Politics

This past summer, I had conversations with over fifty pastors about the most significant challenges to being a pastor. Politics was not the most common challenge, but those who brought it up spoke of the difficulties around politics with great passion and frustration. No one said politics was a slight problem; it was either one of their church's most significant challenges, or it was not really an issue. The following are the words of many pastors who spoke about the struggles of politics.

The Political Divide

The challenges of politics have been significant in recent years.

The political divide has gotten worse since the pandemic.

Where politics is a challenge, it could be the most significant battle the local church faces.

Our people are politically engaged. They can be spiritually engaged, but they are politically motivated even then.

Some would even question the motives of politically minded people in their churches.

The church seems to serve other motives for people. Some are just coming to church because it helps win local elections.

Politics is driving church attendance more than theology.

One pastor described their people's struggle, separating their allegiance to Christ from their dedication to their country.

It is hard to guide people away from the idea that being a Christian and being American is the same thing.

How to Approach Politics

A few were able to describe the intense tension throughout the congregation.

There is a surface-level peace in our church, but just under the surface, everyone is trying to find their political tribe.

Pastors are often expected to speak about political matters, but it is dangerous.

There are no civilized disagreements. Pastors get lumped in and are expected to participate, but you can't talk about many of these subjects without alienating people.

Pastors show a concern about politics and how they affect faith.

The politicians run on anti-Biblical platforms.

People think they have integrated faith and politics, but they have syncretized their politics to faith.

Closing Thoughts

Christians need to be aware of the political landscape in which their churches exist, but politics should not control them. When citizens can have an active role in their government, such as the United States, there is a temptation to put hope in our ability to control culture. Hope can only be found in Christ alone.

You don't have to get worked up about politics. If you are too involved in politics, maybe you need to focus more on your congregation.

There is a real struggle with politics, but that struggle is not too large for God, and there are ways to approach these challenges confidently and clearly. If you would like to know more about how you can communicate with clarity amid political struggles, please Contact Us.