Saturday, January 06, 2007

Hesitant mission statements

I've been looking at some of the websites and descriptions of various Christian organizations here at WSU and many of them are very hesitant sounding. Consider this Presbyterian one:

"...a weekly worship service where university students get together to celebrate real life in Jesus Christ through song, prayer, teaching, and hanging out. It’s centered on making Jesus relevant, whether you are a skeptic, sitting on the fence, or actively maturing in your faith."


There's nothing wrong with hanging out for Jesus. All ministry must be personal or it is not effective ministry. But lets not start with the assumption that Jesus is irrelivant! Here's another one:

"...at WSU is an open and accepting Christian community (Koinonia) honoring diversity of persons and opinions, working for reconciliation and the integration of faith and learning for the Washington State University Community.

We are a group of seven Protestant denominations which have covenanted together to provide ministry opportunities to WSU students, faculty and staff.

The Common Ministry is an open and accepting Christian community: we strive to be in ministry with all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age."


That one doesn't even mention Jesus! I guess it wouldn't though, because it also uses its facility for the meetings of entirely different religions, such as Muslims.

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