unchristian

"Christianity has an image problem."

We have a responsibility to have a sober, reasonable understanding of the perspectives of our families and friends.

"Outsiders" view the church as infatuated with itself.

"Outsiders" perceive that Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind, that Christianity in our society is not what it was meant to be.

It is popular to be different, under the radar, and independent - Christianity doesn't feel like that.

*Our task is to be effective agents of spiritual transformation in people's lives, whatever the cost in time, comfort, or image.

Relationships are the driving force.

The young generation is in a constant search for fresh experiences and sources of motivation.

We [Christians] have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for.

3 Common Perceptions of Christians:
- Antihomosexual
- Judgmental
- Hypocritical

We are more concerned about being "right" than listening...

*How can people love God, whom they can't see, if those of us who claim to represent him don't respond to outsiders with love?

Jesus was concerned about the reputation of his Father in heaven - Your life shows other people what God is like! What others see from Christians creates their ideas about the reality and authenticity of following Christ. Transparency disarms an image-is-everything generation.

(Notes taken from "Unchristian", by David Kinnaman and the Barna Group)