A Question
I was asked recently why I discourage political conversations in church. I really appreciate this question – no one has ever asked! I admit my approach is unique, but it has to do with three things: what church is, who might be listening, and what our highest goal is.
Priority #1: What church is
The most fundamental thing we do as a church is the worship service, so I’ll start there. You’ve heard me say this, I’m sure: We don’t worship because we have to, we worship because we get to. The world is graced with a Holy, unmovable, and loving God. He has invited us to know Him, commanded us to honor Him, and in doing so get connected with His life. Yes, there is nothing more important to do than worship, but even more: there is nothing better to do than worship.
One of the most important ways we can help each other get connected with That Great God is to remove distractions. In our worship space, does everything direct people’s attention toward God, Jesus, Holy Spirit? In our service, do can we get “off script?” I know I do this at times, but when it’s over, I wish I hadn’t. I lament when I have moved your attention off the Lord and directed it toward myself, or toward anything else that is less than the One we’re there to worship.
This extends outside the worship service as well: From the moment people drive on our property, until they leave, are we helping them direct their attention toward the Love of God, the Grace and Truth of Jesus, and the Power of the Holy Spirit? Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Why do we get together? “To stir one another up to love, and good works.” Discipleship is hard. In true worship, we direct our attention toward God. In true fellowship, we encourage each other in our journey of trusting and following Him.
So… I try to avoid topics that would distract. That includes politics.
Priority #2: Remember Who Is Listening
Think about a person in your life who is as far from Jesus as possible. A pure heathen. Then imagine you are somehow able to convince them to come to church with you. Wow! A golden opportunity for them to hear and experience the gospel – maybe for the first time in their life.
We know they need Jesus, because everyone needs Jesus. Right?
I think about those people with every church service. With the Scriptures I choose and the prayers I pray, even the greetings I give. It’s one of the main reasons I prepare my sermons word-for-word ahead of time. I want to make sure I’ve thought through the people who might hear it before I say it. I want the Word to have a shot.
There are people who have joined a political party because they think it best represents their views. There are others who have simply followed their parents or communities onto a political track. Depending on where you are in the country, those could be complete opposites! And I want all of them in church. If hinting at my political preferences might turn your guest’s ears off – even if they just overhear me in another conversation – then it’s just not worth it. The Gospel is too important; its impact is too eternal.
But isn’t the Bible offensive? Sure is! And I don’t shy away from the tough passages. But it’s my responsibility – and I believe it’s our church’s responsibility – to get out of the way of the Word and add nothing to it. Even adding emphasis can distort the truth; my stress on a particular subject, or a particular sin, can make some things seem more important, or others less important, and misrepresent what God actually said.
Remember Romans 1:
“And because… God gave them over.”
Sinful behaviors are the result of separation from God. Conversely, righteous behaviors flow from following Jesus, and following Jesus comes after believing in Jesus. No one can come to the Father, no one can be right with God, no one can know new life, except through Him. I’ll let Jesus’ resurrection be the stumbling block that causes offense.
Which leads me to:
Priority #3: Our Highest Goal
I am convinced that only the acceptance of Jesus as Lord can truly transform a person. And more, I am convinced that without accepting Jesus as Lord, a person is destined for an eternity apart from Him. Unbelief makes things bad now and disastrous in the long run.
Therefore, my entire motivation should be to gain the privilege of sharing the life-changing good news of Jesus. I want them to keep their ears open and attentive. If talking politics, or if giving an opinion about a hot-button issue, might rob me of that chance, then I just won’t do it. I don’t want to give them any reason to shut them off.
People do not come to proper belief through proper behavior. They come to proper behavior through proper belief. The Fruit of the Spirit doesn’t grow on the ground. It grows on trees that are rooted in Christ and watered in the Word.
Therefore, my highest goal is for people to know, believe, and follow Christ. I want to have the chance to persuade them that He’s worth following. Righteous belief, not righteous behavior, is my goal. The whole world could suddenly start behaving like Christians and still be doomed to hell. That would be the true tragedy.
Concluding thoughts
So, I seek to remove distractions (even “important” ones), create a sense of sanctuary (even though we’re in the world), remember who might be listening (even people I strongly disagree with), and prioritize the highest goal (the salvation of a soul). If someone who truly needs Christ walks through our doors, experiences our conversations, and listens to our message, what will keep the conversation going? What will shut it down?
Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). I think that’s good advice: to make sure everyone hears our highest priority clearly, and without distraction.
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