Why You Should NOT Talk Politics

August 11, 2011
Leadership Clip to Evernote
23

If a Christian Leader openly talks Politics

If they talk about specific people, parties and divisive issues in the political arena, they will undermine their Kingdom impact. Yeah I know, some feel we must speak to these issues and if we don’t who will be the "Christian voice" on important topics.

This is the deal. Those that are in the political field and  in the Kingdom, let them speak to the Kingdom perspective. Those of us who are not in the political world but see our focus and calling in the the Kingdom realm…need to keep our sights on principles not politics. Jumping in and publishing comments and and opinions on public forums such as Twitter and Facebook is very divisive and does much more harm to the highest calling of winning and making disciples.

It doesn’t matter how "right" you may think you are, or how compelled you feel to make sure the "Christian" voice is heard, know this…In doing so, you are alienating others from the Kingdom, who haven’t had a chance to fully understand Kingdom thinking. Honestly, it’s just not worth the trade!

Our priority is first and foremost to…"Go and make followers." What that means is we conduct ourselves in ways that are winsome to those outside the Kingdom. Yes, we stand for what is right by the way we live. But I have never seen someone won into the Kingdom by loosing a moral debate in the political realm!

So please… Cease and desist from any and all of the following:

  • Bashing the President
  • Bashing any person or party
  • Bashing military commanders

If you must speak, speak of principles that are not directed to one political view point. And even those should be limited. Don’t allow your own agenda to wreck the Kingdom work God wants to do through you.

Want say you?

About artie: I'm the lead Pastor at Cornerstone, a Multi-Ethnic church in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Also the founder of the Comb Network.com, a movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller cities. I direct a gathering of small city leader called "The Sticks."

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  • Josh

    If a pastor isn’t addressing the sanctity of human life and the importance of traditional marriage from the pulpit, he is failing.

    • Anonymous

      I agree with Josh. Those are "Principles." The problem is when you take a principle and use it to bash someone in the political arena, your voice becomes silent, and only applicable to those who agree with you in politics. That is not a win for the Kingdom.

      I address all of those things, but from strictly a Biblical context, never alluding to a political issue or figure. That helps maintain unity and keep the doors open fo further discussions.

      • http://billgrandi.com bill (cycleguy)

        A pastor can preach about the sanctity of life and marriage without being political or bashing.  Preach the positive message of hope in Christ.

        • Anonymous

          NO that’s a GREAT summary! Love it

  • Josh

    That said, I understand what you’re saying, and realize that getting too political can cause great damage; there is a certainly a balancing act. However, far too many pastors make excuses for not speaking out on the issues that really do matter from a biblical perspective.

  • Guest

    I agree and disagree with you. I agree that going forth and making disciples should be our number one priority. I also agree that we need to be careful about the dialogue we use when discussing the individuals you listed above. But allowing your freedoms, prosperity, and property to be stripped away by not speaking up or getting involved is not acceptable either. When something was wrong Jesus spoke up. He did not remain silent when he saw injustice. He stepped in. But any interjection must be done in a way that would bring honor to Him, but remaining silent is not an option. Thank you. 

    • Anonymous

      Yeah, Jesus spoke up about injustice in the Church, not with the government of Rome! He was concerned about winning those in the Roman Govt. and bashing them would put such a huge casem. During Jesus’ day, they were under authoritative rulers, and yet Jesus spoke if principles but never used them to directly confront the political leaders.

  • http://billgrandi.com bill (cycleguy)

    Can you hear the big "YES!" coming from Indiana??  I hate hearing about it and I refuse to talk about it.  One reason I quit going to a Bible study was for that very reason.  I prefer to take Paul’s approach: "I wanted to know nothing among except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."  We have something far more important to talk about.  Added: politics do not belong in the pulpit.  My .02 worth on that.  :)   Good call Artie. 

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Bill…

  • http://twitter.com/timothyabridges Tim Bridges

    Thanks for this.  Very helpful.

    • Anonymous

      Honored Tim, thanks very much

  • http://www.facebook.com/tarasmithward Tara Smith Ward

    Topics in the political arena tend to be for the most part very emotional ones. When we feel very strongly about an issue, emotions get involved and often override good judgement. This leads to Christians behaving and speaking in ways that do not reflect Jesus. Unfortunately, one outburst can ruin our testimony and send potential Kingdom members running away from the very One we want to lead them to. Definitely NOT worth it.

    • Anonymous

      Bam! You got it girl!

  • http://twitter.com/annNow Ann Gilchrist

    Absolutely. Jesus would caution us to always give the honor due the authority, simply because of their position. He would give no place for verbal bashing of any gov’t official, as they have authority over us. We as salt and light in the world, however, should continue to dialogue openly about issues and principles, though cautiously from the pulpit. Those things are certainly not our focus. 

    • Anonymous

      Well said Ann, well said thank you

  • http://GaryTrobee.com Gary

    Artie,
    I have been sitting on this for a couple of days and had decided not to wade into another one of these discussions but I can’t put it down.

    I hear your heart and aside from what you said about ‘bashing" I couldn’t disagree more.

    We are all in the political field. We live in an age when politics impacts every area of our lives, and the only "christian" leaders who are speaking up are those on the left of the political spectrum.

    We most definitely must speak from a place of principle and our words must be seasoned with salt, and full of grace, but we should never remove ourselves from the arena of ideas.

    I have been involved in many principled, passionate, and civil conversations with those in stark opposition with me regarding politics and have been able to maintain relationship with them. It can and should be done.

    You are right when you say Jesus spoke to injustice in the church and not to the Roman government. The difference is Isreal was a conquered nation with no voice in the political process. We are not in captivity and we do have a voice. We must use our voice in a way that is principled and full of grace, or we will lose it completely.

    • Anonymous

      The problem Gary is this… Our primary purpose is to "make disciples" not political converts. So if we discus divisive issues that are not CLEARLY and distinctly adressed in scripture we will alienate ourselves from the very people we are called to reach and have influence with.

      We may become successful at informing som of our view point, but that rarely if ever produces a new disciple for the Kingdom.

  • http://www.mhmcintyre.us Mark McIntyre

    Just before I read this, I deleted a couple of snarky tweets about the President that I had in my buffer. I get where you are coming from. I don’t want to be a stumbling block that gives anyone an excuse to write off Jesus. If people are offended by the gospel, so be it, but I don’t want them to be offended because I’ve misrepresented the gospel.

    We do have a responsibility to present what the Bible says about issues of our day, we do not have the freedom to attack or belittle those with whom we do not agree.

    • Anonymous

      Right on, you got it Mark. Thanks bro!

  • http://www.facebook.com/minerva.c.dantzler Minerva Christine Dantzler

    Thank you for that! I accept your Godly correction!

  • http://asimpleguyblog.blogspot.com/ Dan Collins

    Artie,

    I believe any disciples we attract come because of our example – words, of any persuasion or topic, attract fleeting conversions at the very best.  Your primary point to avoid political ‘beliefs’ is well taken and I appreciate the sentiment. Thank you for a thoughtful posting.

  • Rick

    Artie, thanks for articulating what I’ve been trying to say for a long time. I have never seen anyone change their political party or opinions based on something a pastor says. I have seen plenty of people and churches divided over political positions assumed by pastors. I appreciate your wisdom. 

  • CAHuntress1

    I think you can have open, polite, respectful conversation about the subject, however. And that conversation can be healthy.