Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get started?
- Why can't I download files?
- Why can't I view the videos?
- What is Emerging Spirit?
- Why focus on 30-45 year olds?
- Who is the intended audience for the Emerging Spirit ads?
- Why do some people find the Emerging Spirit ads to be controversial?
- Where did the Emerging Spirit campaign get its approval?
- How will Emerging Spirit benefit congregations of The United Church of Canada?
- Is the Mission & Service Fund being used to support Emerging Spirit?
- How do I get started?
Welcome to the Emerging Spirit website! We welcome you to browse the site, find out more about the Emerging Spirit campaign, discover new tools for ministry, and share your experiences with others.
In order to access all the functions of the Emerging Spirit site, including posting comments, downloading print, video, and audio resources, you will need to register. Registration is an easy process which can be completed in just a few steps.
- click on "Create New Account" at the bottom of the blue log in box in the left column.
- follow the instructions to set up a new user account.
- your password and further instructions will be sent to the email address you entered.
- using the link in the email you received, you may then log on to the site and set up a profile.
- we encourage you to add a photo and biographical information to your profile if you wish.
Please use the "Contact Us" tab at the top of the site, to reach us with any questions or problems you have logging in.
- Why can't I download files?
To download files from EmergingSpirit.ca, you must be logged in. Once you are logged in, you will see a link beneath each page that has an item available to download. To log in, or to register, go to the blue box in left-hand column of the homepage.
- Why can't I view the videos?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to view the videos on the site.
The videos on the Emerging Spirit website have been converted to Flash Video. Many computers are already equipped with Flash technology, but you won't be able to view them unless you have Flash installed. The program can be downloaded for free from Adobe.
You may also be having trouble viewing videos on this site because your network blocks external video. Your network administer will be able to provide you more information about this.
- What is Emerging Spirit?
Emerging Spirit is an exciting initiative of The United Church of Canada focused on establishing and nurturing a relationship between the United Church and Canadians who don't attend church, with a focus on those between the ages of 30 and 45.
For more information, see About Emerging Spirit.
- Why focus on 30-45 year olds?
People in the 30-45 age range were selected as a focus for the campaign because of a couple of reasons. People of this age need to receive a special invitation to our church. They are one of the first Canadian generations to grow up largely outside of the church. Many are at a turning point in their lives where they're considering major decisions about career directions, marriage and children, and setting down roots. For many, the decisions to explore spirituality and whether or not to participate in a faith community are among the key questions they're considering.
- Who is the intended audience for the Emerging Spirit ads?
The Emerging Spirit ad campaign is designed to communicate to a generation of primarily 30- to 45-year-olds who have very little or no knowledge of organized religion and the contemporary church. The ads are not intended to reach out to people who are already members and adherents of The United Church of Canada. These ads have been thoroughly tested with people in the age group they are intended for. We are confident the ads will attract the attention of 30- to 45-year-olds who don't go to church, and provoke discussion among them about faith and religion issues.
- Why do some people find the Emerging Spirit ads to be controversial?
The Emerging Spirit ads are designed to attract attention, elicit conversation, and point people toward the WonderCafe website. Their intent is not to make fun of personal religious belief or diminish basic religious understanding. Jesus probably looked for a similar reaction when he declared: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Emerging Spirit ad campaign is not attempting to define what the United Church is all about. Rather, it is meant to raise questions about faith, religion, and other important questions of life, and invite discussion. It hopes to reach out to the millions of Canadians who feel that organized religion isn't relevant to their lifestyle and their lives. As a result, the ads must not feel "churchy" or be what many people would expect from The United Church of Canada. We are trying to get people to consider church in a different way. We believe these ads will do that. Not every ad will appeal to every person; we expect that. That's why there are several, so we can be sure to appeal to the maximum number of people possible.
We recognize that the ads, and the boldness with which we have unveiled the campaign publicly, generated both praise and ridicule of The United Church of Canada. The latter response is particularly painful for long-standing faithful members of the United Church. Despite this, however, our confident hope is that as the Emerging Spirit campaign unfolds, these feelings of embarrassment will soon be replaced by a sense of renewed energy and commitment to the mission and ministry of The United Church of Canada.
- Where did the Emerging Spirit campaign get its approval?
The Emerging Spirit initiative received approval from the General Council at its meeting in August 2006 in Thunder Bay. The resounding support at that event came from the elected delegates (commissioners) representing all parts of the country. That decision at General Council followed a very full discussion of the campaign and its financial implications.
- How will Emerging Spirit benefit congregations of The United Church of Canada?
Almost half of the total cost of Emerging Spirit is being used for support of local congregations and training of volunteer committees to help the church be a more open, welcoming place for all who visit or seek to join the church. We see this as a positive initiative no matter how many new members are attracted by the Emerging Spirit program. To date, there has been an enthusiastic response by congregations who will be a part of the very popular Living the Welcome training events for those seeking to be welcoming congregations
- Is the Mission & Service Fund being used to support Emerging Spirit?
No money from the Mission & Service Fund or money specifically earmarked for outreach and traditional mission work is being used for the Emerging Spirit campaign. The advertised $10.5 million cost comes from money held in reserves that originated with a number of designated bequests, the largest of which was the Morrison bequest. The Morrison bequest was a specific bequest that was to be used for innovative mission programs in Canada. We think Emerging Spirit fits well with this criterion.