Shame-full Churches

• Rooted in shame-based religionism: keeping human-made rules in order to be “right.

Grace-full Churches

• Rooted in grace-based relationship; trusting in Christ’s death and resurrection in order to be “right.”

• God is experienced as a demanding Shepherd who drives His sheep.

• God is experienced as an understanding Shepherd who leads His sheep.

• I am expected to be totally (or almost totally) transformed the moment I trust Christ

• I am expected to keep on being transformed by having my mind renewed as long as I live.

• Since I should be totally transformed (perfect) I am different-and-less-than Christian because I am not perfect

• Since I am in the lifelong process of being transformed to be like Jesus, my imperfections don’t surprise me, church members or God.

• Members with obvious problems are an embarrassment to the church.

• Members with obvious problems are expected since the past and present effects of sin in Christians’ lives can cause serious problems.

• Since real Christians have no serious problems, no provisions have been made to help.

• There are programs in place to provide appropriate help.

• Small-group Bible studies are dangerous places because someone might get close enough to see behind my mask of perfection and know I have problems

• Small-group Bible studies are safe places to practice being maskless and be with others who do the same. It’s great to go where I don’t have to hide my problems.

• Emphasis is on looking religious by wearing the right clothes and carrying the right translation of the Bible.

• Emphasis is on developing a deeper relationship of love and trusting obedience to Jesus Christ.

• Emphasis is on performance.

• Emphasis is on worshipping God.

• Emphasis is on revealing and rebuking sinners.

• Emphasis is on restoring repentant sinners.

• Attendance at church activities is used as the main indicator of a person’s true spirituality.

• Acknowledgement that true spirituality is reflected in total lifestyle and known only to God.