I just returned from teaching a weekend seminar training Pastors and Christian Leaders to be involved in public policy and the “political” arena. (READ the previous blog on the Bonhoeffer Institute) A great portion of the time is used to unveil the historical roles of pastors in this arena, dispel myths that prohibit their involvement (especially the 501c3 myth), and lay out the Biblical case for their leadership in public policy discussions, elections and legislation. It is always fulfilling and amazing to watch the room as the epiphany takes place that this is a part of the calling of shepherds with their sheep. Slowly, there is an awakening that is occurring with the ranks of the clergy in America.
However, that being said, we are playing the proverbial game of “catch-up” because Pastors have fallen asleep at the wheel for at least a generation. The awakening is, of course, the first step to reformation but the subsequent steps are equally as important. The question naturally arises, “Where do we go from here? What can we do to potentially turn the direction of the culture around?”
Where to begin?
It seems so overwhelming…
Every lengthy journey begins with a few simple steps.
Even as I write my mind starts spinning with all the corrective measures that we need to implement in both our orthodoxy (theology) and orthopraxy (practices). This series of blog posts are going to deal primarily with some easy, practical suggestions for a pastor who wants to lead his church to be more engaged in this area without blowing the the church up. In fact, if you are reading this post and are not a pastor but rather a passionate member who longs for their pastor to get involved in this arena of cultural reformation, then perhaps you can link him to this sight and he will take the time to read the blog posts this week. Each day I will post what I consider an easy, low risk way to gently, yet methodically, lead the church to practice their Biblical mandate to be Christian citizens and “salt” the political arena.
Yes, it would be fantastic if every pastor who read this became as edgy and engaged as some of us. I have come to the conclusion, however, that not every pastor has to be as engaged or fervent as I may be. God isn’t trying to clone me, or my call, or my focus. The Lord IS trying to awaken His servants to preach a comprehensive Gospel and invade every arena of life with it’s solutions and answers. That will look different in every church and in every ministry. I often say that cultural reformation does not have to be (nor probably should it be) your only tune you play. It indeed should be, however, a song in the repertoire of your church life and ministry. Reformation is not the entire “pie”, but it needs to be a “slice”. If you are a passionate member who likes to engage this area, please keep that in mind as you approach your Pastor. He doesn’t need another plate to spin. He needs some ideas as to how this one can be appropriately presented and represented in the life of the local church. He needs supporters and not complainers. If your pastor simply refuses to get involved at any level, then that becomes a different discussion as to what that may mean for your life or family.
Stay connected as I will be posting Step 1 later today and then post the entire 5 steps through this week. Again, this series of posts will not instantly fix our cultural ills with the next election. It will start to put the Church in the appropriate trajectory to see it’s influence and concerns appropriately represented in public policy discussions.
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