Emerging Worship refers to any practice of worship that is expressive, faithful to tradition, and attentive to local context. The name “Emerging Worship” itself suggests a cutting edge of growth and change, for its broad scope and organic nature set it apart from earlier, more defined movements. People from different denominations, liturgical traditions, theological perspectives, musical backgrounds, social and geographical contexts, are included in Emerging Worship. Thus, Emerging Worship is not a label for a specific form, liturgy, or style of music. Emerging Worship is intentionally ecumenical and multi-cultural, in purview, celebrating the broad expressions of worship that are continually growing and developing.

Emerging Worship responds to God’s Word for us, the church’s deep tradition, and the context of local faith communities. Emerging Worship has direction: the full expression of God’s Way on earth. It is evangelical by nature and mission oriented in response.

From "The Emerging Worship Initiative" by Chip Andrus