Monday Matters: Followers of Jesus vs. Christians

The interesting thing is, as we read in Acts 11, the first Christian didn't call themselves that. They were named that by others. They didn't spend time on a label, they spent time on mission and ministry.

I preached on this for Easter, if your interested: http://www.supload.com/listen?s=MbVQ6u

Well said Jon, and I think that is what the "follower of Jesus or Christ" label is supposed to hint at...that we are to be more than people of belief but of action.

We to in our class talked about the fact that whatever label we choose has the potential to be sullied...

I like your designation of normal people for those we might label as "non-Christain." That seems like a good way to get away from our labeling of "non-Christians."

I do think the word "Christian" is at least partly poisoned for a post-Christian culture. But as I see more people describing themselves as "followers of Christ," I am afraid that, too, will be poisoned. Postmoderns are very sensitive to marketing, and may see this as an attempt at rebranding.

Ultimately, I have found that what I call myself is less important than my actions. Are we open, generous, respectful and honest toward normal people (what most call "non-Christians")?