Emerging Africa

first of all, let me say that i am thoroughly honored to be a part of this conversation as an 'outsider.' i am not a south african, nor am i african at all. i am an american (don't judge please ;)), and have much passion for the continent africa in general, and the nation of south africa in particular.

i have stumbled across a few 'emerging from apartheid' articles/entries, and i think that this is a vital conversation for your time and context (what do i know, though, right?)

the term 'emergent' is in no way synonymous with 'postmodern.' emergent is a spirit, and (more specifically) that spirit embodied in conversation(s). it's a new (or at least re-embodied) idea that longs for a church that is emerging, not stagnant; for a church that embodies the gospel and lives into the kingdom in fresh ways as culture changes and as new challenges present themselves. the spirit of the movement calls us to grasp our own culture lightly, that it not become an idol as we seek to perpetuate it at all costs.

I'm the site manager for a website called www.thedetour.net, a conversation about faith off the beaten path. We are exploring what faith and ministry look like in ermeging culture. I'm very keen to hear what your thoughts are when you hear the phrase "emergent africa."

I'd really like your input for a piece I'm writing about emerging culture in Africa in general, and South Africa in particular. Here's my question:

Being from the U.S., it is quite clear to me what the western church calls the 'emerging church.' For the west, this is the church that is emerging from the ruins of modernity throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, put in less ambiguous terms, the "postmodern church." I would like to know what the "emerging church" means in the African context in general, and in the South African context in particular. It appears that, in the African context, the church is emerging from more than the ruins of modernity, but also the ruins of colonialism, apartheid, etc. So, what comes to your mind when you hear the term: "the emerging church in Africa?" Try to speak specifically to areas of ministry that you are most familiar with.