#4 The unchurched are............"

Boy do I hate that term "unchurched."  At least my Lutheran brothers and sisters are less prone to use the other terms "unbelievers" or "backsliders" in this attempt to quantify faith.  When we use a word like 'unchurched' we imply that there is a cosmic obligation to speak about the faith the way that those inside the church do.   We announce that the church is the litmus test of the presence of faith.

Jesus never, never, never, never called his disciples to 'church' the people.  Jesus did not come to 'church' the world.  Jesus was not interested in whether you had taken membership classes. He works with disciples of 'little faith' throughout the entire gospel of Matthew.

Jesus wanted to know if you could see the injustice that this world sanctifies and wanted to do something about it.  Jesus wanted to know if you could recognize a blessing when it fell into your hands, and then make use of it for the sake of others.  Jesus wanted to know if your heart was filled with compassion or critique, because that is the kind of kingdom Jesus was establishing: a place of justice, mercy, compassion and blessing.

These are not strictly Christian or church concepts.  But these are the concepts at the center of Jesus' desire for this creation.  Certainly Jesus spoke of judgment, yet in these terms:  when God's kingdom is all in all, those who have chosen injustice over justice will find themselves outside the gate.  It was their choice from the beginning and they have condemned themselves.

We are not called to seek the unchurched....or label them or call them names.  We are to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6.8)  When we are busy doing that, we can talk with others who are on the same journey about the God who has shown us the way and called us to action.

We can invite them to know this God whom we know.  Sort of how Jesus did it.