Today I was asked whether my (Presbyterian) church is “Christian” or not. I confess that I was so caught off guard that I didn’t really give an answer but did promise a blog entry about it — the questioner is an active reader here. Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted that not everyone gets denominations and how it all works.
Christian is… A church which does all it can to aid the poor, destitute, hungry, and sick of the community? A church which does all it can to send out and support as many missionary evangelists as possible? A church which unceasingly and uncompromisingly teaches the truths of the Bible? A church which makes Christ the center of worship, of adoration, of knowledge, and of life? All of the above? Something else entirely?
Definitely a lot to think about, especially when one of the parties to the question attends a Nazarene (Wesleyan) church of which I used to be a member.
Basically, though, this will be a good opportunity to express why I joined my current church, which is the first church I’ve ever joined because of the message that they preach.
Stay tuned.
{ 2 voices in the conversation. Speak up! }
I’d use your last definition: “A church which makes Christ the center of worship, of adoration, of knowledge, and of life? All of the above? Since to ‘be Christian’ is to be Christ’s one which practically means to live our life centered in Christ. All the other definition you gave are by-products of a Christ-life, and does not cause a Christ obsessed life.
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I wish I could have recorded the conversation I had on afternoon break with the questioner. Sometime this weekend I’ll do my best to translate it to a blog entry as best I can.
And you’re absolutely correct, Brandon. Sadly, by that definition — which seems so simple on the surface — it becomes clear that many things which are painted as “Christian” are far from such. Few are they who find the way.