Church and Politics

“Mixing Christianity and politics is like mixing ice cream and manure. It does not affect the manure very much. But it sure does ruin the ice cream.” – Tony Campolo

As we approach an election year, we need to talk about how we talk. Because I will be honest, I don’t want to see the ice cream ruined.

One of the things I love about pastoring Grassroots is the diverse and eclectic nature of our community.  And though it is hardly mentioned, this includes politics.  Our community includes democrats, republicans, independents, agnostics (politically speaking, of course), and more.  But with this comes a tension.  Especially during election season.  Can we learn to love each other even if we disagree?  Is our faith in Jesus more powerful than our political diversity?  Can we listen, love, and respect one another with the love and grace of Christ?

So, here are a few ground rules we have learned along the way:

1) Don’t Let Politics Steal Your Identity. For the Christian, our identity is rooted in Jesus. We are first children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, ministers of reconciliation, and the light of the world. Politics have a way of making us forget who we are and how we are called to live.

When we put our politics before our faith, it is idolatry. And when we identify ourselves by our political parties, more than we identify ourselves by our faith, it is idolatry. So, don’t let politics steal your God-given identity.

2) Words Matter. This should be pretty straight forward. Gossip, slander, personal attacks, deceit (which includes false claims, exaggerations, and most campaign propaganda) are not okay.  This might be the norm for political rhetoric.  But it is not the norm for followers of Christ.

This includes Facebook. Especially Facebook.

3) Don’t Antagonize. I admit politics can be funny. Comedians should really pay politicians commissions for all the material they give them. And it can be really tempting to mock people you do not like. But, don’t do it!

When we mock people we do not like, it deepens division and fractures relationships. If you really cannot resist political humor, try only posting jokes about the politicians/policies you advocate for. (Not as funny, right?!)

4) Have Convictions. By all means, vote. Engage. Care. Influence.

Just remember that convictions do not require us to hate, slander, and villainize those we disagree with.

5) Church as a Politic. I believe with all my heart that the local church is the hope of the world. As a Christian, remember God’s politic is the church. His plan for reconciling the world to himself is not a political party or governmental system, it is the local community of believers.

This election year, there will be lots of talk about the problems our country faces, the work that needs to be done in the world, and our hopes for the future. Talk about these things as a church! Don’t outsource to the government the work God has called us to do.

So, can we do better this year?  Can we learn to have civil conversations?  Can we learn to love those with whom we disagree?  Can we let our faith in Christ be more powerful than the political divisions of this world?

Can we keep the manure out of the ice cream?

Response To Donald Miller

First, I really like Don Miller.  I think his writing is deep, honest, funny, and often times profound.  I am a fan, and reckon I will be for a long time. 

But this week he was a bit off. 

He posted on why he does not go to church (Sunday morning worship) very often.  At first, I was interested in his insights.  It seems masses of people feel the same way.  And I was hoping for a fresh perspective on why.   Don always seems good at this sort of thing. 

But I was left disappointed.  Some of what he said was true.  But most of it was excuse, not insight.  Maybe Don has spoiled me.  I am used to his words bringing freshness to Jesus, to life, to the Bible.  His words usually inspire me to do better, to live better.  These posts seemed to feed what is lazy and cynical in me. 

I understand Don’s point of view on church.  But here is an alternative one:  

1) Jesus went to church (synagogue).  In the midst of healing lepers, eating with prostitutes, rebuking Pharisees, and saving the world… Jesus gathered for worship each week with a local community (Luke 4:16).  You think if anyone could worship anywhere, or was doing God’s work already, and could afford to skip synagogue, it would be Jesus.  I mean, did Jesus really need to listen to another Rabbi teach the scriptures?  Yet this is what he did. 

This is important to me because I want to be a disciple of Jesus.  Disciples are not just students who want to know what their teacher knows.  They are students who want to BE who their teacher is.  So, if it was the custom of Jesus to worship weekly at the synagogue, I want to do the same in my life.  I want to be like Jesus. 

2) God’s Mission.  One of God’s main missions throughout all of scripture is to create a community for himself.  The creation of Israel (OT) and the church (NT) was at God’s initiative.  In America, we tend to think individualistically about faith.  But God seems to think communally.  If the community of faith is important to God, I think it should be important to us. I think Don really misses God’s heart on this one. 

 3) False Dichotomy.  Don argues that he worships (connects with) God by doing his work.  That is a great point.  Worship is much more than what we do on Sunday morning.  But this is also a false dichotomy.  Communal worship should fuel our Monday through Saturday mission/worship.  And vice versa.  They should not be pitted against each other.

4) Outside the Box, Inside the Church.  Don argues God can work outside the church.  I agree.  Putting God in a box is never a good idea.  He never fits.  Scripture says the whole earth is his temple, and even this is too small.  So sure, God can work everywhere.  But that should not blind us to one very important fact:

 God has always looked for special places on earth for his presence to dwell.  In the Old Testament it was the Ark of the Covenant among Israel.  Then it was in the person of Jesus.  And after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the spirit of God was sent to fill the church.  This is why the church is referred to as the temple of God.  It is the community where God chooses to dwell on earth.  God can work outside the church.  But he desires to work in and through it. 

5) Tribal or Universal Thinking.  Don seems to label his critics as being tribal thinkers- people closed off to people different than them.   The exact opposite is true of the church, specifically when it gathers for worship.  When the local church gathers for worship, it joins with the universal church around the world.  The worshipping church is the most diverse, ecclectic community in the world.   

I would guess Don’s friends (his community/church) are very like-minded.  This is fine.  But it is our commitment to the church that engages us in a diverse, world-wide community.  Or at least it should. 

6) Love for Jesus.  Don says a lot of people go to church out of guilt and shame.  He says a lot of people feel they need to suffer to please God. 

 First, he is right.  A lot of people probably do attend worship out of guilt and shame.  And that is not a good thing, or God’s desire for us.  God’s desire is that we would worship him because of love.  On one hand Don is right:  Don’t worship out of guilt and shame.  On the other hand, the solution to this in not leaving the church.  The solution is worshiping God out of love. 

Of course, love does require times of sacrifice and commitment.  We cannot be selfish with our relationships.  Don is newly married, so I reckon he will learn this in time.

7) Today’s Church.  Here is where I really wish Don would have hit a home run.  He says the way we do church today is drastically different than the church described in the bible.  He is right.  But instead of painting a new, compelling vision for the church today, he simply makes this point to take a jab at what exists. 

Don, you are right.  The church has changed over 2,000 years.  A lot of this was necessary and good.  Some of it probably is not.  But if you are frustrated with church, don’t bail on it!  Become part of the solution.  Tell a better story.

Your story about giving up on it would not make a good movie.  We need you, and your readers, to help shape the future of the church.  We are less without your participation. 

And the same is true of you!  Don’t give up on the church.  Be the church. 

Stretches of Land

The journey seemed grand when I made my plan
And I was excited to be on my way
The goal was noble, and its impact global
And it was a perfectly sunny day

At my back was a breeze and I walked with ease
As I basked in the voyage I was taking
The trail was flat, downhill at that
And I marveled at the time I was making

But every traveler knows where the trail goes
And that it’s not an easy stroll
I would learn of the trail’s turn
And I would pay the journey’s toll

Cause the road grew steep, and the mud sank deep
As I continued on my way
And as the sunlight faded, my outlook jaded
And my hope began to fray

There are stretches of land that are damp and bland
Full of shadows, but no sun
Where the wind cuts cold, and many men fold
And where their story comes undone

It was at that spot that I nearly forgot
The reason I began this story
And I began to wonder as the sky thundered
If the struggle was worth its glory

I began to ponder as my mind wandered
Of taking an easier road
Of a life that chases comfortable places
Where I could lay down my load

Because when the rain chills and novelty stills
A man can question the trail he treads
If this stretch of pain ends in gain
Of if the struggle will leave him dead

There is not a path I know as these things go
That doesn’t have a stretch that’s hard
To test a man’s will and sharpen his skill
And to leave his soul slightly scarred

So there I stood with all I could
Trying to take measure
If I should trade my goal and my soul
To live a life of pleasure

Though my bones ached and muscles quaked
I steadied my soul level
Regained my vision, then made my decision
And said, “screw you” to the devil.

I must tell it was hard as hell
To finish the journey I started
But a meaningful goal can sustain a soul
Long after life’s comfort has departed

There are crowds that follow a life that’s hollow
And their trails are wide and flat
But one thing I know as these things go
Our lives are not made for that

Dying Breed

(by Dan Hinz)

Where is the man with calloused hands
Whose soul has substance and grit
Who has worked his whole life, and loved but one wife
Cause he knew well enough not to quit

Where is the man with dirt-stained hands
Colored black by the land he has tended
Whose leather skin, and honest grin
Quietly witness the beauty he’s defended

Where is the man with weathered hands
Who has endured his share of pain
Who has lost things dear, and shed a tear
But never uttered a word to complain

Where is the man with honest hands
Whose handshake is firm, but tame
Whose words are true when he speaks to you
Simply based on his good name

Where is the man with thankful hands
That can count the simple blessings
Who is free from greed and gives to need
And doesn’t give way to vain impressing

Where is the man with praying hands
Humbly living for God’s glory
Who knows his place by God’s good grace
And embraces his part of the story

Where is this man, with well-worn hands
Who is thick skinned, yet soft hearted
We still need this dying breed
Let’s pray they’ve not departed

Why Millennials Are Leaving the Church

Rachel Held Evens recently wrote a great piece on why millennials are leaving the church.  It was a profound and succinct piece that articulated our desire for substance, not show.  Holiness, not holy wars.  The kingdom of God, not politics.  And ultimately, Jesus. 

I agreed and resonated with most (not all) everything Rachel said.  But I am also seeing things from a different vantage point today. 

The reasons millennials are leaving the church speaks something of the church.  But it also speaks something of our generation.

There is something unsettling about our generation leaving the church because it does meet their needs and wants.  Don’t misunderstand me.  I understand and share the frustrations.  But I also feel like we can be a little spoiled.  Maybe there is a little too much truth to being labelled the “me” generation.

It just does not feel like leaving an ancient faith and eternal family should be so easy.

It just feels like we are quick to blame others, but slow to look at ourselves.

It just feels like we are quick to complain about church, but slow to admit we are the church.

Our generation loves to quote Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  But somehow we don’t think that applies to us in matters of faith and church.  Instead of being the change, we just take off.

Maybe I am being overly harsh.  But if I am, it is only because Rachel was writing about me.  I was the millennial upset at all things church.  It’s misguided theatrics, politics, and gimmicks.  And for years, I complained and criticized.  Bashed and berated.  Dissed and dismissed. 

I am not saying our generation is wrongly frustrated.  I think much of our anger is like Jesus’ anger toward the Pharisees of his day.  It is a holy anger towards religious leaders that have lost their way.  Anger towards using Jesus for votes; anger towards turning worship into theatrics; anger towards finding hate where love should be; anger towards finding superficiality instead of substance. 

But I am saying millennials are wrong for leaving the church.  Maybe leaving speaks to not to the church’s superficiality, but our own.  Maybe leaving isn’t caused by the church’s lack of substance, but our lack of substance.  Maybe telling church leaders we are leaving because we don’t like consumerism in church should give us pause for reflection.  (I hope you can see the deep irony in this)

Here is a tough word for my generation:   If you are upset the church does not reflect Jesus, that is your responsibility!  You are the church.  If you are frustrated with the church, you must first be frustrated with yourself. 

Maybe the church is what it is today because you left. 

A Gypsy Soul

(an ode to old friends in bumpy places)

It is not the goal of a gypsy soul
To live a life that is still
It’s not the wild, but bland and mild
That breaks the wanderer’s will

There are masses of men who asked when
Will tell of a docile story
Of settling down in a suburban town
With their comforts as their glory

But the things that please these men of ease
Don’t soothe the gypsy spirit
It’s the untamed places and open spaces
That beckon the wanderer near it

It’s Glacier Park, all gone dark
Except the lights from heaven’s floor
It’s el Capitan wall and Yosemite Falls
And the white rapids as they roar

It’s back country for weeks, and Teton peaks
And trekking where there are no trails
It’s climbing free at Joshua Tree
And nights telling campfire tales

It’s the things that scare and the mountain air
And chasing hard after the wild’s call
It’s sailing free in the open sea
It’s giving this one life your all

Because the only fear in the gypsy’s ear
Is the sound of an un-lived day-
Of trading life’s glory and our part in the story
To choose a more comfortable way

There are few things I know as these things go
That can break the wanderer’s will
But one thing for sure he cannot endure
Is to live a life that is still.

Choose Your Battles

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.

David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.

—

This is the scene right before David slays Goliath.  Goliath is mocking God and his people.  The army of Israel is cowing in fear and defeat.  David, a young shepherd, comes to check in on his brothers and witnesses what is happening.

When he does, his older brother (Eliab), starts to pick a fight.  The irony, of course, is that Eliab is supposed to be fighting Goliath- the Philistine giant who is mocking Yahweh.  While he is scared of this fight, he seems eager to pick on his younger brother.  Irony indeed.

David, however, does not lose sight of the big picture.  He easily could have engaged his brothers accusations, and defended himself.  He probably could have even won the argument (seeing as his father sent him, and he has a legitimate reason for being there).  However, David simply “turned away”.

You see, sometimes it is not about being right, or winning an argument.  Sometimes it is about fighting the right battles.

David understood that the real enemy was not his brother.

The real battle to be fought that day was against Goliath.

Do You Have Ears To Hear?

Here is a great story I read today.

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Would you have taken the time to listen?  Or, as Jesus put it, do you have ears to hear?

Leaving the Church

Do you believe in God, but not in church?

Join the crowd. 

This seems to describe almost everyone I meet these days.  The verbage might change, but the sentiment is the same:  People tend to still believe in God, but want little to do with the church. 

My initial reaction to this is understanding.  After all,  Jesus seemed to butt heads with the religious leaders more than anyone else in scripture.  If there was anything could elicit the anger and frustration of Jesus, it was the religious establishment that had lost God’s heart. 

So when people share their frustration with religion, I understand.  As a pastor, I am not trying to win people to lifeless rules, heavy burdens, and institutional preservation.  I actually applaud their distaste for such things.  Such folks share a lot in common with Jesus. 

But there is also something much deeper going on.  Criticizing the church might hold some validity.  But it is also a cover.  A mask.  A guise to disguise a deeper truth.  The deeper truth is people are not leaving the church due to their devotion to Jesus.  They are leaving the church because their belief in God is casual, at best. 

Pointing our finger at the church can be a magic trick.  It can be an illusion to divert our attention from what is really happening.  We want the attention on the church and its problems.  Because if we can keep the focus there, it will not turn to us.  It will not turn to our apathy towards God.  Our unwillingness to invest in eternal things.  Our refusal to take up our cross and follow Jesus. 

I am not saying the church does not have issues.  But let’s be honest:  The deeper issue is us.  We don’t like church because it actually demands something of our faith.  And we are uncomfortable with that.  We prefer to keep things casual when it comes to God.  We like believing in a generic God because it requires nothing of us.  No love. No surrender.  No devotion.  No church community asking us to actually put our faith into practice. 

For most of us, we did not leave the church because of its issues.  We left because of our issues.  We left the church because we prefer to dabble in spirituality at our convenience, not sell everything to follow Jesus. 

—

In scripture, John writes, “If anyone says “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar.”  Harsh?  Maybe.  But I mostly think John is just being honest with people.   Honest about what life ought to look like if we claim to love God.  Honest that our love for God has to be connected to our love for one another.  Honest with the fact that the two cannot be separated.

So… let’s be honest about our claim of “loving God but not the church”:  It does not work that way.   

John goes on to say that our love for God is displayed in our love for one another.  The two are eternally connected.  Our love for each other (the church) is how the world primarily gets to see our love for God.  If our love is not displayed there, it does not exist. 

So what does our avoidance of the church really say about our love for God? I think if we are being honest it says this:

We are willing to believe in God so long as it does not demand anything of us.  

So long as we don’t have to put others, or God, before ourselves. 

So long as our love can be theoretical, not practical.

So long as it does not radically alter our lives. 

So long as it is convenient.

The church has problems.  I get it.  But let’s be honest on why we really left the church. 

—

When God’s love truly gets inside of us, we will find ourselves loving what He loves.  And at the top of that list is His church… warts and all. 

Defining Success

American pastors are abandoning their posts, left and right, and at an alarming rate. They are not leaving their churches and getting other jobs. Congregations still pay their salaries. Their names remain on the church stationary and they continue to appear in pulpits on Sundays. But they are abandoning their posts, their calling. They have gone whoring after other gods. What they do with their time under the guise of pastoral ministry hasn’t the remotest connection with what the church’s pastors have done for most of twenty centuries.

The biblical fact is that there are no successful churches. There are, instead, communities of sinners, gathered before God week after week in towns and villages all over the world. The Holy Spirit gathers them and does his work in them. In these communities of sinners, one of the sinners is called pastor and given a designated responsibility in the community. The pastor’s responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God. It is this responsibility that is being abandoned in spades. Eugene Peterson