(This the first column in a 5-part series on The Basics.)

In 1966, Peter Scholtes, who served as a parish priest and choral conductor, composed a hymn that declares, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Love is one of the many distinguishing characteristics of a Christian. Acts 11:26 tells us, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” But what does it truly mean when we refer to someone as a Christian? In this series of pastoral reflections, I am revisiting the fundamental tenets of our faith, developing responses to questions I am frequently asked about the meaning and mission of Christianity.

So, let’s start at the very beginning with the question: What does it mean to be a Christian? Different people hold various interpretations of what it means to be a Christian, making it important to clarify what we mean by this terminology. In doing so, we not only gain a deeper understanding of our identity as Christians but also equip ourselves to invite others into this transformative journey.

• A Christian is a follower of Jesus. At its core, being a Christian revolves around a commitment to follow Jesus. The various ways people describe becoming a Christian all lead to this central point. It’s an allegiance to the teachings, values, and path set by Christ. It’s living in such a way that we resemble Jesus.
  
• The word “Christian” means “little Christ” or “like Christ.” The disciples were called Christians at Antioch because they resembled Jesus. It is worth noting that in the Bible, the disciples did not refer to themselves as Christians but were called Christians by others who observed the lifestyle of the disciples.
  
• Jesus used a variety of metaphors to describe the beginning of the Christian walk. A few examples of the common phrases used in the gospels to describe how one embraces the Christian way of life is to be “born again” (John 3:3), to be “saved” (John 10:9), to drink “Living Water” (John 4:10), to enter “the Door” (John 10:9), and to abide in “the Vine” (John 15:5). Perhaps Jesus used a variety of descriptions because he meets people at their point of need and he communicates in ways they can best understand.
  
• There are many cultural expressions that may describe one’s initial Christian commitment. Across the ages, a variety of idioms have been used to describe how one becomes a follower of Jesus. More recently these include “accepting Jesus,” “asking Jesus into your heart,” “being converted,” “making a profession of faith,” or “giving your life to Jesus.” In more liturgical traditions, a candidate for baptism may go through catechism or confirmation to announce their faith commitment. These descriptors may be helpful to us in articulating our commitment, but they should never be used legalistically or superimposed on others who do not understand their frame of reference.
  
• Gospel is the word we use to describe the Good News Jesus came to deliver. We must remember that the Gospel is good news. Jesus came to offer forgiveness of sin (Mark 11:25) and to offer us “abundant life” here and now, as stated in John 10:10. While the assurance of heaven after this life is comforting, it is notable that Jesus did not use the promise of heaven to compel others to follow him. Jesus met individuals at their point of need and offered the gift of a full and meaning-filled life. As we invite others to the Christian life, it is important to keep the good news good. It is also important that we invite others not just to believe in the existence of Jesus, but that we invite them to follow Jesus, to learn from Jesus, and to serve Jesus by serving others, especially the “least of the these,” which was Jesus’ reference to the underserved individuals in the community.
  
• Jesus assured his followers they would have a home in heaven after this life is over. Jesus told his disciples he was going away to prepare a place for them (John 14:1-6). He even told the thief on the cross, “This day you will be with me in paradise.” Interestingly, Jesus did not use heaven as a lure to entice others to follow him. Jesus invited others to follow him because of the life he offers here and now. In describing the Christian experience to others, we too should focus on the life Jesus gives us in the present, which prepares us for the life hereafter.
  
• There are many good ways to describe Christianity to others. A non-Christian is not likely to understand a lot of our coded church language about Christianity. Like Jesus, it is important to talk with others in ways they can understand. When talking to a non-Christian, an inquirer, or a skeptic, I begin with a simple explanation: “To become a Christian is to commit your life to following Jesus.” Then I add, “And we may best learn to follow Jesus by studying his teachings, imitating his lifestyle, and surrounding ourselves with others (small group/church) who have made a similar commitment.”

The common denominator for the variety of descriptions and definitions is that a Christian is committed to following Jesus. In examining the gospel narrative, we find that those who came to follow Jesus, even his first disciples, had unique stories of how they were drawn into a relationship with Jesus. This is still true today. Those from around the globe who embrace Christianity may have differing testimonies but they share a common faith.

The chorus that many of us sang on youth retreats and at church camps during our growing-up years is still valid and relevant in describing the essence of the Christian journey: “I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.” This timeless refrain still holds true and encapsulates the essence of our Christian journey. We decide to follow Jesus, to be like Christ, and to freely share with others the love and grace we’ve received.

If you are thinking about becoming a follower of Jesus, please contact me or a minister in your community who can provide guidance and encouragement.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife, Amanda, currently reside in Brookhaven, Georgia.)