Last Sunday's Worship

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Living Out Our Identity

On Sunday we looked again at the question Jesus asked his disciples - "Who do people say I am?" and "Who do you say I am?" As we explore the identity of BUCC we ask similar questions about our church. What we say and do not only shows people who we are, but reflects what we think about faith and God.

I shared that we send certain "brand signals" that communicate just who we are. Examples of brand signals are our pride flag, and the messages we put on the electronic sign. These show that we are a progressive church.

In addition to signs and symbols, there is us! We are brand messengers, because what we do communicates who we are and the values we live by as a faith community.

One of the things that came up at our Saturday meeting was the very strong brand image of Christianity – and how different that image is from how we, as a progressive church, consider Christianity. There was much discussion about opportunities for us to demonstrate a “different” kind of Christianity. One that is based on love and inclusion and equality.

In his article: "What I mean by progressive Christianity" author Hal Taussig talks about five brand promises in a progressive church. He says a progressive church (1) shows spiritual vitality and expressiveness, (2) has intellectual integrity, (3) doesn't worry about traditional gender boundaries. This includes sexual orientation, (4) has more open acceptance of the diversity of faith traditions, and (5) has strong ecological and justice commitments.

So - if that is the progressive church - and we fit into the definition – then the question is – do those outside this church see us in that way? Are we communicating our progressive values outside our doors?

Because if all we are saying is that we are a "friendly" church - we are saying exactly what every other church is saying. And be assured - all those churches that make you cringe - those that preach exclusion – they all say they are “friendly” churches.

But being progressive is being a different kind of Christian – a different kind of church. One of spiritual vitality, intellectual integrity, true diversity, acceptance of all, a commitment to justice.

Hal Taussig calls this lively, open-minded, open-hearted Christianity. I like that. I wonder if we could live that here at BUCC?