A Follower of Christ

Language Ministries: Georges Boujakly
Friday, July 22, 2005

I have been working with newcomers from the Middle East over the last three years in the Wichita area. Others from different mission agencies have been doing the same. Most do it with heart, soul, and much reflection. Those who do, honor Christ.

There is one lesson I have learned in the last three years. This lesson has helped me in this ministry. When I first began meeting students and immigrants from Arabic and non-Arabic speaking Muslim countries, I was quick to identify myself as a Christian. I no longer do so. In this, I share the company of followers of Christ in the New Testament.

It was in Antioch where the believers were first called Christians. This is an important detail. Notice they did not call themselves Christian. They were named so by others and the name stuck since then. However, no one in the New Testament ever identifies himself as a Christian.

The reason I do not call myself a Christian anymore when I am with people from Muslim countries is that I do not want to give a wrong impression. You see, for most Middle Easterners, the term Christian is not the good news I mean it to be. This word has baggage. For some of them, it carries the bad news of colonial occupation. For others it may mean oppression and even genocide. True, some who called themselves Christian acted more like the devil than like the Holy One of God. For others yet, Christian means America and some American entertainment they find extremely offensive.

So, how do I identify myself? Muslims, though they do not buy into Christianity or the church, are not opposed to Jesus (whom they call Issa). In fact, Jesus is held in high esteem (although their understanding of him is not sufficient). I would rather identify myself as a follower of Issa al Massih (Jesus the Christ). This is acceptable and welcomed. While identifying myself as a Christian creates an unnecessary barrier, calling myself a follower of Christ opens many opportunities for sharing the real good news of his death for sin, and resurrection life for all. Also calling myself a follower of Christ is culturally sensitive in that it puts the emphasis on a relationship with Christ, which is what true Christianity is.

If you do any cross-cultural witnessing, please keep in mind that some of the terms we use may not connect as favorably as you intend. Some may prohibit the very message you are trying to convey about the love of God in Christ.