I Don’t Identify With The “Brand” CHRISTIANITY

“Don’t lump me in with the crazies! Those guys are nuts. I am not like them.”

That is the sentiment that stood out to me while reading the below note. Something else really caught my attention. Having worked in advertising/marketing since my early twenties, from account exec to production, art director to communications director, and everywhere in between, the phrase “I Don’t Want To Identify With The ‘Brand’ Christianity” jumped off the screen at me.

While you read the below note, sent by a dedicated disciple of Jesus, ask yourself, 1) why does he feel like this and 2) does he have a point. I’d love to get your feedback.

My cause, my conversation, my missional life is directed to individuals outside of the Church… My purpose is to live out real Christianity on the dark side… My purpose is not to be more noise or to be a part of more controversy in the Christian conversation (regarding ministry).

To me, the Christian conversation is important but mostly it’s just becoming noise. Christians just keep looping and talking about what to do and how to do it… but it’s the same old thing… old wine in old wineskins. They refuse to get dirty.

Being a Christian in America often times means 1) frequenting contemporary Christian music-filled bookstores, 2) placing bumper stickers on SUV’s and mini-vans, 3) attending youth group functions where only Christian brands are sanctioned, 4) being entertained by TV Evangelists who steal, 4) and falling for pastors who preach while _____________ their secretaries, 5) and listening to politically-minded Christians spout their right wing fanaticism, all the while 6) the Church continues to spout, judge, lie, broadcast, fight, etc…

I’m not so much talking the reality of individuals who really love God and are doing the will of God… I am talking about what the world see’s. I don’t want to identify with the “brand” of Christianity. Real identity in Jesus is another story but having a voice from within this damaged, arrogant, platform? and too a Christian audience? Not for me! Nope!

For me, being a Christ follower in the circles we live & work in (nightclubs, bars, etc) might mean having a beer while listening to peers drop the F bomb, talk about their miserable lives in vile ways, detail their girlfriend’s, love-lifes, drugs of choice, etc. It might mean not judging them, just being there, loving them, spreading the contagious atmosphere of God’s to them in their environment… I am shattering their idea of a judgmental hypocritical Jesus.

At some point, I will figure out what/how to think properly about the Church and what to do with that truth. I am confused. Mary Magdalene is out there. She’s not in here. At the right time, if and when I ever have something I feel is Spirit-led and important, I will go on record… about Christian art/lifestyle, etc. All I have right now is probably just a ranting; it would do damage, cause controversy; only proving that I don’t know __________!

Do I sound like a brain-damaged fool?

“oh no I said too much… haven’t said enough; that’s me in the corner”

Note: The above email reminded me a film I recently watched called, “Lord Save Us From Your Followers.” Watch the clip below.

Can’t see the clip? Click here.