For those who do not like the term “unchurched”.

[2+2=5]

What would you suggest for a concise alternative name for this forum?

[watchman7]

"Believers, Christians, Members of the Body of Christ, who do not attend Institutional Christian Organizations"
The true Church is organic not organizational.

[2+2=5]

"Believers, Christians, Members of the Body of Christ, who do not attend Institutional Christian Organizations"

I was looking for something a little shorter; you have to remember that the longest forum name contains four words. :)

[watchman7]

If you really have control over changing the name of this forum, just leave off "Unchurched" unless you are referring to unbelievers.

It's sad that the institutional church has become known as THE church in the USA.
This only confuses the lost even more so.
What's even more detrimental is that many believers have become confused. (Terminology?)
All outside the true church ( Body of Christ) are lost.
Terminology is important. Location of assembly is not important except by identifying it by locality. No one has convinced me otherwise up this point.
I think the real problem lies in the institutional church denominations.
Denominations are unscriptural.
One of Paul's main concerns was maintaining the unity of believers.
The early church was known and called by its locality of assembly.
These assemblies were primarily located in homes.
I don't recall reading of the unchurched in Paul's epistles.
There was then as there are now Jews, Gentiles and Christians.
There wasn't Methodists, Baptists, Conservatives or any other division in the Body of Christ nor is there division in reality now.
If ther is division, it is because we have created that perception.
We should really be using this forum for promoting unity and "fellowship" of believers.
What other forum can you really do this?
My personal opinion is that this Home Church forum is the most relevant forum in this website with relavance to Christianity.
You mentioned obedience in another thread. Who are we to say whether Another's servant is obedient or not?
Study the Word and pray for your brethren in Christ wherever they assemble.
Be sure of what you believe. Back it up with scripture. Always speak with the love of Christ.

[Johnnz]

Some use the term micro church.

Really, what we all should be focusing on is not 'going to' or 'belonging to' but 'being' the church - a term used in the NT to refer to people, not buildings and institutions.

John
NZ

[growingupinhim]

seekers!

[Count]

Christians out of the organized church.

[New_Wineskin]

"Unaffiliated" sounds good to me

[2+2=5]

It's sad that the institutional church has become known as THE church in the USA.
This only confuses the lost even more so.
What's even more detrimental is that many believers have become confused. (Terminology?)
All outside the true church ( Body of Christ) are lost.
Terminology is important. Location of assembly is not important except by identifying it by locality. No one has convinced me otherwise up this point.
I think the real problem lies in the institutional church denominations.
Denominations are unscriptural.
One of Paul's main concerns was maintaining the unity of believers.
The early church was known and called by its locality of assembly.
These assemblies were primarily located in homes.
I don't recall reading of the unchurched in Paul's epistles.
There was then as there are now Jews, Gentiles and Christians.
There wasn't Methodists, Baptists, Conservatives or any other division in the Body of Christ nor is there division in reality now.
If ther is division, it is because we have created that perception.
We should really be using this forum for promoting unity and "fellowship" of believers.
What other forum can you really do this?
My personal opinion is that this Home Church forum is the most relevant forum in this website with relavance to Christianity.
You mentioned obedience in another thread. Who are we to say whether Another's servant is obedient or not?
Study the Word and pray for your brethren in Christ wherever they assemble.
Be sure of what you believe. Back it up with scripture. Always speak with the love of Christ.
Perhaps I should have clarified more clearly.
I had no intention to argue, I was merely asking what would be a good alternative name for this forum since an un-churched Christian is a contradiction if we are going to use the real meaning of “Church”.

I think “unaffiliated and seekers” would be a great alternative.
“Christians out of the organized church.” Is terrific, but I think it may be a little long..

[watchman7]

No argument intended. Good question. Promotes thinking. I like that. Don't know your real intention though.

[2+2=5]

Don't know your real intention though
My intention is to change the name of this forum if possible, and it is helpful to have an alternative name; hence, my question:)

[joyfulkeeper]

I've been thinking about the term 'unchurched' lately. I'm leaning towards liking it. Only because I've read some articles that the word church is not related to the word ekklessia. They come from two totally unrelated words. We know that ekklessia means 'called out ones'. I've read that 'church' comes from the same word that we get circle, etc from. It comes from the word cirque. It was used in pagan worship, since they stood in a circle. It wouldn't surprise me, what with all the other pagan practices we have allowed. Now, I could be completely wrong here. I can find the links and post them here if anyone is interested.
Anyway, if there is truth to it, then I would say that I am definitely unchurched, but I am a called out one. I like belonging to the Way. Or follower of Jesus Messiah. Or Christian.
Blessings.

[sitebuilder]

I JUST found this forum and was looking for something to read on Home/Simple/Organic Church. If that what is primarily discussed, I would put all those words (Home - Simple - Organic - Church) as the forum title. Not because we believe it is the best name, but most accurately describes the content of the forum given what people usually associate with. Exacting definition can actually hinder your purpose by omitting "church".

Further, having "unchurched" almost kept me from even looking.

There's an opinion ... I have a nose on my face too! ;-)

[rocklife]

The term unchurched sounds like someone who doesn't know God and the Bible and Jesus. A name- change would be good. Jesus says the church is his body, I am definitely not "unchurched"- He is my Life!

[Bevlina]

My intention is to change the name of this forum if possible, and it is helpful to have an alternative name; hence, my question:)
The Forum has been named. And it stays as Erwin has it. This is a newer Forum and personally, I love it. Which church do you attend?

[rocklife]

Church of Jesus christ, with God Creator of all Life!

(see, His body is a church, not an "un")

[watchman7]

The Forum has been named. And it stays as Erwin has it. This is a newer Forum and personally, I love it. Which church do you attend?

It doesn't appear that he placed much thought into the name since it is in the "Christians Only" forum.
Unchurched to the unaffiliated Christians means those outside the church.
How can Christians be outside the church?
But, you guys seem adamant about the name.

I think you have tapped into a large group of Christians that you were unaware of that existed and that cannot or will not exist in your presuppsitions.

However, I am grateful for the opportunity and forum to express differing views.

[Hisrosebud]

why does a forum name have to stay? Is there a rule that it has to stay? If it causes a misrepresentation of the people here, couldn't it change?

just wondering.

If ekklessia describes the people here, why not that word?

jane

[Bevlina]

Christians can be unchurched. What about the ones in Hospital? Ones who cannot get to a church? There are many reasons a Christian can be Unchurched. And, that is why it is called Unchurched.

[rocklife]

a christian in a hospital is still part of Christ's spiritual body, which is the church of Christ. I don't mean to nitpick about a word, this particular word though, means the christian is not with Jesus, because He is the church, and that is NOT TRUE.

"For the husband is the head of the wife as CHrist is the head of the church, his body, of which He is the SAvior." Eph 5:23, "And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." Col 1:18

Please, listen to the sheep, we are the ones you are supposed to serve, I say this in love. We need and want the bible definition, we christians are not "un" churched, that would mean we aren't with Christ, which is a lie. Don't put this word on us to please some unbiblical purpose or people. WE want the Bible!

Dear God, please help our leaders, please give them wisdom, discernment, and love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

[Plan 9]

There's a thread asking that the name be changed.
http://www.christianforums.com/t1766885-unbiblical-term-is-really-a-problem-for-christians.html

I'm unsure why it couldn't have been brought before the members here before this thread was made? :sigh:

[rocklife]

it is being brought to the members, I don't understand what you are asking for Plan9. If I am not following protocal, please help put this request in to the proper ways. Please help me if you know better.

[Plan 9]

it is being brought to the members, I don't understand what you are asking for Plan9. If I am not following protocal, please help put this request in to the proper ways. Please help me if you know better.

Please forgive me. I only felt that it should be brought to the members to decide and then if they agreed there should be a change, then a thread could be made asking the staff to make it. That's all. :sorry:

[rocklife]

The most basic meaning of unchurch is : Un = Non, and Church= Jesus

(bible definition, God's Holy Word, defines church this way, and the dictionary says un is not)

Unchurch used by the leaders here in Christian forums is being used very badly, and actually is being made up. Let's have the Bible as our Source of Truth and guide us into Righteousness.

Lord Jesus, please forgive our sins through your perfect sacrifice, please help us here. In Your name I pray, amen.

[Plan 9]

The most basic meaning of unchurch is : Un = Non, and Church= Jesus

(bible definition, God's Holy Word, defines church this way, and the dictionary says un is not)

Unchurch used by the leaders here in Christian forums is being used very badly, and actually is being made up. Let's have the Bible as our Source of Truth and guide us into Righteousness.

Lord Jesus, please forgive our sins through your perfect sacrifice, please help us here. In Your name I pray, amen.

That was never the intent, however you may interpret it, but I have no problem with a change. Nevertheless, we talked for days together to settle on a name you have objections to, so I'm only asking if you have an alternative name to suggest, and that's all. That's all I'm asking. Really.
If you don't you should consider putting it before the members of the congrgational forum to decide on one, should they want to make a change.

[rocklife]

Plan9, if the word unchurch would just get out of the title, what words would be left?

The remaining words will be fine.

[Plan 9]

Plan9, if the word unchurch would just get out of the title, what words would be left?

The remaining words will be fine.

rocklife, please read this read, okay?
http://www.christianforums.com/t1188694-unchurched-forum.html

[Plan 9]

The most basic meaning of unchurch is : Un = Non, and Church= Jesus

(bible definition, God's Holy Word, defines church this way, and the dictionary says un is not)

Unchurch used by the leaders here in Christian forums is being used very badly, and actually is being made up. Let's have the Bible as our Source of Truth and guide us into Righteousness.

Lord Jesus, please forgive our sins through your perfect sacrifice, please help us here. In Your name I pray, amen.

IMO, you're mistaken.
Un=not, so it means "not in church". I'm can't go to church and church almost never comes to me in the form of another believer, or two; therefore, like it or not, I am unchurched.

The term "unchurched" is my dictionary of American English usuage, and is defined:

unchurched 1 not belonging to or attending any church 2 not having a church [Webster's New World College Dictionary, Third Edition]


rocklite, it is not a made-up word, and my dictionary offers no synonym for us to use to please you.
What's more, I have nothing but the the greatest respect for Dr. Loh, the head of Christian Forums, and I also think very highly of our three staff members here; all have more than earned my respect and admiration!

[New_Wineskin]

I don't have a major problem with it . People pretty much would consider that it means those not associated with a particular group which people call "churches" . I don't like it but I don't have a major problem with it .

[Bevlina]

Church of Jesus christ, with God Creator of all Life!

Then, you are not Unchurched? This Forum is for people who do not, or cannot attend a Church.

[BeforeThereWas]

What would you suggest for a concise alternative name for this forum?

Why not tack the "unchurched" portion of the name of this forum to the catholics. Why the Home Church? I think we all can see the implications of tacking that onto the home church area. Who's trying to fooling who? Many institutionalists are notorious for having a measure of animosity toward those who attend home churches.

I suggest renaming this forum to just "Home Church", and let the "unchurched" have their own. Attending home churches doesn't translate into being "unchurched". Being "unchurched" means that one is outside the body of Christ, which speaks of all unbelievers. You know as well as I do that the Baptists would never sit still with the "unchurched" attached to their forum.

BTW

[Plan 9]

Please read the orignal forum request, BeforeThereWas. :)
http://www.christianforums.com/t1188694-unchurched-forum.html

[New_Wineskin]

Please read the orignal forum request, BeforeThereWas. :)
http://www.christianforums.com/t1188694-unchurched-forum.html

That was a great thread . :)

[Plan 9]

Please read the orignal forum request, BeforeThereWas. :)
[url="http://www.christianforums.com/t1188694-unchurched-forum.htmlhttp://www.christianforums.com/t1188694-unchurched-forum.html[/QUOTE[/url]]

That was a great thread . :)

I thought it was, too...

If it ain't broke, why fix it? :)

[New_Wineskin]

I thought it was, too...

If it ain't broke, why fix it? :)

I do like that my idea of "unaffiliated" was brought up at the very beginning .

[Plan 9]

I do like that my idea of "unaffiliated" was brought up at the very beginning .

I would think that "unafiliated" was better, were it not for the fact that it excludes people like me, who are are affilitated with a church they can't attend.
Other than that, it's perfect, though: all you have to do is get rid of me! You'd be surprized (or perhaps not?) at how many of my fellow believers are for just that...
Ask, Seek, Knock offered to send his personal reference to all our members here who feel that way, but the list was so long that I ran out of steam before I finished it. ;)
I think my mistake may have been trying to type it in alphabetical order? :idea:

[New_Wineskin]

I would think that "unafiliated" was better, were it not for the fact that it excludes people like me, who are are affilitated with a church they can't attend.
Other than that, it's perfect, though: all you have to do is get rid of me! You'd be surprized (or perhaps not?) at how many of my fellow believers are for just that...
Ask, Seek, Knock offered to send his personal reference to all our members here who feel that way, but the list was so long that I ran out of steam before I finished it. ;)
I think my mistake may have been trying to type it in alphabetical order? :idea:

Well , there we go again with terminology . ;) I wouldn't consider anyone who was affiliated to a group as being unchurched simply becuase that couldn't attend certain meetings . But , I can understand how others would see it that way . Many look at the meetings as being the church . Well , not all people would be happy . It's good enough for me .

[mortsmune]

How about "adenominationalists"?

[mazbeth]

simple church
being church
2 or 3 I'm There