The Emerging Church

In today's contemporary, post-modern culture, more and more Christians are seeking alternative ways to practice religion outside the usual Church traditions. As a result, a growing - and controversial - movement called "the Emerging Church" is developing new forms of worship and theologies often blending elements from different traditions - and eras - of Christianity. The movement actually began several years ago as a conversation among evangelical Gen-X leaders concerned about the church dropout rates among young people. Hoping to address this attrition, they formed a loose network named "Emergent" and their discussions exploded over the internet, especially through extensive blogs where leaders argued that old models and categories are no longer effective. Today, the emerging church is having a big impact across denominational lines.

In the first of this two-part special report, Kim Lawton explores the diverse ways the emerging church movement is taking shape at the local level, profiling a congregation in Minneapolis that uses couches and recliners instead of pews, and going behind-the scenes at experimental worship sessions that blend contemporary technology with ancient religious practices...