Disciple or Citizen?

Would you consider yourself a disciple or a citizen of the church?

Our calling is to make disciples, yet at times we seem to be better at making citizens.

I was challenged by this quote in a book I am re-reading, Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.

The churches have become so accommodated to the American way of life that they are now domesticated, and it is no longer obvious what justifies their existence as particular communities. The religious loyalties that churches seem to claim and the social functions that they actually perform are at odds with each other. Discipleship has been absorbed into citizenship.

Here is the difference according to http://www.dictionary.com/:

Citizen - A resident, especially one entitled to vote and enjoy other privileges there.

Disciple - Someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another.

Without realizing it many churches have produced great citizens of their church. They have committed people who attend every week. They know what the church has to offer them and they enjoy taking full advantage of it. This church is only changing in ways that will make its members happier and more comfortable. It has been very cautious in the area of expectations out of fear of losing a 'tithing unit.'

A community that makes disciples in much different. They understand that the church is the people who gather each week. As those people leave the parking lot each weekend, they are still the church. Monday at work...they are the church. Tuesday at baseball practice...they are the church. Friday with the friends...they are the church.

A disciple making community is a risk taking community. It has expectations that are found in the Scripture. Expectations like membership, maturity, and real ministry that engages people where they are.

I am proud of the community of believers I am a part of. I love the mission we share to "Make Disciples: More Disciples and Better Disciples." We certainly have some citizens among us...but they are starting to wake up to the reality they were not called to dwell in one comfortable place, but to go into all the world with a mission of love and a message of hope.

Are you a citizen or disciple? There is a difference.