“Disciples of Christ, you’ve got a great name for the 21st century!” These were Diana Butler Bass’ first words to the General Minister and President’s Pastors Conference. Later we knew better what she meant. “Identity is in the prepositions,” she told us. “It’s not just, ‘who are you?’ anymore. It’s ‘who are you in God?'”
We are Disciples of Christ. A movement for wholeness. It’s in the prepositions. Disciples of Christ. It defines our point of reference. Christ –who told us to construct surprising guest lists for our parties by inviting the poor. (Luke 14) Who said to love our enemies, forgive 70 times seven, worship God in Spirit and in truth. Disciples of – Christ, who talked to women, touched lepers, ate with sinners – and told us to do the same.
“Disciples of Christ”, a movement for wholeness, with a mission to be and to share the Good news of Jesus Christ. “Disciples of Christ” – my prayer is that we will live up to the name.
