Changing the Face of Christianity

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You are here: Home / Archives for Christian News and Insights

How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home

March 19, 2014 By Barrett Johnson Leave a Comment

Slide1Every Imperfect and Normal Family wants their kids to turn out right. So, we establish goals for character development and try to create an environment where our kids can mature. Church, school, sports teams, family relationships… each of these provides a context where our kids can learn to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Unfortunately, our “good” objectives might have absolutely nothing to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we inadvertently end up raising pagans instead of Christians.

 We end up teaching the wrong thing because we have the wrong objectives.

Too many times, (Christian) parents have it as their goal to make their kids good and moral. It is as if the entire purpose of their family’s spiritual life is to shape their children into law-abiding citizens who stay out of trouble. The only problem with this goal is that it runs in stark contrast to what the Bible teaches. The gospel is not about making bad people moral, but about making dead people alive. If we teach morality without the transforming power of the gospel and the necessity of a life fully surrendered to God’s will, then we are raising moral pagans.

We end up teaching the wrong thing because we have the wrong objectives.

This sentiment was stirred in me afresh when I read an interview with Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer. He was reflecting on how the “Christian message” he was trying to teach wasn’t Christianity at all…

“I looked back at the previous 10 years and realized I had spent 10 years trying to convince kids to behave Christianly without actually teaching them Christianity. And that was a pretty serious conviction. You can say, “Hey kids, be more forgiving because the Bible says so,” or “Hey kids, be more kind because the Bible says so!” But that isn’t Christianity, it’s morality. . .

And that was such a huge shift for me from the American Christian ideal. We’re drinking a cocktail that’s a mix of the Protestant work ethic, the American dream, and the gospel. And we’ve intertwined them so completely that we can’t tell them apart anymore. Our gospel has become a gospel of following your dreams and being good so God will make all your dreams come true. It’s the Oprah god.”

So what is your objective?

Do you teach your kids “be good because the Bible tells you to” or do you teach your kids that they will never be good without Christ’s offer of grace? There is a huge difference. One leads to moralism; the other leads to brokenness. One leads to self-righteousness; the other leads to a life that realizes that Christ is everything and that nothing else matters.

I want my kids to be good. We all do. But as our kids grow up, the truth of the gospel can easily get lost somewhere between salvation (where we know we need Jesus) and living life (where we tend to say “I’ve got this”). My experience is that the vast majority of parents are encouraging moral behavior in their kids so that God will bless their (usually self-centered) pursuits. It’s the American Dream plus Jesus. And it produces good, moral pagans.

Because the world has enough pagans. Even plenty of really nice ones.

Consider the key objectives you have for your kids. Seriously, take a minute to think about what would deem you a successful parent. If your goals are focused on your kids’ behavior, their happiness, or their accomplishments (but don’t include a dependence upon Christ and a submission to His will and work), then you might want to make some adjustments.

Because the world has enough pagans. Even plenty of really nice ones. What we need is kids who fully grasp the reality that they have nothing to offer, but who intimately know a God who has everything they need.

*I have added a follow-up post that offer some suggestions of How to Guide Your Kid to a Faith That Lasts. I hope it’s helpful!

*Check out my brand new book: The Talk(s): A Parent’s Guide to Talking about Sex, Dating, and Other Unmentionables. It has been developed to assist parents as they help their kids navigate our hyper-sexualized culture. Whether your kids are 6 or 16, it provides practical help to help your kids to make wise choices in a messed-up world. Find out more at www.infoforfamilies.com.

 

Filed Under: Being Like Jesus Christ, Christian News and Insights, Opinions and Editorials, Pop Culture Christianity, Superficial Tagged With: children, Christians, God, love, pagan, Religion, vision

Unpacking the Vision

March 12, 2014 By R. Brad White Leave a Comment

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We recently re-stated our ministry’s vision after several months of praying, thinking, and discussing. It’s BIG and BOLD and captures the essence of what we’ve been working towards from the very beginning.

My goal here is to help you understand the vision so that it’s crystal clear in your mind.

 

 

Our Vision is to See All Christians Authentically Loving God and Loving Others.

“All Christians”

Note I didn’t say all people. We are about helping Christians (and those seeking Him). We’re trying to help those that want to be helped….those that acknowledge they need help. And through our message we are trying to convict folks that they need help. We aren’t trying to go out and evangelize and get new/more people into the kingdom. We believe that will happen naturally as the result of our work, but it’s not our focus. Helping those that are already here is already a God-sized challenge. And so we are confident that God will bring people that He calls into His church. For our part, He has given us the burden of helping them once they walk through that door.

“Authentically”

This qualifies the words that follow about loving God and loving others. Authentically means it’s real, sincere, genuine, and tangible. Going through the motions is not authentic.

the greatest commandment is to love God will ALL of our heart, mind, soul, and strength

Having great intentions or thoughts is not authentic. Jesus called out as a role model the Good Samaritan. He didn’t hold him up as a role model because he said “that’s really sad, I’ll pray for him” and continued walking by. The good Samaritan adjusted his life at a crucial moment in order to help his fellow man. His love was authentic and our love should be the same.

We all struggle with authenticity now and then. We want to do so much for so many people that we quickly become overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Or we give a little money to a good cause because it’s a whole lot easier than the alternatives. We often have great intentions, such as having a daily quiet time with our Lord, but then our busy lives cause us to lose focus and retreat from our plans.

“Loving God”

Our vision is based on Matthew 22:36-40. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God will ALL of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. This means we can’t pay lip service to loving God or partially loving God. He doesn’t want our divided attention. It begs the question “What does it mean to love God?” This means to truly (authentically) worship Him, praise Him, seek to know Him, seek to follow His ways, and ultimately to obey Him. We are to align our ways to His ways. We are to change our thinking to His thinking. We are to change our hearts to His heart. We are to live in His strength, not our own strength.

This is an area that I admittedly struggle. I think we all do. I don’t put myself on a pedestal and say “look at me” as a perfect example. I’m far from it. Like the apostle Paul, I’m merely human. The question in my mind is whether as a Christian I am struggling towards that ideal, acknowledging the grace that Christ gives even in my failing attempts, or is struggling towards that ideal not even on my radar.In this sense, our vision is an ideal worth seeking after. Are you seeking after it or not? You might know OF Christ or ABOUT Christ…but do you KNOW him and LOVE him enough to OBEY him?

humbly serve one another as an expression and reflection of God’s love for us

“and Loving Others” 

Jesus said that loving others was the 2nd greatest commandment. The Good Samaritan parable applies here as well. Loving others certainly includes praying for others, but it mustn’t stop there. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those we encounter, to love them in practical ways. I’m reminded of the teaching from James 2:16, “If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” We are to feed the hungry, clothe the clothe-less, and care for orphans and widows. We are to care for our families, our neighbors, as well as love those we consider to be our enemies. We are to humbly serve one another as an expression and reflection of God’s love for us.

This too is not easy. It’s so much easier to think about and serve ourselves. That’s what comes naturally. But God never suggested that we should act naturally. Instead, God wants you and I to get out of our own skin long enough to see the world through His eyes and to authentically love others.

So, our vision is to see all Christians authentically loving God and loving others. It’s an ideal worth pursuing and a calling we take seriously. Won’t you join us?

 

 

Filed Under: Being Like Jesus Christ, Christian News and Insights Tagged With: Christians, God, love, vision

Want to Create More Christian Disciples in 2014?

December 31, 2013 By R. Brad White 9 Comments

bigstock-Silhouette-of-man-and-sunshine-18659549When I talk with fellow Christians, many say that they would like to share their faith, bring more Christians in the door, and help other Christians grow in spiritual maturity. But they often don’t know WHO or HOW. It’s usually just a lack of self-confidence.

That’s understandable. But it doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference for God’s Kingdom. You Can!

What if there was an organization already helping Christians grow? What if there was an organization already working very hard to create Disciples of Jesus Christ? And what if you could make a difference…not by doing the work yourself, but by supporting an organization already doing the work?

Well, that’s what we’re already doing. And you can help us keep doing it in 2014’…all for God’s glory, by simply supporting us with your year-end, tax deductible financial gift. Read a testimony of our impact below. 

The result of your partnership with us is Christ-transformed lives.

Donate

https://changingthefaceofchristianity.com/donate/

And if you want to get involved further and actually help us with the work, we need more spiritually mature Christians to act as mentors (disciples) for others. And if you don’t feel as strong in your faith and biblical understanding, why not ask us for a Christian mentor to help you? Our email-based Discipleship program is thriving doing just that; connecting Christians to help one another; creating Disciples of Jesus Christ. Just follow our discipleship program link to get connected.

Testimony from K. Wade: “The idea behind the mentoring program may be primarily to help the mentee but I was getting just as much help as she was. God was keeping me on my knees in prayer about the worthiness of my own spirituality to be guiding someone else’s as well for the mentee that I grew to love in just a few short weeks as if she were my own daughter. I was blessed beyond measure through this program.”

Filed Under: Christian News and Insights Tagged With: Changing the Face of Christianity, christian love, disciple

Experience the Joy of Discipleship This Christmas

December 24, 2013 By R. Brad White Leave a Comment

Experience the Joy of Discipleship This ChristmasWhen you partner with us to disciple someone, you’re helping change that person’s life…forever! Miracles can happen when authentic love for God and loving others change the world they live in…even with global results.

Discipleship is a crucial piece of the puzzle that is missing in Christian communities today. People are busy. Churches often need help. Families are fragmented.

The solution is simple. Your financial partnership helps us to collaborate with churches and individuals who long to see all Christians respond, in unity with spiritually mature lives, to a world of confusion, turmoil, and suffering. 

The result of your partnership with us is Christ-transformed lives

With your prayers and financial help, YOU can be part of the solution.

Help us grow Disciples in Jesus and become a part of our GOD-SIZED vision of the future. If you believe in our cause,
please contribute by December 31 and see your donation doubled up to $2,500.

bigstock-Donate-Button-13675682 [Read more…]

Filed Under: Christian News and Insights, Christians Doing Good Tagged With: Changing the Face of Christianity, christian love

A New Bold Vision Of The Future

December 18, 2013 By R. Brad White Leave a Comment

Our Mission and Vision

Every few years, it’s good to revisit what you are doing and why. This ministry is no exception. In fact, through the help of some very wise counsel, we have actually defined our vision of the future for the 1st time since founding Changing the Face of Christianity.

We have always been focused on reversing negative Christian stereotypes and I thought that was actually a vision/mission. As it turns out, that was really more of an anti-vision. In other words, we knew what we wanted to change (negative stereotypes), but we never clearly defined what we wanted to change TO. In comes the vision….

Our Vision

Our Vision is to See All Christians Authentically Loving God and Loving Others (Matthew 22:36-40)

What’s Next?

Our Vision is to see all Christians authentically loving God and loving others

 So, does this mean we are no longer focused on reversing negative Christian stereotypes? Not at all. One of our strategic goals will continue to address that problem. However, what it does mean is we have a clearer focus on what we are working towards. Our mission will be to work on strategic, purposeful goals that will lead us to fulfillment of the vision. In my view, negative Christian stereotypes will be reversed when we start authentically loving God and loving others. I’ll post more on our redefined mission statement as well as our strategic plan in an upcoming article. If you want to see our Strategic Plan google doc, click here. We’re busy working on a three-year strategic plan, with measurable goals, benchmarks, core values, etc. Check out the google doc to see our progress.

We hope you will enthusiastically join us in passionately pursuing this new bold vision of the future. Leave a comment and share your thoughts about our new vision below. Thanks!

Filed Under: Being Like Jesus Christ, Christian News and Insights Tagged With: Changing the Face of Christianity, christian love

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