Emerging in Northeast Ohio? Perhaps, but not too much, thank you.

Several folks have asked me what’s going on in terms of the Emergent conversation in Northeast Ohio, and especially if there are any local congregations that Emergent folks might be interested in. Here is what I’ve said in the past:

• There are a handful of congregations whose style, communication, values, etc. seem very much in line with Emergent, save for what from my perspective is a major, major concern- namely an anachronistic view on gender issues. Those congregations are Catalyst  and, I believe, Sevenoseven (though I’ve inquired with one of their leaders whom I happen to admire personally about whether or not this is fully the case). I’d probably be really interersted in being a part of either congregation if not for that major concern. Another congregation would fall into this group- though it is “all the way” over in Youngstown: Youngstown Metro Church. 
• There are some other groups that are less savvy in terms of the face they present to the world but who seem to have at least some sense that “business as usual” in the American church isn’t working so well. They include Xenos Christian Fellowship as well as The Center, and you could probably lump South Street Ministries into that group as well. I have some personal knowledge of South Street as my family and I have been a part of South Street for a while and have a real affinity for their approach to being the church, especially as this has been impacted by the principles of Christian Community Development. However, because of our situation as foster parents now (or at least until very recently), we are largely unable to attend their sunday service. 
• There are other congregations in the area who advertise themselves as being “emergent” or “relevant,” etc.- but few that I’ve come across who are actually doing something new/different.

That’s about all that I’m aware of. If you know about a congregation or community not in this list, please let us know in the comments.