I just had an inquiry from the Religion Editor at a major American weekly news magazine. She wants to know our take on the phrase “followers of Jesus,” particularly as an alternative to the term “Christian.” 

I see it on Facebook regularly, when some of my Christian friends describe their religious affiliation with a variety of terms that seem to restate in new words what it means to belong to the body of Christ. Most of those folks seem to have a passionate faith and common interest in building relationships beyond their church friends.

What do you think the difference is between “Christian”and “Follower of Jesus?”  Who in your experience is making this choice and why?