Arrows Not Lines: Discovering a Centered-Set Faithনমুনা

“The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV)

The centred-set model comes from a sociological concept used to describe how groups form. In a bounded set, belonging is determined by fixed boundaries: rules, beliefs, or behaviors that draw a line between who’s “in” and who’s “out.” Think fences. But in a centred set, belonging is determined by direction. Imagine a watering hole in the desert: all movement toward the centre matters, regardless of how far someone begins. The question is no longer “Are you in?” but “Are you moving toward Jesus?”

The first words Jesus speaks in the Gospel of Mark are about direction. “Repent” means to turn around. It’s not about proving you’re good enough, or that you’ve crossed some religious line. It’s about reorienting your life toward God. Repentance is the first arrow—it’s the moment we acknowledge that our lives have been facing the wrong direction, and we turn.

In the centred-set view of faith, Jesus isn’t checking who’s inside or outside some fence. He’s asking: Are you facing me? Are you moving toward me? That’s what discipleship means.

Notice how Jesus calls his first followers: “Come, follow me.” Not “fill out this belief form,” or “clean yourself up first.” Just: come. Move. Direction over perfection.

At our church, we describe this value as arrows, not lines. Our practices—like prayer, sabbath, generosity—aren’t measuring sticks. They’re arrows pointing us toward Jesus. That’s the goal. That’s the centre.

Reflection Question: What would it look like to turn toward Jesus today?

Prayer: Jesus, help me turn toward you today. I want my life to point to you. Show me where I’ve been walking away, and give me the courage to take a step in your direction.