Catching visions... dreaming dreams

John Smulo has been writing wish lists....

First for a truly missional church...

1. Missional Apologetics applies the insights of missiology, recognising that all Jesus-followers are called to be missionaries wherever they are.

2. Missional Apologetics emphasizes the importance of cultural studies and  cross-cultural principles.
3. Missional Apologetics understands the importance of contextualisation.

Read more here.

Then looking at the name Christan , and wondering if perhaps we need to " Re-brand ourselves...

Words have meaning because we give them meaning. Sometimes particular words lose meaning. Other times they take on new meanings that are loaded.

"Christian" is a word that has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used, and who is using it.

Below you will find a list of reasons why I struggle with the term "Christian" to represent faith in Jesus.

1. Because it has a lot of historical baggage.
2. Because it raises a lot of hurt for many people.
3. Because people think they have “Christians” all figured out.
4. Because it’s become a stereotype, even if often a painfully accurate one.

Read more here.

How about simply being called a Jesus Follower

1. It centres on Jesus.
2. It implies action.
3. It raises questions rather than answers...

more here..

and finally he is dreaming about a church where....

1. 1.I dream of a church where Jesus-followers hold firm to the essentials of the Christian faith, but charitably disagree on non-essential matters.
2. 2.I dream of a church that practises forgiveness.
3. 3.I dream of a church that is free of gossip and slander.
4. I dream of a church that is generous with grace, truth, mercy, patience, kindness, and love.
5. I dream of a church that seeks first the Kingdom of God.
6. I dream of a church where pastors are first and foremost equippers of the saints.
7. I dream of a church where "missional" isn't a buzz word, but a gospel mandate

And of course there is more here. So go join the debate, add a few thoughts/ dreams of your own... are there other lists we should be writing together?

1. 1.I dream of a church where Jesus-followers hold firm to the essentials of the Christian faith, but charitably disagree on non-essential matters.
2. 2.I dream of a church that practises forgiveness.
3. 3.I dream of a church that is free of gossip and slander.
4. I dream of a church that is generous with grace, truth, mercy, patience, kindness, and love.
5. I dream of a church that seeks first the Kingdom of God.
6. I dream of a church where pastors are first and foremost equippers of the saints.
7. I dream of a church where "missional" isn't a buzz word, but a gospel mandate