Emerging churches are communities that practice the way of Jesus within postmodern cultures. This definition encompasses nine practices. The first three practices are the "core" practices, and are present in most emergent churches. The additional six practices result from the first three practices.

1. identify with the life of Jesus
2. transform the secular realm
3. live highly communal lives
4. welcome the stranger
5. serve with generosity
6. participate as producers
7. create as created beings
8. lead as a body
9. take part in spiritual activities