Bounded Set vs. Centered Set

In the social set theory, a bounded set is defined by a clear boundary that distinguishes who is “in” and who is “out” based on specific criteria or rules. In the context of the church, this approach often leads to discipleship and evangelism models that emphasize membership, adherence to specific beliefs, and conformity to particular practices. Bounded set thinking tends to categorize people according to whether they meet these established criteria, making it a more exclusionary framework that focuses on who qualifies as a disciple of Jesus. People who are “in” must first believe and behave, before they belong. 

In contrast, a centered set is defined not by who is inside or outside a boundary but by the direction people are moving in relation to a central point or “center”—in this case, Jesus. A centered-set model of discipleship and evangelism emphasizes movement toward Jesus rather than meeting predefined criteria to belong. It allows people to be at various distances from the center and moving at different speeds, as long as they are oriented toward Jesus and moving closer to Him. It views discipleship as a journey rather than a status, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes seekers, skeptics, and mature believers alike.

Applying Centered Set Thinking to Discipleship and Evangelism

1. Focus on Direction over Membership
In a centered-set approach, the church would prioritize the direction people are moving in their relationship with Jesus rather than whether they have achieved a particular level of belief or behavior. This would allow for different stages of faith development and offer a more inclusive approach to discipleship that welcomes people at varying levels of commitment and understanding.

2. Relational and Process-Oriented Discipleship
Centered-set discipleship views discipleship as a relational, dynamic process rather than a static membership or achievement. This approach might use mentorship, community support, and spiritual practices to encourage individuals toward a Christ-centered life. The goal becomes helping people move toward Jesus in their own contexts rather than conforming to specific, uniform benchmarks.

3. Evangelism as an Invitation to Journey Together
Rather than focusing evangelism on securing a clear conversion or membership commitment, a centered-set perspective encourages inviting others into a shared journey of discovering Christ. Evangelism shifts from “conversion events” to opportunities for inviting others into relational exploration and ongoing discipleship, no matter their initial beliefs or practices.

4. Pre-Conversion Discipleship
In a centered-set model, discipleship doesn’t start at conversion but includes a “pre-conversion” stage, where people are welcomed and encouraged to explore the teachings of Jesus without pressure to immediately conform. This would mean that non-Christians could engage in discipleship activities and communities, where they learn about Jesus’ life and values, building a connection that gradually transforms their beliefs and behaviors as they journey toward faith. 

5. Flexible Metrics for Spiritual Growth
Metrics in a centered-set model would not focus solely on church attendance, doctrinal knowledge, or specific moral behaviors. Instead, markers for growth might include indicators of increasing interest in Christ, questions about spiritual matters, personal changes reflecting Christ-like values, and participation in the community. This approach values transformation over time rather than adherence to immediate standards.

6. Creating Safe Spaces for Doubt and Exploration
A centered-set church would intentionally create environments where people feel safe to express doubts, ask questions, and explore faith without feeling pressured to conform quickly. This encourages genuine exploration and allows for an authentic journey of faith. Such an environment can be more appealing to modern seekers, who often value authenticity and relational integrity over rigid institutional norms.

7. Emphasis on Personal Transformation over Behavioral Conformity
In a centered-set model, the focus shifts from ensuring individuals adhere to specific behaviors to encouraging personal transformation rooted in a growing relationship with Jesus. This allows for diversity in expression and development, as each person’s journey and growth in faith may look different. Instead of enforcing conformity to a predetermined lifestyle or set of rules, the church encourages people to encounter Jesus, trusting that authentic transformation will naturally flow from that relationship over time.

8. Shared Responsibility within the Community
A centered-set church sees discipleship and evangelism as the shared responsibility of the whole community rather than the work of a few leaders or specialized teams. This approach encourages all members to participate in each other's growth by modeling Christ-like love, mentoring, and support. Rather than relying solely on structured programs, discipleship happens organically within relationships as people journey toward Christ together. This helps cultivate a communal sense of purpose, where everyone plays a role in helping others grow, regardless of where they are on their spiritual path.

9. Reduction of "Us vs. Them" Mentality
Centered-set thinking reduces the divisive mindset that can sometimes develop in bounded-set models, where people are categorized as either “inside” or “outside” the faith. In a centered-set framework, everyone—regardless of their current beliefs or practices—is seen as capable of moving toward Jesus. This reduces judgmental attitudes and fosters a more compassionate, grace-filled community, where people are viewed as fellow travelers on the journey toward spiritual growth rather than outsiders. This approach can break down barriers and build bridges, creating a more welcoming atmosphere for those who might feel hesitant about approaching the church.