Bulletin Articles
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN – OR A CHURCH OF CHRISTER?
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN – OR A CHURCH OF CHRISTER?
Whenever I ask this question, I either get nods of understanding or looks of confusion. If you are part of the body of Christ, yet have no idea what a “Church of Christer” is, then it is very possible that you just might be one! So, if I’ve aroused your curiosity, then read on as we discuss this timely topic.
When I speak of “Church of Christers,” I am referring to a subtle, but very real error that stems from a misconception of the nature of the church which Jesus built (cf. Mt.16:18). In order to avoid confusion, I think it would be good to define a few words and phrases as we begin.
First, there is the word, “Christian,” which simply means “a follower of Christ.” This word is used three times in the Bible (Ac.11:26; Ac.26:28; and 1Pt.4:16). The word is a noun, and always describes people – not just “any” people, but people who ACTUALLY FOLLOW JESUS (cf. 1Jn.2:6). Today, this term is used far too loosely. For instance, some are called “Christians” regardless of whether their life falls in line with the will of Christ. Others use the word as an adjective instead of a noun. For example, we often hear the assertion that the United States is a “Christian nation.” Nothing could be further from the truth! The ONLY “Christian nation” we read about in the Bible is the church – i.e., the people of God (cf. 1Pt.2:9-10).
Second, there is the phrase, “church of Christ,” which is simply “a collection of Christians.” This phrase is used to refer to both the “universal” church (i.e., all of the saved, Mt.16:18; cf. Ac.2:47), as well as the “local” church (i.e., an organized local body of the saved, Ph.1:1; cf. 4:15).
Finally, there is the phrase, “church of Christer” – a term which I am using to denote a Christian whose loyalty lies more with “the church” than with Christ. As noted earlier, this is a subtle, but very real error. In Scripture, the emphasis is placed upon CHRIST (note the word “Christian,” as well as the phrase, “church of Christ”). By contrast, a “church of Christer” has developed a misplaced emphasis and sectarian loyalty to a certain group of people.
To further develop my theme, consider Acts 11:19-24. In this text, we read that Christians were “preaching the Lord Jesus” (v.20). As a result, “a great number believe and turned to the Lord” (v.21). The church at Jerusalem heard about this and sent Barnabas, who encouraged them to “continue with the Lord” (v.22-23). As a result of the teaching of Barnabas, “a great many people were added to the Lord” (v.24). Note very carefully the emphasis placed upon “the Lord” in this text, for that is no accident! The “church of Christer” fails to place the proper emphasis upon “the Lord,” and has replaced it with an emphasis on “the church.” So how does this error manifest itself?
The “church of Christer” is all about the church. He often sings the praises of the church, and works hard to convert people to the church. In short, he glorifies the church. By contrast, the Scripture says that GOD should get the glory – and that the church should give it (Ep.3:21).
The “church of Christer” is more concerned about what “we” believe, than what Christ actually said. He lets others do his studying for him (e.g., preachers, elders, magazine editors, college professors). He will refuse to take a stand on anything until he has consulted the big-shots! When it comes to a doctrinal “show-down,” he will take his stand with the big-name preachers, the majority, or the building instead of Christ. The sad thing is, one may stay true to the big-shot preachers, the majority of brethren, or to the building – AND YET LEAVE CHRIST! Indeed, this is precisely how denominationalism has taken such a hold in our religious world! Sadly, we recognize it in others; but often fail to recognize it in ourselves.
Do not be deceived! A misplaced loyalty to the church is the pathway to apostasy – for if “the church” goes astray, and you stay with “the church,” you will go astray with them (cf. Ac.20:30). The truth is that a steadfast loyalty to Christ is the ONLY thing that will make a “church” that is truly “OF Christ” (Ep.5:23-24).
--Lanny Smith
