has expanded into Indonesia, where it interacts with a theologically diverse and culturally plural The literature reveals a striking paradox: while ECM promotes participatory worship, digital engagement, and contextual expressions of faith that help churches reach younger generations, it also exhibits tendencies toward relativism, pluralism, and syncretism that threaten the Evangelical commitment to the authority of Scripture and the exclusivity of salvation in Christ.
The analysis argues that ECM should neither be dismissed outright nor accepted uncritically.
Instead.
Evangelical churches must discern between constructive and compromising elements, embracing innovation only insofar as it aligns with biblical truth.
Such discernment enables the Indonesian church to remain faithful to its theological foundations while maintaining cultural relevance amid rapid social transformation.
Keywords: Emerging Church Movement.
Evangelical Theology.
Contextualization.
Theological Orthodoxy.
Systematic Literature Review
INTRODUCTION
as the Emerging Church Movement (ECM).
Originating in Europe and the United States Over the past few decades, global in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
ECM theological discourse has increasingly arose as a response to the social and cultural turned its attention to a movement known shifts influenced by postmodernism.
1 The James S.
Bielo.
AuThe AoEmerging ChurchAo in America: Notes on the Interaction of Christianities,Ay Religion 39, no.
3 (September 2.
219Ae32.
Cooper.
AuEmerging.
Emergent.
Emergence: Boundary Maintenance.
Definition Construction, and Legitimation Strategies in the 86 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
movement serves as a critique of traditional churches, which are often perceived as no Christianity.
These early developments in longer relevant to the ever-evolving context Western theology laid the foundation for of modern society.
ECMAos later global influence, including its As a theological phenomenon.
ECM offers a new, more contextual and reception and reinterpretation within nonWestern contexts such as Indonesia.
flexible approach to the Christian faith.
However, communities accept this approach.
From the Evangelical perspective.
ECM is often interpretive flexibility in reading the Bible, considered problematic due to its tendency elements that are regarded as alternatives to the rigidity of traditional churches in relativism, both of which are seen to undermine core tenets such as the authority socio-cultural The Emerging Church Movement of Scripture and the exclusivity of salvation through Christ.
first took shape in the late 1990s within The apostle PaulAos encounter with Western Christianity, particularly in the the Athenians in Acts 17:22Ae31 provides a United Kingdom and North America.
arose as a response to the challenges of contextual engagement without theological postmodern culture, seeking to recover authenticity, community, and relevance in AtheniansAo religiosity and uses their the life of the church.
Theologians and cultural symbols as a bridge to proclaim the practitioners such as Brian McLaren.
Eddie truth of the one Creator God and the risen Gibbs, and Alan Hirsch became key voices.
Christ.
His approach demonstrates that advocating a shift from institutional forms contextual communication of the gospel of faith toward more participatory and does not require the dilution of doctrinal Establishment of a Post-Evangelical Subculture,Ay Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 56 .
: 398Ae417.
Stephen Hunt.
AuThe Emerging Church and Its Discontents,Ay Journal of Beliefs & Values 29, no.
3 (December 2.
: 287Ae96.
Eddie Gibbs and Ryan K.
Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures (Baker Academic, 2.
, 123.
Donald A Carson.
AuBecoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and Its Implications,Ay (Grand Rapids.
MI).
Zondervan, https://api.
org/CorpusID:14210324 D Ronda and S T P Hengki Wijaya.
Dasar Teologi Yang Teguh: Panduan Teologi Sistematika Di Perguruan Tinggi (Sekolah Tinggi Theologia Jaffray, 2.
Arnold Tindas.
Inerrancy:
Ketaksalahan Alkitab (Jakarta:
Harvest International Theological Seminary, 2.
Budi Priyono and Arnold Tindas.
AuOtoritas Alkitab Dalam Era Postmodern,Ay Tri Tunggal: Jurnal Pendidikan Kristen Dan Katolik 3, no.
2 (April 2.
: 16Ae37.
Paul Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 87 truth but rather its articulation in a language Criticism of ECM is particularly that resonates with the audience.
This pertinent in Indonesia, a nation marked by scriptural model offers a theological significant religious and cultural pluralism.
framework for evaluating the Emerging The challenges faced by Evangelical Church MovementAos attempts at cultural churches in Indonesia stem not only from engagement within the Indonesian context.
the influence of postmodernism but also Indonesian theologians have also from the growing expressions of religious With theology in ways that enrich the current contextual and pluralistic interpretation.
Ronda and Wijaya highlights ECM is regarded by some Evangelical the importance of a theological foundation leaders as a threat to doctrinal unity and the that remains rooted in Scripture while foundations of traditional theology.
7 These addressing contemporary cultural realities, concerns are compounded by the inevitable insisting that contextualisation must not pressures of modernity and globalisation.
compromise doctrinal truth.
4 Similarly.
Nevertheless, debates surrounding Raymundus Sudhiarsa emphasises the need ECM are not confined to critique alone.
for theology and theological education to Some theological practitioners argue that emerge from IndonesiaAos lived experience ECM of faith, integrating dialogue between opportunitiesAiparticularly in terms of global Christianity and local context.
innovation in evangelism, liturgy, and These perspectives frame the present contextual approaches to proclaiming the studyAos examination of the Emerging ECM promotes inclusive dialogue Church Movement within an Indonesian theological horizon that values invaluable in increasingly diverse cultural contextual relevance and biblical integrity.
Ronda and Hengki Wijaya.
Dasar Teologi Yang Teguh: Panduan Teologi Sistematika Di Perguruan Tinggi.
Raymundus I Made Sudhiarsa.
AuDoing Theology And Our Theological Education: An Indonesian Perspective,Ay International Journal of Indonesian Philosophy & Theology 1, no.
105Ae15.
Stephanas Budiono.
AuSyncretism: The Strongholds of Tradition.
Teaching, and Legend,Ay Conference Series 4, no.
2 (May 2.
: 24Ae33.
Kaventius Pambayun.
AuStrategi Gereja-Gereja Daerah Menyikapi Tantangan Pelayanan,Ay TE DEUM (Jurnal Teologi Dan Pengembangan From Pelayana.
11, no.
1 (December 2.
: 99Ae123.
Sunkudon et al.
AuChristAos Redemption and Giwu: Cultural Contextualisation in Pamona.
Indonesia,Ay HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 81.
A10217.
81, no.
1 (January 2.
: 1Ae Ryan P.
Burge and Paul A.
Djupe.
AuAn Emergent Threat: Christian Clergy Perceptions of the Emerging Church Movement,Ay Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 56, no.
1 (March 2.
26Ae32.
Scot McKnight.
The Blue Parakeet, 2nd Edition: Rethinking How You Read the Bible (Grand Rapids.
Michigan: Zondervan, 2.
88 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
ECM can be viewed as a does the Emerging Church Movement response to the churchAos need to remain represent a theological opportunity or threat relevant in an ever-changing world.
to Evangelical churches in Indonesia? The Indonesia, generational shifts, especially with the emergence of Millennials and Generation discourse on relevance and orthodoxy in the Z, provide a new context for discussing midst of rapid cultural transformation.
ECM.
These generations, shaped by the This study is guided by an digital age and postmodern values, tend to Evangelical theological orientation that prefer ECMAos interactive, reflective, and upholds the authority of Scripture while experimental styles of church over the more engaging constructively with contextual rigid traditional forms.
9 This dynamic The research applies this lens to places Evangelical churches in Indonesia in assess the Emerging Church MovementAos a difficult position, as they seek to engage theological claims and practices within the younger generations without compromising Indonesian context.
Accordingly, the study their theological principles.
seeks to answer the following research This paper seeks to analyse the question: To what extent does the Emerging ECM within the Indonesian context.
Church Movement represent a theological drawing from an Evangelical theological opportunity or threat to Evangelical The study will review both the churches in Indonesia? strengths and weaknesses of ECM, identify the dialectical relationship between the two theological approaches, and conclude with theological reflections.
(SLR) method, this analysis aims to offer an in-depth reflection on whether ECM constitutes a threat or an opportunity for This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to examine the Using the Systematic Literature Review Evangelical RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Indonesia.
Accordingly, this study seeks to answer the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) on Evangelical theology in Indonesia.
The SLR approach was chosen because it provides a structured, synthesising existing research, making it following research question: To what extent Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch.
The Shaping Of Things To Come Innovation And Mission For The 21st-Century Church (Grand Rapids.
Michigan: BakerBooks, 2.
Jack Fernando Laduri and Pieter G O Sunkudon.
AuMaksimalkan Penginjilan Anak Muda: Efektivitas Media Sosial Dengan Aplikasi Litmatch,Ay Jurnal Iluminasi 2, no.
: 56Ae78.
Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 89 suitable for mapping both theological risks when it remains under the normative and opportunities in a pluralistic context.
authority of Scripture.
Literature between January and February 2025 across transparency, the study followed the JSTOR.
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic SpringerLink.
Google Scholar.
Semantic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Scholar.
The selection process is combination of keywords related to ECM, summarised in a PRISMA-style flow Evangelical theology, contextualisation, pluralism, and postmodernism in Indonesia identification to inclusion.
The initial and Southeast Asia.
database search produced 214 records.
While Scopus.
Z-Library.
SLR methodological rigour, theological analysis abstracts, 41 studies met the inclusion requires a clear interpretive framework to criteria for full analysis.
This visual ensure consistency and faithfulness to summary demonstrates the rigour and biblical principles.
This study therefore traceability of the review process.
employs an Evangelical hermeneutical The inclusion criteria were peer- framework that recognises the Bible as the reviewed journal articles, academic books, ultimate authority for faith and practice.
and conference proceedings published Within this framework, culture is not between 2013 and 2025, with earlier rejected but engaged critically in the light seminal works added for historical framing.
of Scripture.
The Evangelical approach Opinion pieces, blogs, and unrelated emphasises that theology must be both materials were excluded.
The search initially produced 214 records.
Accordingly, this hermeneutic provides the abstracts were screened, followed by full- interpretive foundation for analysing how text reviews, resulting in 41 works selected the Emerging Church Movement engages for synthesis.
Each source was appraised cultural change, evaluates truth claims, and using an adapted Critical Appraisal Skills The Programme (CASP) checklist, ensuring interpretive process follows the principle methodological transparency, theological that contextualisation is legitimate only depth, and contextual relevance.
Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril.
Samsul Farid Samsuddin, and Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah.
AuThe ABC of Systematic Literature Review: The Basic Methodological Guidance for Beginners,Ay 90 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
The data from these studies were methodological considerations.
Table 2 deductive categories drawn from the below summarises the main thematic categories used during synthesis, providing orthodoxy, contextualisation, pluralism, an overview of how concepts related to innovatio.
with inductive insights that Evangelical theology and the Emerging emerged from the literature.
Church Movement were grouped and .
To ensure analytical clarity, a coding framework was developed that Table 1.
Example Coding Table Category Theological Orthodoxy Code Example Authority of Scripture Contextualisation Pluralism & Relativism Innovation & Practice Risks & Opportunities Description / Theological Focus Studies emphasising biblical inerrancy and doctrinal fidelity within Evangelical Cultural Adaptation Discussions on integrating local culture and liturgy while maintaining gospel Theological Flexibility Analyses of ECMAos openness to interfaith dialogue and interpretive diversity.
Digital Ministry / Research highlighting ECMAos influence on Participatory Worship digital worship, creative liturgy, and church structure.
Syncretism / Relevance Evaluations weighing ECMAos potential threat or contribution to Evangelical This coding framework provided a Church Movement.
structured lens through which the selected Themes literature could be examined consistently.
narratively to highlight convergences, allowed the researcher to identify patterns tensions, and divergences in scholarly of convergence and divergence among evaluation of ECM.
This process ensured scholars, ensuring that the synthesis that the findings presented here offer a theological depth contextual nuance within the broader assessment of ECMAos implications for Evangelical discourse on the Emerging Evangelical churches in Indonesia.
Quality & Quantity 55, no.
4 (August 2.
: 1319Ae Wondimagegn Mengist.
Teshome Soromessa, and Gudina Legese.
AuMethod for Conducting Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis for Environmental Science Research,Ay MethodsX 7 .
: 100777.
Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 91
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
of local cultural values that may not align with orthodox Christian teaching.
11 With its Criticisms of the Emerging Church Movement that the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) presents a complex impact on ECM emphasises theological relevance and flexibility in response to contemporary cultural challenges.
However, this approach concerning core principles of the Christian This section outlines in detail the major critiques of ECM, its constructive contributions, and the dialectical tension between ECM and Evangelical theology.
The analysis seeks to provide Evangelical Indonesia comprehensive perspective to engage this that genuine theological dialogue must rest upon a firm foundation of truth.
Certain strands within ECM even One of the most prominent criticisms of ECM is its emphasis on interpretive flexibility regarding Scripture.
This is perceived as potentially undermining the authority of the Bible as the absolute theological relativism.
Carson notes that open the door to concepts such as open theism, which challenge the classical Evangelical God's omniscience and sovereignty.
13 From an Evangelical standpoint, such views risk undermining confidence in the sovereign all-knowing God, foundational aspect of the Christian faith.
The risk of syncretism is another major concern, particularly in a religiously pluralistic society like Indonesia.
ECMAos emphasis on contextualisation often creates opportunities to integrate elements of local phenomenon with discernment.
classical theology.
Ratzinger reminds us Evangelical churches.
As a movement.
ECM pertinent questions concerning the place of The findings of this study reveal tradition into church practice.
While the intent may be to enhance cultural relevance, the result can be the erosion of Evangelical doctrinal purity.
Rumbay and Siahaya oversight, such efforts may blend Christian teaching with indigenous beliefs, leading to Scripture within ECM create space for the inclusion D A Carson.
Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and Its Implications (Zondervan, 2.
Ratzinger.
Truth and Tolerance:
Christian Belief and World Religions (Ignatius Press, 2.
Damian Dorocki.
AuOtwarty Teizm Teologiczny AowymysCAo Czy Sensowna Propozycja?,Ay Scientia et Fides 3, no.
: 161Ae 92 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
doctrinal confusion among congregants.
church structure raises concerns about the A further criticism lies in ECMAos diminishing role of ecclesial authority.
approach to the exclusivity of salvation With its emphasis on dialogue and through Christ.
Central to Evangelical individual experience.
ECM may neglect theology is the conviction that salvation is the importance of strong, organised church found in Christ alone Ae yet this often stands Carson contends that this in contrast to ECMAos inclusive orientation.
tendency risks weakening the churchAos role
McLaren
ECM
as a spiritual authority, ultimately affecting communities are more open to alternative its capacity to preserve doctrinal integrity.
religious traditions, which may dilute the Evangelical Indonesian contextAi marked by pronounced religious and 15 In IndonesiaAos multi-religious cultural pluralismAithese challenges are further intensified.
Hermanto et al.
challenge for churches striving to uphold that Evangelical churches face increasing essential Christian doctrines.
pressure to adapt to social change without ECM is also frequently critiqued tension between cultural relevance and doctrinal faithfulness lies at the heart of criticisms directed at ECM.
18 In view of engaging.
ECM often emphasises personal these risks.
Evangelical churches must narrative and reflection at the expense of critically evaluate which elements of ECM deep theological teaching.
Stott warns that can be constructively adopted without overemphasis on human experience and compromising the core foundations of their storytelling can obscure the BibleAos role as losing their theological identity.
The the final and authoritative revelation of God.
In addition.
ECMAos approach to Christar A.
Rumbay and Johannis Siahaya.
AuEmbracing the Traces of the Deity Opo Empung in Minahasa for Culturative Christianity,Ay Verbum et Ecclesia 44, no.
1 (May 2.
Brian D Mclaren.
A New Kind of Christian a Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey (San Francisco.
CA: Jossey-Bass, 2.
John Stott.
Isu-Isu Global Menantang Kepemimpinan Kristiani (Jakarta: Yayasan Komunikasi Bina Kasih, 2.
D A Carson.
Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and Its Implications, 72.
Yanto Paulus Hermanto et al.
AuGereja Di Indonesia Menghadapi Tantangan Masa Depan Berkaitan Dengan Gerakan AoReligious Pluralism,AoAy Jurnal Teologi Cultivation 7, no.
1 (July 2.
: 199Ae Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 93 Positive Contributions of the Emerging platforms such as YouTube.
Instagram, and Church Movement Zoom to connect with wider communities.
This provides Evangelical churches in Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) also offers significant positive Indonesia with opportunities to harness ECM participatory approach to worship.
Worship is no longer merely a hierarchically led activity but becomes a space where 19 Rahner offers the perspective that the presence of faith within secular contexts can remain authentic, even if This positive interpretative space for the forms of faith expression found within ECM.
Furthermore.
ECM encourages the use of technology in In todayAos digital era, social media and online platforms have become effective tools for reaching those who may be reluctant to attend physical services.
Many churches adopting ECM approaches use Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch.
The Shaping Of Things To Come Innovation And Mission For The 21st-Century Church, 112.
Rahner.
Theological Investigations, 1 (Helicon Press, 1.
Chang-Yau Hoon.
AuBetween Evangelism and Multiculturalism: The Dynamics of Protestant contributions, particularly in terms of church innovation.
In addressing a younger Thus, while the Emerging Church Movement presents theological challenges, it also opens considerable opportunities for innovation in evangelism and liturgy within Indonesian Evangelical churches.
ECMAos focus on social and cultural relevance enables the church to respond to the needs of modern society, especially younger and perceive traditional churches as out of touch with their everyday lives.
McLaren emphasises that, to reach a new generation sceptical of church institutions, churches must discover new ways to express their faith in ways that resonate with modern lived experiences.
One innovative aspect of ECM is its development of more contextual and flexible evangelistic methods.
Rather than relying on traditional models, which are monotonous.
ECM proposes approaches that are more inclusive and adaptable to Christianity in Indonesia,Ay Social Compass 60, no.
(December 2.
: 457Ae70.
Sudhiarsa.
AuDoing Theology And Our Theological Education: An Indonesian Perspective.
Ay Mclaren.
A New Kind of Christian a Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey, 45.
94 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
ECMAos Indonesian ECM reinterpreted through the lens of local integrating art, contemporary music, and theology as proposed by Schreiter, which emphasises the construction of theology Such elements help congregants to grounded in the cultural experiences of the experience worship more deeply and personally, transforming them from passive This is especially important in listeners into active participants within their Indonesia, where rapid social change and faith community.
Liturgy becomes more cultural complexity have made many, particularly younger people, more sceptical discussions, collective reflections, and sharing spiritual experiences, which in turn Through innovations in evangelism.
ECM enables can strengthen community bonds.
Evangelical churches to better connect with ECM also promotes the use of local contexts and relevant issues such as digital media and technology in evangelism social justice, environmental concerns, and and worship.
This is especially relevant religious pluralism.
given the increasing use of social media and These innovations are not limited to digital platforms in Indonesia, particularly evangelism but also extend to worship and among young people.
Through platforms ECM advocates for worship like YouTube.
Instagram, and Zoom, approaches that are more interactive and Evangelical participatory, emphasising that worship approaches can reach congregants who may should no longer be an experience be reluctant to attend physical services but dominated solely by church leaders but a still wish to engage with their faith space where congregants engage actively.
community online.
Many Evangelical churches have been K Jong.
AuThe Growth of the PentecostalCharismatic Churches in Indonesia,Ay Exchange 45 .
: 56.
Robert J Schreiter.
Constructing Local Theologies (Maryknoll.
NY: Orbis Books, 2.
Gibbs and Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures.
Chang-Yau Hoon.
AuReligious Aspirations among Urban Christians in Contemporary Indonesia,Ay International Sociology 31, no.
4 (July 2.
: 413Ae31.
Hoon.
AuBetween Evangelism and Multiculturalism: The Dynamics of Protestant Christianity in IndonesiaAy.
Susanne Rodemeier.
ECM Gibbs and Bolger note that this AuEmergence and Establishment of a Charismatic Church within the Framework of Javanese SelfPerception in Surakarta.
Indonesia,Ay Indonesia and the Malay World 45 .
: 66Ae87.
Y B Setyawan.
AuThe Church as an Ecological Community:
Practising Eco-Ecclesiology in the Ecological Crisis of Indonesia,Ay Ecclesiology, 2021.
Gibbs and Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures, 142.
Jong.
AuThe Growth of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Indonesia.
Ay Hoon.
AuBetween Evangelism and Multiculturalism: The Dynamics of Protestant Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 95 digital transformation presents significant identity as Evangelical communities.
This opportunities for churches to extend their idea can help counter perceptions that reach beyond traditional church walls, churches are solely inward-focused, while enabling them to connect with broader demonstrating their role as part of broader social solutions.
Moreover.
ECM provides space for ECMAos However, such innovation must be Evangelical fundamental theological principles within churches to be more sensitive to local Evangelical churches.
Although ECM cultural contexts without compromising offers a more relevant and contextual gospel principles.
It seeks to reinterpret expressions of faith through contextual remain cautious to ensure these innovations symbols and narratives, aligning with the do not blur core doctrines, such as the analogical approach proposed by Tracy that exclusivity of salvation through Christ and the authority of Scripture.
33 Thus, while Indonesia, a country rich in cultural and ECM presents great opportunities for religious diversity, such contextualisation change.
Evangelical churches in Indonesia is vital for the church to remain relevant.
must strive to maintain a balance between In this regard.
ECM encourages innovation and commitment to theological Evangelical churches to engage more actively in interfaith dialogue and community projects.
The innovations proposed by ECM such as community development or social offer new perspectives on how the church justice programmes, without losing their can function within modern society but also Christianity in IndonesiaAy.
Jong.
AuThe Growth of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Indonesia.
Ay Gibbs and Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures, 148.
Tracy.
The Analogical Imagination:
Christian Theology and the Culture of Pluralism (Crossroad, 1.
Franklin Hutabarat.
AuNavigating Diversity: Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian Society,Ay European Journal of Theology and Philosophy 3 (November 2.
: 6Ae Vidhyandika Djati Perkasa and Amelinda Bonita Leonard.
AuStrategizing Religious Oppression:
Christianity IndonesiaAos Democracy Resilience,Ay Consolidating Democracy:
Resilience and Challenges in Indonesia and South Korea, ed.
Brendan Howe (Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2.
, 111Ae29.
Parulihan Sipayung and Chammah J.
Kaunda.
AuJaulung Wismar Saragih,Ay International Journal of Asian Christianity 6, no.
2 (August 2.
: 161Ae83.
Hoon.
AuReligious Aspirations among Urban Christians in Contemporary IndonesiaAy.
Hutabarat.
AuNavigating Diversity: Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian SocietyAy.
McKnight.
The Blue Parakeet, 2nd Edition: Rethinking How You Read the Bible.
Perkasa and Leonard.
AuStrategizing Religious Oppression:
Christianity IndonesiaAos Democracy Resilience.
Ay D A Carson.
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96 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
demand that Evangelical churches uphold maintaining a firm commitment to the strong theological convictions.
In this fundamental principles of the Christian context.
ECM can serve as a useful tool for addressing contemporary challenges if Contextual applied carefully and selectively, grounded demonstrated by the Emerging Church on a solid theological foundation.
Movement, reflects an earnest attempt to Evangelical churches may adopt communicate the gospel in ways that resonate with contemporary culture.
Yet formats, incorporating art, contemporary from an Evangelical perspective, such music, and digital technology into worship engagement must remain rooted in the This is especially relevant for transforming work of GodAos grace, which younger generations who may be sceptical not only accepts but also renews.
Grace, of traditional churches but open to new rightly understood, is never permissive.
it is forms of spiritual experience.
In Indonesia.
It invites cultural participation the use of digital media as an evangelistic while calling believers into holiness shaped tool has also become an effective strategy by the truth of Scripture.
Therefore, the for reaching broader populations, especially value of contextualisation lies not merely in among the youth.
cultural relevance but in its ability to ECM embody the sanctifying power of the gospel significant opportunities for Evangelical within every context of life and community.
churches in Indonesia to grow within a Innovations in evangelism, liturgy, and The Dialectic Between the Emerging Church Movement and Evangelical Theology more contextual theology offer the church avenues to remain relevant and positively impactful within society.
However, as with any innovation, it is crucial that the church Stott.
Isu-Isu Global Menantang Kepemimpinan Kristiani, 90.
Hutabarat.
AuNavigating Diversity:
Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian SocietyAy.
Irvan Hutasoit.
AuEmerging Church Dan Arah Bergereja Ke Depan Pasca Pandemi,Ay Https://Gkpisinode.
Org/EmergingChurch-Dan-Arah-Bergereja-Ke-Depan-Pasca- The Emerging Church Movement (ECM) and Evangelical theology reflects a profound tension between cultural relevance and Pandemi/, 2023, https://gkpisinode.
org/emergingchurch-dan-arah-bergereja-ke-depan-pascapandemi/.
Jong.
AuThe Growth of the PentecostalCharismatic Churches in IndonesiaAy.
Rodemeier.
AuEmergence and Establishment of a Charismatic Church within the Framework of Javanese SelfPerception in Surakarta.
Indonesia.
Ay Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 97 commitment to theological orthodoxy.
evident in their differing views of the nature its core, this dialectic centres on two main aspects: flexibility in biblical interpretation theologians allow space for open theism, and inclusivity in approaches to salvation.
the view that the future is open even to While ECM offers opportunities for God,38 a concept that conflicts with the innovation that resonate with contemporary classical Evangelical understanding of society.
Evangelical churches face the divine omniscience.
ECM creates room for diverse theological pluralism.
however, as principles of faith without compromise.
God.
ECM
Balthasar asserts, pluralism must preserve On one hand.
ECM emphasises the importance of flexibility in interpreting doctrinal harmony rather than foster destructive contradiction.
Scripture to suit local contexts.
This Moreover.
ECM often adopts an approach allows the gospel message to inclusive approach to salvation, opening become more relevant to pluralistic and dialogue across religious boundaries.
This postmodern societies.
According to Gibbs approach can be seen positively as it creates opportunities to build bridges with other Bolger, biblical interpretation can assist churches in churches regard such inclusivity as a threat to the doctrine of salvationAos exclusivity However, such flexibility often attracts through Jesus Christ.
From an Evangelical criticism that ECM tends to replace perspective, salvation is attainable only through faith in Christ, as affirmed in John subjective perspectives.
For Evangelical 14:6.
An overly inclusive stance risks reducing the gospelAos core to a universal inerrancy and authority must remain non- morality devoid of its transformative negotiable foundations.
Christian The dialectic between ECM and Evangelical Faced Yet Evangelical Evangelical churches in Indonesia can learn Gibbs and Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures, 144.
D A Carson.
Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and Its Implications, 67.
Tindas.
Inerrancy:
Ketaksalahan Alkitab.
Priyono and Tindas.
AuOtoritas Alkitab Dalam Era Postmodern.
Ay Dorocki.
AuOtwarty Teizm - Teologiczny AowymysCAo Czy Sensowna Propozycja?Ay Balthasar.
Truth Is Symphonic:
Aspects of Christian Pluralism (Ignatius Press.
Stott.
Isu-Isu Global Menantang Kepemimpinan Kristiani.
Mclaren.
A New Kind of Christian a Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey, 85.
98 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
losing their theological identity.
from the innovations offered by ECM without sacrificing doctrinal integrity.
For However.
Evangelical churches example, churches may adopt positive must remain vigilant against the risk of ECM.
Syncretism interactive liturgies, to engage younger occurs when elements from local traditions Frost and Hirsch note that or other religions blend with Christian Millennials and Generation Z tend to prefer doctrine, thus reducing the gospel message participatory and reflective church models to mere cultural adaptation.
Therefore, it is over traditional hierarchical ones.
crucial for Evangelical churches to develop Additionally.
ECMAos contextual clear theological frameworks to evaluate approach can strengthen the churchAos which elements of ECM may be adopted.
mission amid IndonesiaAos cultural and The following table presents a religious diversity.
Evangelical churches comparison of several key aspects between can utilise interfaith dialogue as a means to the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) and Evangelical Theology as discussed Christian compromising theological authority.
Gibbs Bolger
contextualisation can help churches remain
relevant amid rapid social change without Table 2: Comparison Between the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) and Evangelical Theology Aspect
Emerging Church Movement
(ECM)
Evangelical Theology Flexibility in Biblical Interpretation Emphasises the importance of contextualisation in interpreting Scripture to be relevant to current cultural and social contexts.
Emphasises the authority and inerrancy of Scripture.
Interpretation must align with foundational principles of the Christian faith without compromise.
Inclusivity in Salvation Adopts an inclusive approach that opens space for interfaith dialogue and regards salvation as attainable through multiple paths.
Affirms the exclusivity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, in accordance with biblical teaching (John 14:.
View of Truth Tends Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch.
The Shaping Of Things To Come Innovation And Mission For The 21st-Century Church, 112.
Emphasises absolute and objective Gibbs and Bolger.
Emerging Churches:
Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures, 136.
Reassessing the Emerging Church Movement in Indonesia: An E v a n g e l i c a l T h e o l o g i c a l R e v i e w | 99 recognising truth as relative and truth revealed through Scripture as the contextual, adaptable to cultural final authority in all matters.
experience and needs.
Approach to Evangelism Focuses on local contextual relevance, employing technology and more participatory methods to reach modern society.
Focuses on faithful proclamation of the gospel based on biblical text, emphasising that salvation comes through Christ alone without diluting the gospel message.
Role of Culture in the Church Culture is seen as important in evangelism and liturgy, with adaptation to local values and traditions to create a relevant church.
Culture is regarded as a context to be carefully evaluated so as not to conflict Contextualisation must be cautious to prevent syncretism.
Challenges for the Church Challenges relate to potential relativism and syncretism, where teachings from other cultures or religions may dilute the gospel Challenges concern maintaining the authority of Scripture and doctrine without compromise, while keeping the church relevant amidst rapid social and cultural change.
Main Criticism Known for allegedly obscuring Known for being perceived as rigid, theological truth and giving too inflexible, and insufficiently responsive much space to religious pluralism.
to rapidly changing cultural contexts.
Innovations Offered Introduces innovative elements such as digital technology use, more interactive liturgy, and participatory church models.
Risks Potential syncretism and reduction Risk of losing relevance with younger of the gospelAos transformative power generations and increasingly pluralistic to mere universal morality.
cultural developments.
Focuses on maintaining a more stable and orthodox church tradition, with The dialectic between ECM and theology maintains doctrinal integrity and Evangelical theology reflects the tension faithfulness but must seek ways to remain between innovation that is relevant to relevant amid the challenges of an increasingly pluralistic and postmodern foundational principles of faith.
ECM
offers opportunities to adapt the church to adopting the positive elements of ECM, evolving cultural and social realities but Evangelical churches can remain relevant must be approached with caution to avoid in the modern era without sacrificing compromising the authoritative truth of biblical principles.
Scripture.
On the other hand.
Evangelical 100 | SANCTUM DOMINE: Jurnal Teologi, vol.
15, no.
CONCLUSIONS
Ignatius Press, 1988.
This study concludes that the Emerging Church Movement (ECM) in Indonesia represents both a theological opportunity and a potential threat to Evangelical churches.
The findings from forty-one scholarly sources indicate that ECMAos engagementAiseen worship, digital forms of ministry, and cultural adaptationAican assist churches in responding to social change and reaching emerging generations more effectively.
However, tendencies within ECM toward interpretation challenge core Evangelical commitments to biblical authority and the Christ.
The therefore affirms that Evangelical churches should approach ECM with discerning openness: adopting contextual innovations community life, yet firmly guarding doctrinal foundations.
In this balance of relevance and faithfulness.
Evangelical Christianity in Indonesia can remain rooted in Scripture while responding meaningfully to contemporary cultural dynamics.
BIBLIOGRAPHY