Understanding the Difference in Everyday Language
If you’ve ever wondered whether being a Christian is the same as being a follower of Christ, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question that pops up in conversations, social media debates, and even in quiet moments of personal reflection. On the surface, the two phrases sound almost identical, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find there’s more to this than meets the eye. Let’s break it down in everyday language.
What Does “Christian” Mean?
The word “Christian” comes from the Greek word “Christianos,” which basically means “belonging to Christ” or “follower of Christ.” Originally, people started calling the followers of Jesus “Christians” in the ancient city of Antioch, not long after Jesus’s life and message began to spread. In simple terms, a Christian is someone who identifies with or believes in Jesus Christ and his teachings.
But as time passed, “Christian” became more than just a term used for believers. Today, it can refer to people who are part of a church, who were baptized as kids, who grew up in Christian families, or even those who simply live in countries where Christianity is the main religion. Some people are Christians because it’s a tradition handed down through generations, while others have personally chosen this path after learning about Jesus and what he stood for.
What Does “Follower of Christ” Mean?
A “follower of Christ” is someone who tries to live their life the way Jesus taught, following his example and teachings in day-to-day decisions. This isn’t just about belonging to a group or checking a box on a census form; it’s an active, ongoing choice. Being a follower of Christ means you’re aiming to love others, forgive people, help those who are struggling, and put faith into action—even when it’s not easy.
People who call themselves “followers of Christ” often want to make it clear that it’s not just about religion, rules, or rituals. It’s about a personal relationship with Jesus and trying to live in a way that reflects his character.
Where Do These Definitions Overlap?
If you look at it in the simplest terms, being a Christian and being a follower of Christ should be the same thing. Originally, “Christian” meant someone who truly tried to follow Jesus. Ideally, every Christian would be a follower of Christ, living out his example and teachings.
But Here’s Where Things Get Complicated
Over the centuries, the word “Christian” has taken on a pretty broad meaning. For some, it’s a cultural label, a family tradition, or a box checked on a form. Others might call themselves Christian because they attend church on holidays or know a few Bible stories, but don’t really try to follow Jesus’s teachings in their everyday lives.
In contrast, some people who call themselves “followers of Christ” want to emphasize that being a true believer is about action, not just identity. It’s about actually living like Jesus, not just saying you believe in him. Sometimes, people use “follower of Christ” to make it clear they’re not just going through the motions—they’re trying to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Why Do People Make the Distinction?
The distinction matters because, over time, “Christian” has sometimes lost its original meaning. In some places, the term is associated with politics, social groups, or even negative stereotypes. For example, some people see “Christian” as just another label, like “American” or “Canadian,” rather than a sign of true personal faith.
That’s why you’ll often hear people say, “I don’t just want to be a Christian—I want to be a follower of Christ.” They’re reminding themselves (and others) that faith is about more than words or labels. It’s about living out what Jesus taught: kindness, forgiveness, humility, and love.
Can Someone Be Both?
Absolutely! Many people who call themselves Christians are deeply committed to following Jesus. They read the Bible, pray, help their neighbors, and try to live by Christ’s example every day. For them, “Christian” and “follower of Christ” mean the same thing—and they wouldn’t want it any other way.
What About Those Who Identify as Christian But Don’t Actively Follow Christ?
There are also many people who consider themselves Christian for cultural, family, or social reasons, but who may not be particularly interested in living like Jesus or following his teachings. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad people; it just means that the label “Christian” has a wider meaning in the world today than it did 2,000 years ago.
How Do You Know Which One You Are?
If you’re wondering about yourself, ask:
· Do I just identify as Christian because of my family or culture?
· Do I try to actually live the way Jesus taught?
· Does my faith influence my decisions and how I treat others?
· Is being a Christian just a label, or is it a way of life for me?
If you find that your answer leans more toward actively living out Jesus’s teachings, you’re probably both a Christian and a follower of Christ. If your identity is mostly tradition or culture, that’s okay too—but it might be worth considering what you want your faith to mean to you.
Why Does This Matter?
The difference is important because it helps us think about faith in a deeper way. It’s easy to get caught up in labels, traditions, or what everyone else is doing. But when it comes to following Christ, it’s about what’s in your heart and how you live your life.
Being a Christian can be the starting point, but being a follower of Christ is the journey—one that can change you from the inside out.
In Everyday Life
Whether you call yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ, or both, what really matters is how you treat people and what kind of person you’re trying to become. Jesus’s message was simple: love God, love others, and do your best to make the world a better place.
Some people get hung up on religious rules and labels, but the heart of Christianity is about kindness, compassion, and hope. If your faith inspires you to help others, forgive mistakes, and make a positive impact, you’re living out what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Conclusion
So, is being a Christian the same as being a follower of Christ? Ideally, yes—they should mean the same thing. But in reality, “Christian” can mean different things to different people. Being a follower of Christ is more about action and attitude than just identity. It’s about making faith a part of your daily life, not just your family tree or your passport.
No matter which word you use, the most important thing is to aim for love, understanding, and kindness—just like Jesus did. That’s what really counts.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 