Today at Emergence in New Jersey

People say that Paris (and France actually) is the "graveyard of church planters" in Europe. If there is a graveyard of church growth and church planting in America it would have to be the Northeastern states - New York, New Jersey, most of the New England states.
       It is arguably as difficult to get a hearing for the gospel in the Northeast of the U.S. as it is in most European cities. That's why I am so honored to know a handful of churches in the Northeast that are full of grace and truth and love and mercy. To borrow a phrase from one of them, they are "plowing a counter-culture."
       One of these communities - called Emergence - is in Wayne, New Jersey. I'm facilitating a discussion today at their mid-week gathering on "Islam in Europe." It starts at 7:30 pm. Come out if you are in the area.

Steve H (left) and Ryan B @ Emergence

If you are like me (a good Northeastern guy from Long Island), "church" is kind of a weird thing. In one sense it's totally normal if you come from a traditional Catholic or Protestant background. But even then, most younger people have left religion behind long ago. I know that's the case where I grew up.
       So, for my friends and strangers somewhat close to Wayne, NJ, you should know that Emergence is weird but in a really good way. It's down-to-earth, not stuffy, people have doubts there, the pastors wear jeans (see photo) as does everyone else. If you don't have a regular church home, and if you have questions about faith in God, check out Emergence on a Sunday. They meet at 9:00, 10:15, 11:30 am and at 6:00pm. All the services are the same.
       OK that's enough preaching for this blog!