One of my boys has been visiting a "XXXXist" to work out why he has a low attention span… I can answer that… cause his dad’s ADD.
Seriously though, I actually had to ask my wife what is a “XXXXist”? She replied, “It’s a doctor who specialises in helping kids to focus. To which I replied, “Oh, that’s cool, why not just say it??”
But seriously it’s kinda got me thinking about the names our churches have and how crazy they must sound to those who aren’t yet on the inside and in the gang.
Q. What comes to your mind when you hear the word Presbyterian?
That’s an actual question – I’d love for you to post a comment and honestly let me know. Cause I guess for many brought up in the Pressie church it brings good memories of wild youth groups, piping in the Haggis and solid bible teaching. But what about the thousands who’ve never experienced the joy of driving a dirk into a steaming sheeps gut? What does Presbyterian mean to those who’re on the outside,
I guess I'm sharing this because it's really another good reason to plant a new Presbyterian Church... there's no hang up with you must have 'presbyterian' in the name... I guess if you're only trying to make real 'Pressies' feel welcome and SCARE off everyone else (including baptists) that's what you'd do, you'd call yourself "Suburb Presbyterian Church - The local church for Presbyterians."
I love this quote from their website though…
"Question : To what denomination does Perimeter belong?
Answer : Perimeter Church actually belongs to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). We appear to be a non-denominational church because our focus is reaching the unchurched…"
That’s what I’m talking about!! I’ve got a mate from Uni who when he found out I’m now a Presbyerian Minister actually asked me, “So what religion is Presbyterial? Like Mormon or something?” And I had to explain to him - it's Christian. To which he replied, “Oh that’s cool - so what’s with the Presbyterial thing in the name? Talk about confusing.”
I'll settle with "Suburb/name Christian Church – the church for everyone." Much less baggage, much more open and much more welcoming to those who're far from God in a modern day Aussie context. Hmmm still like my wife when she wears tartan though…
