Dear Grace,
My apologies that I’ve been silent for the last two weeks. I’ve actually been writing quite a bit of correspondence, responding to emails from Gracers. There’s been a number of questions and comments regarding what is said and not said from the pulpit, especially when it comes to commenting on headlines and news in our world. Most of the exchanges of have been seasoned with grace and kindness, even when disagreeing. I’m grateful for that. It reminds me that as the family of God we can talk about difficult matters, even when we disagree, and we can do so with love, respect, and mutual encouragement.
I found myself repeating several lines in the emails as a way of articulating how we discern what to speak to, even when it might sound political. So, I thought it would be worthwhile to communicate more broadly to you.
Over the years, shepherding our beautifully diverse church has been quite the learning curve for our pastors and elders. There were times when we should have spoken up and others when we said too much/little. There are equal accusations of being political by speaking, or being political by staying silent.
A couple of guiding principles that our elders and pastors have come to operate by are:
- We are not called to “shepherd the world”. That is, we have no interest in making statements for statements’ sake, etc. We are called to shepherd the beloved congregation we have been entrusted with, that is the very diverse folks who call Grace home.
- Our criteria for what to comment on is a combination of something that might arise to the national consciousness via headlines or stories PLUS a perceived impact on members of our body or the whole body. We don’t need to comment on things happening in another city or locale unless it has impact on us.
- We try very deliberately to listen to the Lord for His heart for His people, and how to best address biblically whatever the topic is without lending ourselves to Blue or Red. We’re called to represent the Kingdom. That means we’re not interested in a “scorecard” that causes us to think, “well, we spoke to this, so we better speak to something else that represents the other side.” As each situation comes up, we always want to be asking what is God’s will here? How do we live more faithfully as kingdom citizens.
- The listening and discerning process allows us to not be reactive to the news cycle. As elders and pastors, we desire to be unified, and to try and speak with a different tone than the media outlets, politicians, and pundits. We want to be responsive, not reactive, so sometimes we don’t say anything right away.
- We are not comparing moral vices and sin as to which one is more severe. They all are an affront to God’s will and the nature of his kingdom. Our speaking to one at a particular time doesn’t mean that the others aren’t important.
- So also our embracing of one part of the body at a certain time does not mean rejection of another. There is enough of the love of God to go around.
Often times the question will arise, “If you speak about this…why not that?” It’s a question of consistency, and frankly, it’s hard to gauge. I look back over the last few months, and I can humbly say that I think I offended everyone at different times (j/k – kinda). As one of our elders best said it, “we should be so concerned about the will of God and the welfare of His people that we’d rather be accused of inconsistency than silence.”
One of the most important works that God has been doing in me and our leadership teams is a growing conviction and confidence to listen to the Lord and to do His will. In that, I don’t feel pressure from outside to say something, and I don’t feel particularly attached to praise or criticism when I do. The most important thing for me is to be able to answer the question. “Did I wholeheartedly do the Lord’s will today?” I’m so proud to say that I serve with a team of pastors and elders who all feel the same resolve and desire to say, “Yes, we did.”
I’ve been reminded this week of the reality that Ash Wednesday brings to our attention. Life is indeed short. The time to seek the Lord is precious.
With that in mind, pray for Gary – he had thumb surgery on Monday and is recovering. Pray for Francis who lost his daughter quite suddenly and tragically last weekend. Pray for Mike, that his homegoing will be filled with peace and joy, and for Kim and the rest of the family that remain. Pray for Nelly and her two kids, who have lost a wonderful husband and father too soon, just yesterday. Continue to pray for peace and preservation of life in the Middle East.
Amidst all of the back-and-forth of political-hobbying (yes, I meant to write hobbying), to remember and pray for those who are grieving is a sobering reminder that there is more to life than the headlines. That’s the essence of our life together – to give and receive the love of God to the people right in front of us.