The Submerging Church Poster

The Submerging Church 2012

138 min📅 2012-09-30

"How the Emerging Church is Drawing Multitudes Away from Biblical Christianity."

Directed by Joe Schimmel, *The Submerging Church (2012)* dives into the controversial world of the Emerging Church movement, exploring how its leaders blend modern culture with theology in ways that challenge traditional biblical teachings.

Director: Joe Schimmel

Cast

Joe Schimmel
Joe Schimmel
Self - Narrator (voice)
Rob Bell
Rob Bell
Self (archive footage)
Tony Campolo
Self (archive footage)
Brian McLaren
Self (archive footage)
Rick Warren
Self (archive footage)
Jay Bakker
Self (archive footage)
Bono
Bono
Self (archive footage)
Tony Jones
Self (archive footage)
Doug Pagitt
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Submerging Church (2012) about?

*The Submerging Church* scrutinizes the Emerging Church movement, a modern Christian trend that reinterprets biblical doctrine to appeal to contemporary audiences. The film questions how its leaders attract followers while drifting from traditional scriptural teachings, framing the debate within the lens of biblical prophecy.

Who directed The Submerging Church?

The film was directed by Joe Schimmel, an investigative filmmaker known for tackling controversial religious and cultural topics.

Who stars in The Submerging Church?

The documentary features key voices including Joe Schimmel, Rob Bell, Tony Campolo, Brian McLaren, and Rick Warren.

Is The Submerging Church (2012) worth watching?

While niche and divisive, *The Submerging Church* offers a compelling critique of a widely influential movement. Its 138-minute runtime allows for deep analysis, though viewers should be prepared for a challenging perspective. It may appeal most to those interested in theological debates or modern Christian culture.

How long is The Submerging Church?

The documentary runs for 138 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

The Submerging Church (2012): A Critical Look at Emerging Church Movements

Directed by Joe Schimmel, *The Submerging Church (2012)* dives into the controversial world of the Emerging Church movement, exploring how its leaders blend modern culture with theology in ways that challenge traditional biblical teachings. The documentary examines the teachings of figures like Rob Bell and Rick Warren, questioning their departure from core scriptural doctrines while attracting global followings. With a critical eye, it traces the movement's growth, its cultural impact, and where its evolving philosophy aligns—or clashes—with prophetic biblical warnings.

Blending investigative journalism with theological reflection, the film creates an atmosphere of urgency and scrutiny, inviting viewers to reflect on the balance between adaptability and doctrinal fidelity. Shot over 138 minutes, it balances interviews with key influencers against sobering historical and scriptural analysis, offering a perspective that's as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.