Church Centered or Jesus Centered?
We have a problem in the American church. We each identify more with our respective church organization than we do with the Person of Jesus Christ. The term Christian appears 3 times in the NT. It first referred to someone who was a follower of Christ. Today, the word associates us with a group of people. If we say to an unbeliever, “I am a Christian.” What does that communicate? I submit it ties us to a group of people, or an organization and usually carries very strong stereotypes. (a right wing, conservative, evangelical, who is judgmental, and even hateful).
I am now careful to change my vocabulary. I do not identify myself as a Christian, I declare myself to be a “Follower of Jesus.” This may sound trivial, but allow me to illustrate the difference this has in our mindset and our attempts to lead a lost person to Christ.
Joe at Work #1
“Hey Joe, I would really love for you to come to our church. We have a great _______ I think you and your family will really like it.”
Analysis: What have I already taught Joe? To get right with God you need to go to church.
Joe comes to my church and hears my pastor present the Gospel.
Analysis: What second thing has Joe learned? Pastors present the Gospel.
The Gospel is the power of God to salvation. Joe trusts in Christ and becomes saved. Then we encourage Joe to leave all this drinking buddies, and join a church small group.
Analysis: Joe learns that he must separate from the world and build his life and relationships with fellow Christians at church.
Within one month, Joe #1 has become fully indoctrinated into a Church Centric Christian way of life. His focus and identity is connected to an organization, and he views making disciples as work that is accomplished at church, by trained professionals. Joe #1 is well on his way to becoming a doer of church.
Joe at Work #2
“Hey Joe, what do you use as your standard of right and wrong?” Over the period of weeks maybe months, Joe and I have spiritual conversations that I have initiated through intentional questions.
Analysis: What has Joe learned? This guy seems to integrate his religious views into real life. Interesting…
“Joe, can I tell you my story of what changed my life?” I tell Joe my salvation story.
Analysis: What has Joe learned? This guy claims to have a personal relationship with God, somehow related to Jesus.
Our conversations continue. “Joe, if you are interested, I would love to share with you what Jesus is really all about.” I present the Gospel to Joe.
Analysis: Joe learns that a right relationship with God comes only through Jesus, and followers of Jesus share the Gospel with others.
Joe trusts in Christ. We begin to meet together and study the Bible. I encourage him to share his story with those in his life who need Jesus.
Analysis: Joe learns that other believers help each other grow through Bible study, and that even as a new follower of Jesus, he can share his story with others.
I share with Joe the importance and the role the local church plays in the life of a follower of Jesus. I recommend to Joe a few good churches and invite him to my church.
From our first conversation, Joe #2 is urged to consider a personal relationship with God, that is offered through the person and work of Jesus Christ. From the very start, Joe #2 understands and has seen modeled, that followers of Jesus, share Jesus with others. Joe has begun to live a Christ centered Christian way of life. Joe #2 is well on his way to become a disciple maker.
Most of us are Joe #1. The attractional church model tends to produce Joe #1.
Jesus calls us to be and reproduce Joe #2.