FriendlyChristian.com

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What is a “Friendly Christian?”

A Friendly Christian…

1. Is a Christian
2. Does not expect people to believe what he/she believes
3. Does not evangelize by telling people that they’re going to hell
4. Does not burn books, picket events, boycott business, etc
5. Is real about his/her faith. Admits to doubting. Admits to questioning. Admits to struggling
6. Does not claim to have it all figured out
7. Subscribes to a Christianity 101 concept: love God and love each other
8. Doesn’t major in the minors of Christianity (style of worship, attire worn to church, pews or seats, etc)
9. Does not look down on people that do not call themselves Christians

In many of my encounters with Christians, I’ve found an overwhelming number to be “Unfriendly Christians.” Quite frankly, they came across as arrogant jerks. It’s sad. Rather than loving and serving people, we tend to judge, point fingers, and tell them that they’re wrong. My goal is to break the mold of a cranky Christian by getting back to Christianity 101. On this site I will write about my journey into the Christian faith. I will be as open, honest, and transparent as I can possibly be.

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What made you pick FriendlyChristian.com?

Hemant from http://www.friendlyatheist.com inspired me. Yes, that’s right, a big scary Atheist inspired me. Willow Creek Community Church invited Hemant out to a Wednesday night service to discuss many of his viewpoints of Christianity, churches, Atheists, etc. The things that I heard come out of his mouth had a tremendous affect on me. The respect that he had for other people was amazing. When I heard him speak, all I could think of was, “man, this guy is right on.” Hemant is trying to enlighten his readers of what it REALLY means to be an Atheist. He is also trying to break any stereotypes that you or I may have on Atheists.

I love Hemant’s approach. I love it so much that I have decided to pursue it, but from a Christian approach. I love how my beliefs are challenged by FriendlyAtheist.com, and I intend to do the same on FriendlyChristian.com.

FriendlyChristian.com is nothing more than my personal convictions of what it JUST MIGHT mean to be a Christian…all crazy stereotypes aside.

I’m just gonna continue to write, and PERHAPS God will act on my behalf

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What is the policy on commenting?

Here’s the bottom line: this site is typically a comment or two away from turning into a battlefield. The topics of discussion are sensitive and very personal for most of us.

If you plan on being rude, inconsiderate, childish, intolerant, crude, disrespectful, and/or ill-mannered, please don’t bother - your comment will be ignored/deleted. The point of commenting is to engage in respectful, thought-provoking discussion, not to start a flame war. I hate to moderate comments, but will when necessary.

For the record, I’d say, as of now, 99% of all comments are typically approved. Also, whether or not I agree with a comment has nothing to do with whether or not it’ll be approved.

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Can I contribute?

I’m always looking for guest authors. I personally believe it brings a good variety to the site and offers a different variety of opinions.

I will say this, though: I’m striving for excellence here. Not every person who wants to contribute will be offered a chance. I’ll use this example…

Perry Noble puts it like this: when a person gets up and sings at church…and it is CLEARLY bad, people STILL go up to them afterwards and say, “Oh, thank you brother/sister for doing that. It really blessed my heart.” Liar! lol. It was terrible, and you know it! Now, the arguement might be, “you’re so mean. That person that sang has a wonderful heart.” That may well be the case, but I don’t have to listen to their heart, I have to listen to their voice…and it’s terrible!

Excellence. I’m not an artist…I don’t try to draw/paint, etc. The absolute best advice I can give you is this: if you’re really serious about wanting to contribute, get involved in conversation, build relationships with readers and writes, and we’ll see where that takes us!

If after all that you still want to contribute, send me an email: bill(at)friendlychristian.com.

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Where do you go to church?

I go to Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. I love it - it’s been a HUGE part in my spiritual growth. I am not a staff member, but I’ll offer the disclaimer statement anyhow: My views, opinions, and thoughts do NOT necessarily reflect those of Seacoast Church…although I hope they’re pretty close!

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Who are your favorite modern day teachers?

• Matt Chandler - this guy has my sense of humor. I love how real he is! This is how I’d do it if I were made a teacher today.
• Francis Chan - what do I even write? Simply incredible.
• Rob Bell - I love his idea of what Church is supposed to be. He teaches in a “Rob Bell” sort of way. You’ll have to hear it to understand.
• Andy Stanley - one of the best teachers I’ve ever heard
• Perry Noble - you bring it, dude. You’re one of the most influential people on my life…and I don’t even go to your church
• Steven Furtick - can someone say BLUNT??? Love it
• Craig Groeschel - amazing. You make learning about Jesus fun and easy to follow. Your entire ministry is a tremendous blessing to my life
• Jesus - yes, you’re a modern day teacher cuz…well…you’re alive!

Sirs - you are a group of men that I look up to with great respect. Thank you for doing what you do.

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How can I support FriendlyChristian.com?

Participate in discussion. Comment. Link. Tell a friend. Most of all, play the part.

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Do I feel like I’m being too liberal?

No.

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