The "P" word

The word "prospect" is clearly defined in the dictionary:

pros⋅pect n.  [pros-pekt]

1. an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc./ˈprɒspɛkt/

2. the outlook for the future; good business prospects.

3. something in view as a source of profit.

4. a potential or likely customer, client, etc

5. An apparent indication of ore or native metal

Those definitions are clear enough, right? The word is used for business and mining. So why in the world would we use the word "prospect" to describe people whom the church is trying to reach with the love of Christ?

Now....I grew up calling people "prospects." It's what the church called them, it's what the pastors called them, it's what seminary taught me to call them. I'm as guilty as the next guy. We didn't know any better. That's just what we were taught. And when we said 'prospect' we meant well, too.

But here's what I'm thinking: We were taught wrong, we are wrong and we should STOP using that word in that way.

The people we are trying to reach with the love of Christ are not prospects or projects or puppies. They are PEOPLE! PEOPLE! PEOPLE!

The moment they become anything other than that we have lost God's perspective for them. We have failed to see them as God sees them. They've become a means to OUR ends....not a precious, loved, child of God, full of potential to enter into and participate in the Kingdom of God.

God, forgive us of all the ways we have demean the people you love.

.