Each
item in a centered set is defined by its relationship to the center.[i]
While the bounded set is static, the centered set is dynamic. Objects are included
in the set based on how they orient themselves toward or away from a center.
In
the Christian Church, Christ is the center (see figure). It is not important how
far away from Christ a person is, as long as that person is oriented toward
Him. On the other hand, if a person is not moving toward Christ, he or she is
not part of the set. It matters not how close that person might be to the
center. A biblical example of being close, but not included would be the
Pharisees. They were physically and theologically close, and could have
embraced Jesus, but they turned away from Him.
An
additional characteristic of the centered set is that an object can change its
direction, and turn toward or away from the center. If that happens, the set
redraws its boundary in order to include or exclude it.
Application
The
Scriptures teach that anyone who receives Jesus as Savior is included in the
fellowship of the Kingdom. He becomes the true center of our lives. It matters
not how far away from Christ that person may be in lifestyle or knowledge of
Scripture when they accept Him. Jesus ministered to and drew all kinds of
people to Himself, even those whom the religious establishment had excluded as
being unfit. And Paul referred to the behaviorally-challenged Corinthians as
saints.
Often,
the new convert has much to learn on his or her journey toward the Master. No
matter how far from maturity a person may be, if he or she keeps moving toward Christ,
he or she is still included in the centered set.
If
reconnecting the church to a culture that is complex is our objective, a
centered set model is inclusive of all who confess Christ no matter who they
are or where thy have come from. The reason is that Jesus is the center.
The
Church as a Centered-Set
The centered-set church is the congregation
that gathers around Christ to worship, obey, follow, and to serve. They form a
community characterized by love, forgiveness, mercy, truth, goodness, humility,
koinonia (fellowship),
and shalom (peace and
well-being). In this model, the Church sees its function
as bringing those who have received Jesus as their Savior into Christian
maturity.
With the increased prevalence
of complex culture in our neighborhoods, the centered-set church will be
welcoming of everyone living there, based on their commitment to Christ. Evangelism
and discipleship will be stressed equally in centered-set churches. The task of
the Church will be to build a community of faith that makes disciples of new
believers no matter who they are or where they come from.
One danger of centered sets is
that something else could take the place of Christ at the center of the set. Examples
of what might replace Him would be legalism, tradition, or secularism.
How does your church determine
who is included in membership?
What are the demographics of
the neighborhood of your church? Include the age differences, income levels,
race, and culture of the inhabitants.
What are the demographics of
your church?
How do they compare?
What additional things could displace
Christ as the center?
[i] Paul G. Hiebert. Anthropological
Relfections on Missiological Issues. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1994), p.
110ff.
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