Wednesday, August 22, 2012

PASTORING AND POLITICS



The election season is in full swing and our nation is divided morally and philosophically.  As we embrace the values of scripture we find ourselves seeking to discern an appropriate pastoral response to the upcoming election.  Here are some thoughts for pastors.

First of all, guard your relationship with God and your ministry.  Seek to disciple as many as possible to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Remain intent on biblical truth and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in the presentation of that truth.  In our pluralistic society pastors are under pressure to bend, twist, and edit the scriptures to embrace popular moral and spiritual perceptions.  In our civic life democracy is a valued system, but eternal truth is not subject to alteration depending on the whims of the majority, focus groups, or celebrated cultural icons.

I have often encountered the idea that if pastors were doing their job the world would not be in the bad shape it is in today.  I reject that theory.  Sure pastors sometimes fail in their responsibilities, but most are faithfully proclaiming biblical truth in word and deed.  The fact is people decide what they will do with the gospel and we are in a season when many in our nation are willfully rejecting the claims of Jesus Christ.  Thankfully many others will repent and believe the gospel.  So, remain faithful to the main thing – proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, influence the world with biblical principles. Do so in a manner that is in harmony with God’s call on your life and the opportunities you have.  As a pastor I often experienced internal tension when trying to determine an appropriate response to political pressure exerted against biblical truth in society.  At one point I wrote a personal position paper on the matter to establish a guiding influence on my actions and inactions as a pastor.  Probably like you I had some congregants who wanted to turn the church into a political machine that would obscure our primary message.  There were others who wanted no mention of the state of our social-political world from the pulpit.  Then there were non-Christian voices who demanded the church remain silent on social-political issues.  Defining a biblical way forward is important.

We are here first of all to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  However, there is more to the story.  In addition, our influence should make the world a better place in general.  “And now you know what is holding him (the man of lawlessness) back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.  For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).  When the church is taken out of this world evil will be unrestrained.

The presence of Christ-followers in and of itself influences the world in positive ways.  In addition, appropriate actions Christians take can have a godly influence on society.  One thing all God’s people in America can do to restrain evil that is perpetuated by misguided political policies is to vote.  I encourage all our pastors to urge congregants to vote and consider making voter registration available in their churches. 

Also, I think it is important for pastors to preach biblical messages related to the moral and spiritual issues of the day.  While you in the role of pastor cannot legally endorse candidates, you can arm people with biblical truth related to moral and spiritual issues.  A candidate’s stand on abortion, sexual morality, helping the powerless, and financial stewardship of public funds are among the moral concerns bible believing people should have when they go to the polls.  There will never be perfect candidates but we can make wise choices that reflect biblical principles.

Powerful voices are redefining good and evil.  “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20).  But, the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15b) and our voice should reflect God’s word.  “You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-15).

In broad terms bringing God’s kingdom to bear on the kingdoms of this world is our task.  Jesus taught us to pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.  Leading our churches in prayer for our political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4), and our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) is essential.  Some are setting aside a few moments each day at 7:14 a.m. or p.m. to pray for our nation.

Also, followers of Christ being salt and light throughout our culture (in business, the arts, politics, the judicial system, education, the military, etc.) is part of God’s plan of penetrating the kingdoms of this world with the kingdom of God and the life giving message of Jesus Christ.  As pastors may we disciple people in Christ and prepare them to be the Christ-like influence God wants them to be in this suffering world.

God bless you in your vital work for Jesus Christ.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

On July 29nd Loretta and I visited Bethel Assembly of God in Grand Junction, CO pastored by David and Carolyn Huslig.  This is a strong church making an impact in Grand Junction.  God bless you David and Carolyn.

The evening of the 29th I chaired the business meeting at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO in which Bob Cook was elected the Lead Pastor with a 98%  vote.  Welcome back to the RMDC Bob and Sherilyn!

August 3rd I traveled to Louisville, KY for Superintendents and General Presbyter meetings.  The meetings were marked by a significant season of prayer.  It was exciting to witness the thousands of young people there for the Fine Arts Convention as well.

On August 12th Loretta and I worshipped with the wonderful people of Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs.

On August 13th I met with a minister who confessed a moral failure and turned in his credentials.  I normally don’t mention the difficulties we deal with in these connection updates, but this is a dramatic reminder of how important it is to maintain integrity in our personal lives.  We are working to help him going forward, but his ministry is suspended because of this.  May each of us carefully guard our hearts.

August 19th it was my privilege to speak at First Assembly of God in Cortez, CO.  Pastor Paul Houston resigned from the Cortez church and will be starting a new cowboy church in Mancos, CO.  We closed our church in Mancos a couple years ago with the desire to see a new work start in the future.  Cortez First AG is in transition and Ted Britain will be serving as the interim pastor.  God bless Cortez First AG and the emerging Mancos Cowboy Church.  And, may God bless the ministries of Paul and Rebekah Houston, and Ted and La Dell Britain.

On August 21st I had lunch with Glen and Nancy Garrison, missionaries to the Philippines.  It was so good to hear what God is doing through their strategic ministries.  I thank God for our missionaries.

Cheering you on,

Don Steiger