Churches are not simply called to be "gospel-centered"; they're likewise called to be "in-step-with-the-gospel-centered." This is because the way Christians live can actually counteract the gospel they say they are centered on.
Peter's ethnocentrism and fear of man attempted a reversal of the gospel that tore down a wall of hostility. Jonah's ethnic supremacy counteracted God's mission to all peoples.
The church in America was gospel-centered yet failed to be in step with the gospel. Slaveowning, segregation, White supremacy, White nationalism racialized "science," xenophobia, etc. have been tolerated and commended within our pews.
"We stand upon the shoulders of giants in the faith." Indeed, and that includes the good and the heinous. The church in America today has inherited the worldview and viewpoints of its predecessors of all theological traditions, often without critical engagement.
"Gospel-centered" alone is therefore a weak standard and identifier for a church. Jesus warns of the fact that he removes lampstands from churches that do not live and love in line with the gospel, not just those that ignore the gospel altogether.
"Just preach the gospel" truncates the mission of the church to a Christian data download center, where simply knowing the facts of the gospel is enough for Christian spirituality. It truncates the message of the church and prevents it from teaching the whole counsel of God.
And the most insidiously, "Gospel-centered" and "Just preach the gospel" become weaponized to sustain the status quo, turn a blind eye to injustice, and assuage the guilty consciences of parishioners who are habitually walking out of step with the gospel.
