The Two Witnesses Emerging: Saddleback & Willowcreek

It seems the proponents of the mystical & the emerging are getting a boost from the pillars of the popular Church Growth movement. Erwin McManus is now set for Saddleback Worship Conference. McManus (SBC) will share the stage with the new godfather of the the ecumenical, mystical, psychological and commercial church growth movement, Rick Warren. McManus has also appeared at Ed Young Jr's C3 Conference , with Bill Hybels,and T.D. Jakes.

McManus has emerged as one of the most visible leaders of the emerging church. Back in 2005, this movement was identified as a threat to Gospel. Mr. Warrren apparently does not share this opinion. Now, with Warren's support, the movement will go to new heights. Interesting to note how quickly the Emergents have aligned themselves with the ecumenical political action group The Red Letter Christians. With the ecumenical goal to serve the greater good, we now see a strong similarity with Warren's P.E.A.C.E. plan. Pastor Ken Silva (SBC) chronicles McManus' theology at Apprising Ministries.

Lighthouse Trails Research reports that Bill Hybel's "Willow Creek has also been a catalyst for the emerging church movement...While the speaker line up for the Leadership Summit this year includes contemplative proponent John Ortberg, it also includes former president Jimmy Carter. " Willowcreek has distinguished it's model for the seeker sensitive church.

With these two heavy hitters from the church growth industry under girding the Emergents, no doubt they, too, will experience "exponential" growth.