Are you a practicing Christian?

Ive been thinking around the issues surrounding 'church' and what that means in light of scripture. One recurring phrase is whether someone is a practicing Christian. The general idea is a 'practicing Christian' goes to church and that is the difference between practicing and non-practicing. I disagree with the terms and definitions.

A Christian is someone who has decided to follow Jesus. In doing so they have repented of sin and having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, restore their relationship with God. How they relate to other Christians is important as we are in one big family. However, it is not the interaction with other Christians that defines any part of the status of 'Christian.' Someone who has become a Christian doesn't have to do anything to verify, clarify, ratify or amplify their faith. It is positional, a factual thing. Its like saying your relatives, sisters or brothers have to do something to make it a reality.... they just ARE your sisters or brothers, its a fact!

Its important to stress that I believe people should be part of a church if they can. I believe church should be practised a particular way for Christians to grow and prosper the way God wants them to but that doesn't affect their status as Christians, just growth, maturity etc. Increasingly the issues of church attendance are being cited as evidence of your Christian status. So long as we tell people that their faith is not the central issue in Christianity, we promote religiousness. This robs life and the potential for people to be genuine salt and light. Sad day for the lost. A sadder day for Christians who are relying on a bunch of people in a room on Sunday for their Christian experience!