Pub Theology and emerging groups - Part 2

Here is part 2 of the extended quote from Phyllis Tickle about the life cycle of emerging churches and groups. One of three things, according to Tickle, will eventually happen to a spontaneously self-organizing organic group:

But at some point, it will do one of two or three things. It may grow in such a way as not only to exceed the barkeep’s tolerance but also— and more importantly— to exceed the psychology of a small group approach and, as a result, will need to become something nearer to a self-aware group. As such, it may— and probably will— go looking for space to rent where worship can be more candid and more liturgical and where others can more easily be included in the circle.

Or it may break apart. More accurately said, the original pub group will simply drift apart from one another in much the same way that a milkweed pod breaks open in the fall, sending dozens of its seed-laden parachutes out into the surrounding countryside. Where originally there had been one group in one pub, there now will be, as if by accident and certainly without announced intention, a clutch of three or four groups scattered around and about the area.

Or the group may just cease, period, end of story. It will have served its purpose, fed the Christian life of those who composed it, and will now become less than what they have grown to need. Friends will remain friends, and acquaintances, acquaintances, but it’s time to move   on. It may safely be said here that institutions cannot even begin to think that

~Tickle, Phyllis (2012-09-01). Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters (Kindle Locations 1210-1229). Baker Book Group. Kindle Edition.