If you search on Google for “be a five star Christian” the results predominantly come from Independent Baptist churches. The funny thing is that although the sites you’ll find all use the exact same points and text, none of them cite exactly where this concept comes from. It’s possible that it all started with this book by Tom Sexton — or possibly he just took these five points that were going floating and decided it was high time somebody made some money off them.
Whatever the case may be, many IFB churches seem to agree that the path of being a five-star Christian is as follows:
Read God’s Word
The Bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Reading the Bible is vital to the Christian life. As we read the Bible, we should search the Scriptures, comparing Scripture with Scripture. Also, set a goal to memorize Scripture and meditate on the Word of God. In our personal lives and with our families each day, we need to be reading the Word of God.Pray
We believe that God hears and answers prayer. There is no doubt about it, the greatest untapped resource in the Christian life is the matter of prayer. Pray each day. Pray for loved ones. Pray for church leaders and their families. Pray for your church. Pray for our nation. Pray for the lost. Establish a prayer list. Pray.Attend Church Faithfully
The Lord Jesus Christ deserves your faithfulness. Attend every service of the church. A great deal of the strength of the church is based on the faithfulness of the people. Support special meetings at the church with your faithful attendance.Give
God’s work is to be supported God’s way. The Bible teaches that we should pay the tithe and give our offerings. Practice tithing as a conviction. Bring the Lord’s tithe with you to church each Sunday. Support the ministries of the church with offerings. By faith give to worldwide missions. Support the Christian education endeavors of the church. We cannot outgive God.Witness to the Lost
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He left us on earth to tell others about the Savior. Determine to bring others to the Savior. Work to bring other families to Christ and to the church. Set a time to go. Make a list of names and addresses of people you want to reach for Christ.Determine to Be a Five-Star Christian
This is a time when you can be a real help and encouragement to your pastor. May God help you to work together to see something beyond the ordinary accomplished for Christ through your church.
Shorter: DO, DO, DO, DO, DO, AND THEN DETERMINE TO DO MORE. Outside of a reference to “loved ones” the word love is not mentioned here. Neither is grace nor mercy nor justice nor humility. I wonder if Christ can see himself at all in this Christianity.