11 May 2009
Why must there be “Christian” this and “Christian” that?
Posted by craigkendall under: Body Design; Foundation .
I was just on Meetup.com responding to some messages and checking the schedule for the week to make sure the groups I was part of are on my schedule for the week, and looking to see what new groups might have bloomed over the last week. I’ve found Meetup.com is a great place to discover opportunities to get plugged as an “as you are going” Christ Follower.
This morning I see a Northern Colorado Christian Business Something Or Other… Can anyone tell me why business people need to have a “Christian” business organization? You have “church” to gather with others you consider likeminded. Why this cultic practice of subdividing yourselves from every opportunity for relationships where you could be useful to Father?
This is directly counter to how you see Jesus walking among us. Other than his group of the twelve he was consistently out among the people at their events and their gatherings. He neither practiced nor advocated a “Christian subculture” removed from the step and pace of everyday life.
Perhaps it’s because we have confused being separate in how we live our lives among the rest of the world as Jesus did, in how we determine our priorities with just being separate completely. While those who follow Christ were dubbed “the called out ones” by Jesus, I don’t believe we were called out to be closed away, closed minded, closed off, closed down — a closed subculture.
Your church staff will be very frustrated with me on this one, but let me challenge you to go to Meetup.com, find a group that shares your hobby or work interests and plug int to see how Father can use you in a group outside the walls of the subculture you’ve been hiding in without realizing it.
5 Comments so far...
Scott Eaton Says:
11 May 2009 at 1:20 pm.
Hey Craig,
I cannot speak for others, but this is one church staff guy who is not frustrated at all with what you said. On the contrary, just yesterday I told the dear brothers and sisters in our fellowship gathering that some of them spend too much time “at church” and need to spend more time with people who do not follow Jesus.
I also asked them to quite the “Christian” bowling league and join a normal one. Stop the “Christian” aerobics class and go to a normal one. I told them to get out of the ridiculous “Christian subculture” and start hobbying more and hanging out more with those who do not follow Jesus. I challenged us all to live among people in the real world like Jesus did.
So this is one church staff guy that really likes this post. By the way, you should post more. 
Scott
WriteonBro Says:
12 May 2009 at 6:49 am.
Identifying yourself as a Christian this or that isn’t an attempt to isolate or separate, but an open invitation to non-Christians to ask questions, get first hand answers on why and what we believe and to share with other like minded individuals in the workplace and other settings outside the hallowed walls.
If grown men can paint themselves green and put a lump of cheese on their head to support their favorite team…by golly a little sign saying Christian over here is our way of saying, I’m a believer and I’m proud.
craigkendall Says:
12 May 2009 at 7:24 am.
Scott, it’s so refreshing to see someone “inside” getting it and pushing it out to his folks and pushing them out to those in need. Push on!
WriteonBro, your perspective is interesting. I took a look at your blog. It definitely says “Christian” a few times. I guess according to your analogy you are the super fan. But, it’s obvious that I disagree. I can’t see Jesus painting himself “Christian” and putting a steeple on his head in any environment. And if anyone ever had reason to make a spectacle of himself I would say Jesus did, and yet did not.
Ray Carman Says:
12 May 2009 at 9:35 am.
Always stirring the pot! Won’t ever leave them “Christians” alone and let them enjoy their world! Who you trying to be like, Jesus?
Sheesh!
Scott Eaton Says:
12 May 2009 at 10:29 am.
WriteonBro,
I have never known those who are not followers of Christ to be drawn to things called “Christian.” In my experience it does not create curiosity or extend and open invitation, instead it often quickly shuts down a conversation. People must know we are Christians not by the signs we hang, but by the lives we live. Free lives, loving lives, non-judgmental lives, Jesus led lives, etc. This is what will open an invitation and provoke non-Christ-folowers to ask questions. Then we can share with them the good news of Jesus and His Kingdom.
