Bound Set

Many traditional churches could be described as “bounded set” communities. In a bounded set, belonging is determined by where one stands in relation to a clear boundary. Typically, the boundary is composed of highly defined beliefs and behaviors. Those who adopt the beliefs and behaviors are considered “inside” and those who do not are considered “outside.” 

For example, in bounded set churches, certain appearances or behaviors can exclude you from the community. If you have tattoos, piercings, or dyed hair – if you are going through divorce or trying to survive as a single parent – if you struggle with addiction or suffer from past abuse – you might feel judged or scorned by these communities and see yourself as an outsider. You may also notice that being “inside” the community is defined more by conformity to these defined behaviors and beliefs, rather than acting like Christ.

Centered Set

However, with a “centered set” approach, participation in the community is defined differently. In our church, the center is Jesus and there is no boundary determined by an expected set of behaviors or beliefs. Those who are “in” are considered so simply because they are moving towards Christ. In a centered set approach, a person might be quite a distance from the center, but as long they are looking to and moving towards Christ, they belong in the community. By the same token, a person might be close to the center, but if they are not looking to or moving towards Christ, they do not belong.

Many of us have crossed paths with avid believers who adhere more to a set of “rules” of religion, rather than trying to authentically live like Christ, who held the company of sinners and challenged the religious leaders of his day. In a centered set, believers who take comfort in conforming their behavior to an accepted set of norms while keeping their hearts cold and distant from God, do not belong. “Looking the part” does not make someone belong here; instead, a desire to follow after Christ, to see his Kingdom breakthrough on earth, and to see real heart transformation marks those who belong in our community.

Advantages 

Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. We think the advantages of the centered set approach outweigh the disadvantages, and this approach fits our vision to reach those who don’t often find a home in other church communities. The centered set approach is like gathering cats rather than herding cattle (the center is the pail of milk that draws the cats). It emphasizes the power of Jesus to attract us and transform our hearts in his time – as He said, “I will draw all people to myself,” (John 12:32). The centered set approach is in keeping with the biblical metaphor of pilgrimage. The followers of Jesus are travelers coming from many different points of origin to a common destination. It does not undermine or water down biblical truth, but it does place an emphasis on following Christ’s model of compassion and gentleness.