As we have been working on developing vision and mission statements as part of the Mission Forward process, one of the richest conversations we have been having is what words to use and not use regarding Christian faith. Are the words Christian, Christ or Jesus descriptive or are they words that have negative connotations in our cultural context?
This is an interesting time for the Christian faith in our context because it is hard to say “the” Christian faith. There are at least two very distinct paths of Christianity in our North American context. Michael Cohen wrote an article in the March 31st edition of The Globe and Mail, entitled, “HOLIER-THAN-THOU: The Battle for Christianity in Canada.” It is hard to summarize in a phrase or two the distinctions, but perhaps it has to do with whether or not we have accepted the end of Christendom. Is our understanding of God more about judgement or about acceptance? There are lots of factors but what concerns me is that the term Christian in too many minds has become synonymous with limited thinking and judgement.
In the Mission Forward process, we have engaged in conversation with about 25 community organizations. We have found out how they are serving the community and have been listening for needs and opportunities to collaborate. Cohen warns in the article that the greatest threat to the church is “the very real prospect of public irrelevance.” The mandate of the Mission Forward process is to look at discerning how Riverside United can remain relevant in the community.
So what words do we use? What words don’t we use? Words are important but it will be our actions that proclaim our faith. Let’s continue to wrestle with our mission as a community of faith that is inspired by Jesus.
