It is so hard. I find so many cultural assumptions – from myself and from others – working in ways that I just never expected. Conferences and articles do not prepare you for shared conversations and service, which are essential.
I know Sojo.net publishes a lot of articles telling people how hypocritical Republicans are, as well as how much “evangelicals” don’t follow Jesus as well as Progressive activists do. So, that’s helpful. And, there’s the activism. I have read a few of Wallis’ books though, and I’m not sure he supports the CRC’s theological interpretations or motivations. So, I suppose we could have official ties to The Acton Institute or The Christian Community Development Association.
Thanks, Dan! I’ve had conversations with people who push this “Rebel Jesus” image, and I’ve answered the same way:
“In reality, Jesus was the only conformist, surrounded by a mob of rebels.”
But it’s just not sexy enough. They get irritated, and they defend their autonomous, subjective morality because they crave the legitimacy and audacity of a righteous rebellion led by the status-quo’s Champion.
The problem comes when you use Scripture to explain how Jesus is not rallying a mob to overthrow Rome (which doesn’t require conforming to any Commandments); Jesus is calling us to conform to the Word of God. Unfortunately, Scripture starts poking at their heart, telling them that they are not a righteous rebel, but an unrighteous one like everybody else. At the end of the conversation, Jesus is the only righteous conformist, the allure of rebellion has nothing to do with Jesus, and we're all left needing a Savior who is righteous because he conformed to the Word and will of God. That’s when someone usually has an urgent matter to attend to...
As a pastor with 20 years experience in identity development & brand management, I want to ask: isn’t the CRC a working brand? If not, what makes it unworkable for congregational identity, both in large and small communities? Our denomination places a lot of importance on how much we can do together as a denomination, with a corresponding policy on ministry shares to make this happen! If the CRC asked the questions Church Juice poses, it might benefit all our congregations.
Thanks, Kristen. I’ve been working with a template for business cards, PPT, etc. that attempts to keep pace with the visual language of CRC communications (especially the website), and it seems to be holding together – so far, at least. Here’s a link, if you’re interested.
I do think that Eric (comment below) brings up a good point – if the CRC denominational agencies believe an independent brand is better received by their target audience, individual congregations cannot be expected to remain under a denominational visual identity. Much of the research that I’ve done and read regarding our name alone deals solely with the word “Reformed.” Practically, it’s a word that few people use today, and when used it evokes a negative history or even condemning, judgmental viewpoint. Many CRC members simply don’t want to have the educational discussion with persons who have little time for a history or theological lesson. Chalk one up for the times we live in.
On the other hand, a strong, positive, cohesive, and adaptable visual brand could increase in value if it was managed well throughout our congregations and ministries. Hence, asking the questions from Church Juice at a denominational level might be worthwhile.
Thanks for the info on the standards manual (and for the compliment)! I had no idea that CRC published a standards manual, so this is welcome information. It’s always a battle to manage a visual identity; keep up the good work.
I regularly do my “office” work at a nearby Starbucks. And the opportunities are not a myth – I have shared the gospel and my testimony on several occasions — sometimes at the expense of an hour of office work! I will continue to do this even though I have an actual office with lots of glorious shelf space for my books. People who are scared of God usually do not show up at your worship service at 9:00 am sharp. But, Starbucks is full of pagans ; ) who need to hear the gospel – and coffee is now a blessing of common grace (except for pumpkin spice – jury’s still out on that).
It’s probably just me, but I don’t think of peaceful anything when I hear the call to “raise hell.” Could you provide some context – maybe some examples of what Fr. Chacour was organizing and participating in that would be considered “raising hell?” I’m curious how to inform my congregation about organizing to promote justice without wearing facemasks and breaking windows.
Thanks for your honesty here, Josh. The fear is real for many of us in low-membership congregations as well, and this sheds light on a topic that many, I believe, are afraid to look at. May God bless you as you continue as a Minister of the Word.
I’m wondering if the tension we sometimes feel is because we tend to believe that we can separate the gospel from justice and peace; or that we can actually have true shalom and love without Holy Spirit-fueled redemption. Isn’t that the message of the gospel: that love and peace and justice can finally break into the world because our sin is crucified and through faith we are becoming the righteousness of God? Obviously, this is a primary argument. There are all sorts of secondary issues when dealing with people and culture. Jesus didn’t just preach and die – he grew up and walked and ate and drank and lived and laughed with the sinners he came to save. “Lifestyle evangelism” (as some call it) is right on the money, precisely because living the witness of the Kingdom day-in and day-out is not a program; it’s an abundant life with our God which is shared with neighbors. So, I’m guessing Jesus didn’t feel a lot of tension between evangelism and promoting social justice.
As to the original paragraph of the article, evangelism only seems to be a hidden agenda if you believe you have to hide Christ to truly have peace. On the other hand, if redemption is the greatest step toward true peace and justice, why would you hide Christ? The answer to the question seems to depend on how you see peace and justice realized on earth. If the victory of God over sin can come without the Son of God, then put him away and be done with him.
Can you give a little background on what “Scriptural Reasoning” with a Christian/Muslim group looks like for you – how gets started, what exactly you do, structure, allowance for expression, questions, etc.? I find that, the more we know about how things are supposed to “work” we can be less intimidated in starting the process. Thanks.
Posted in: God's Vision for the Church
It is so hard. I find so many cultural assumptions – from myself and from others – working in ways that I just never expected. Conferences and articles do not prepare you for shared conversations and service, which are essential.
Posted in: Concerns on Our Ecumenical Trajectory
I know Sojo.net publishes a lot of articles telling people how hypocritical Republicans are, as well as how much “evangelicals” don’t follow Jesus as well as Progressive activists do. So, that’s helpful. And, there’s the activism. I have read a few of Wallis’ books though, and I’m not sure he supports the CRC’s theological interpretations or motivations. So, I suppose we could have official ties to The Acton Institute or The Christian Community Development Association.
Posted in: Concerns on Our Ecumenical Trajectory
Holy cow, look at that. Thanks, Wendy!
Posted in: "The Rebel Jesus" - Worst Christmas Song Ever?
Thanks, Dan! I’ve had conversations with people who push this “Rebel Jesus” image, and I’ve answered the same way:
“In reality, Jesus was the only conformist, surrounded by a mob of rebels.”
But it’s just not sexy enough. They get irritated, and they defend their autonomous, subjective morality because they crave the legitimacy and audacity of a righteous rebellion led by the status-quo’s Champion.
The problem comes when you use Scripture to explain how Jesus is not rallying a mob to overthrow Rome (which doesn’t require conforming to any Commandments); Jesus is calling us to conform to the Word of God. Unfortunately, Scripture starts poking at their heart, telling them that they are not a righteous rebel, but an unrighteous one like everybody else. At the end of the conversation, Jesus is the only righteous conformist, the allure of rebellion has nothing to do with Jesus, and we're all left needing a Savior who is righteous because he conformed to the Word and will of God. That’s when someone usually has an urgent matter to attend to...
Posted in: Why Your Church Needs a Brand
As a pastor with 20 years experience in identity development & brand management, I want to ask: isn’t the CRC a working brand? If not, what makes it unworkable for congregational identity, both in large and small communities? Our denomination places a lot of importance on how much we can do together as a denomination, with a corresponding policy on ministry shares to make this happen! If the CRC asked the questions Church Juice poses, it might benefit all our congregations.
Posted in: Why Your Church Needs a Brand
Thanks, Kristen. I’ve been working with a template for business cards, PPT, etc. that attempts to keep pace with the visual language of CRC communications (especially the website), and it seems to be holding together – so far, at least. Here’s a link, if you’re interested.
I do think that Eric (comment below) brings up a good point – if the CRC denominational agencies believe an independent brand is better received by their target audience, individual congregations cannot be expected to remain under a denominational visual identity. Much of the research that I’ve done and read regarding our name alone deals solely with the word “Reformed.” Practically, it’s a word that few people use today, and when used it evokes a negative history or even condemning, judgmental viewpoint. Many CRC members simply don’t want to have the educational discussion with persons who have little time for a history or theological lesson. Chalk one up for the times we live in.
On the other hand, a strong, positive, cohesive, and adaptable visual brand could increase in value if it was managed well throughout our congregations and ministries. Hence, asking the questions from Church Juice at a denominational level might be worthwhile.
Thanks for your work.
Posted in: Why Your Church Needs a Brand
Thanks for the info on the standards manual (and for the compliment)! I had no idea that CRC published a standards manual, so this is welcome information. It’s always a battle to manage a visual identity; keep up the good work.
Posted in: The Power of Being Homeless
I regularly do my “office” work at a nearby Starbucks. And the opportunities are not a myth – I have shared the gospel and my testimony on several occasions — sometimes at the expense of an hour of office work! I will continue to do this even though I have an actual office with lots of glorious shelf space for my books. People who are scared of God usually do not show up at your worship service at 9:00 am sharp. But, Starbucks is full of pagans ; ) who need to hear the gospel – and coffee is now a blessing of common grace (except for pumpkin spice – jury’s still out on that).
Posted in: Raise Hell for Justice in Palestine
It’s probably just me, but I don’t think of peaceful anything when I hear the call to “raise hell.” Could you provide some context – maybe some examples of what Fr. Chacour was organizing and participating in that would be considered “raising hell?” I’m curious how to inform my congregation about organizing to promote justice without wearing facemasks and breaking windows.
Posted in: What Happens to the Pastor After a Church Closes?
Thanks for your honesty here, Josh. The fear is real for many of us in low-membership congregations as well, and this sheds light on a topic that many, I believe, are afraid to look at. May God bless you as you continue as a Minister of the Word.
Posted in: Is Our Goal to Dialogue or Evangelize Our Muslim Neighbors?
I’m wondering if the tension we sometimes feel is because we tend to believe that we can separate the gospel from justice and peace; or that we can actually have true shalom and love without Holy Spirit-fueled redemption. Isn’t that the message of the gospel: that love and peace and justice can finally break into the world because our sin is crucified and through faith we are becoming the righteousness of God? Obviously, this is a primary argument. There are all sorts of secondary issues when dealing with people and culture. Jesus didn’t just preach and die – he grew up and walked and ate and drank and lived and laughed with the sinners he came to save. “Lifestyle evangelism” (as some call it) is right on the money, precisely because living the witness of the Kingdom day-in and day-out is not a program; it’s an abundant life with our God which is shared with neighbors. So, I’m guessing Jesus didn’t feel a lot of tension between evangelism and promoting social justice.
As to the original paragraph of the article, evangelism only seems to be a hidden agenda if you believe you have to hide Christ to truly have peace. On the other hand, if redemption is the greatest step toward true peace and justice, why would you hide Christ? The answer to the question seems to depend on how you see peace and justice realized on earth. If the victory of God over sin can come without the Son of God, then put him away and be done with him.
Posted in: Bridges Between Christians and Muslims Begin with Friendship
Can you give a little background on what “Scriptural Reasoning” with a Christian/Muslim group looks like for you – how gets started, what exactly you do, structure, allowance for expression, questions, etc.? I find that, the more we know about how things are supposed to “work” we can be less intimidated in starting the process. Thanks.