Whereas: We are followers of Christ who are wary about things that are given the cultural label “Christian”; and
Whereas: “Christian” has become a term that has more to do with how one aligns oneself politically and socially, or how one behaves in relation to certain cultural mores, than it does with anything of the heart; and
Whereas: We want to be Christians – but with a new definition;
We have come to the following conclusions:
We are not trying to create a place of safety in the world. Instead, we have found a place in our hearts where Christ dwells, and this gives us courage to face the world as it is.
We realize our overall purpose is not to change the world (that kind of thing is beyond our control), but it is to bring comfort, peace, warmth, love, and aid to people who are in the world, in the name of Jesus and His gospel.
Even if we were able to control the moral standards of society we understand that we would not necessarily be furthering the cause of Christ by making people better. In fact, we recognize a selfish motive in wanting a better world so we can have a safer environment in which to live and raise our own families. This gives no regard that to the fact that “better” people without Christ still perish in their sins. A more moral society means little or nothing if people do not come into relationship with Christ.
We may not look or talk like traditional Christians because we hang around non-Christians a lot and have learned to play down our differences rather than exploit them, as some Christians before us. We have discovered that by identifying with sinners we are in a better position to introduce them to Christ than when we remain separate and aloof because we think we are “different” (which usually translates to “better” in their minds). The only people who are looking for perfect Christians to model their lives after are other Christians who have bought the lie that perfection is attainable.
We will not be offended by the language and behavior of non-Christians. We realize, because we know ourselves, that sinners sin. There is no reason to be appalled at this. If we were perfect and had no sin of our own, we could be appalled, but we are not without sin. The only thing that should offend us is the same thing that offended Jesus: self-righteous hypocrisy. We realize that in choosing to be offended by the normal behavior of non-Christians, we are turning ourselves into the very thing Jesus hated. We, who are worried about being offended, make ourselves an offense to God.
We have decided not to put any real stock in having famous people endorse Jesus and have concluded we would be happier having Jesus endorse us. Character is superior to fame and glory.
John Fischer The Catch 
this is very good: “…concluded we would be happier having Jesus endorse us. Character is superior to fame and glory.”
Perfectly communicated!! We must make this change to reach others with the life changing gospel of Jesus. Thanks for putting the struggle into written words, so many of us that have been attempting to plant seeds realizing that the old ideas do not work! Time to get real transparent as we show that Christians are no different than the UnChristians, except forgiven!
Wow… Thank you for putting into words how I feel. Jesus came to serve the world and He expects nothing less from us… Saints and sinners alike.
I can’t wait to read Part II. Part I seems to say it all! John, as usual, you have managed to put into words thoughts that I have in my mind, but am unable to verbalize. Thank you for your gift.
Your devotion confuses me. You say, “We will not be offended by the language and behavior of non-Christians. We realize, because we know ourselves, that sinners sin. There is no reason to be appalled at this.” Doesn’t it depend on the “behavior?” I know we are all sinners, but if someone uses my Lord’s name in vain, I am offended. I can’t help that. It just pierces my heart. There are many other behaviors too that might offend us.
My point is that our love for people should be greater than our offense.
John, I’m sorry, but I believe you are wrong about this – “We realize our overall purpose is not to change the world (that kind of thing is beyond our control), but it is to bring comfort, peace, warmth, love, and aid to people who are in the world, in the name of Jesus and His gospel.”
Our overall purpose is NOT to bring comfort, peace, warmth, love, and aid to people. This can be a by-product of our purpose, and sometimes, even a precursor to it, but our expressed purpose, according to Scripture, is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who don’t know Him, so they might receive eternal salvation.
Love first and last. The by-product of our love is to share the gospel.
I agree. I have had the privilege of being present when friends have prayed the prayer of salvation when I loved because He first loved me.
I love this and appreciate you for expressing the same feelings that I have about the connotation of the name “Christian” in the world.
As usual, you put the truth right out there. I’ve never been able to preach anyone to Christ but I’ve been able to love a few enough that they wanted to follow him. Love and understanding makes it a lot easier for someone to see Christ in us. Keep up the good work.
I appreciate your willingness to confront today’s “Pharisees” who claim to serve God, but are missing the mark of what a true Christian ought to be. How can we make a difference in our world? love and live like Jesus. Thanks for pointing out the obvious in such a clear and concise way.
Well said John; I can’t wait for part two of the “Marketplace Christians Manifesto”.
I’ve spent years feeling very lonely as a Christian by refusing to be part of a safe Christian Ghetto based on church services and meetings. My wife and I started a youth group in a local “sink” estate. We had to close after two years because, although we were based in the church building, no one else from church would help. 40-50 older teenagers are too many for a single couple to safely work with. The kids were too rough/loud/rude for them.
Thank you for coming up with a “tag” I could live with. Ralph is a “Marketplace Christian” sounds just fine to me.
God Bless
Alright!
I find that for many of us, your next-to-last paragraph is perhaps the most challenging, the biggest goad against which we kick. I especially like your choice of the word “appalled” — for this is exactly what most of us have been taught to be at the fact that sinners sin. What a difference it might make if we believers could be the first to stand up and say, when the world, itself, is appalled at something particularly egregious (think, for example, Jeffrey Dahmer), that the bigger marvel is that there aren’t more people like that. “There but for the grace of God go I” isn’t really something most of us believe in any deep place. I suspect most of us pay lip service to it from time to time, but really believe it? Few actually do.