Recently, I found myself engaged in a spirited debate with a group of individuals who were fervently criticizing pastors for delving into the realm of politics. Many of these critiques revolved around the actions of a faith leader whom I hold in high regard, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, the president and founder of Believers Loveworld Nation, also known as Christ Embassy. This passionate exchange of ideas prompted me to delve deeper into the complex and often controversial topic of politics within the Church. In this discussion, we will explore the boundaries, responsibilities, and potential pitfalls when it comes to the involvement of politics in our worship and preaching, all with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted issue.
Navigating Politics in the Church
Let’s dive into the crucial topic of politics within our church communities. To begin, it’s important to clarify what we’re discussing and what we’re not. We won’t be debating whether individual Christians can express patriotism; indeed, there’s a healthy patriotism we can embrace. We’re also not delving into the church-state separation debate. Churches and Christians have the freedom to engage with political matters in public and let their faith guide their views. Instead, we’ll explore the extent to which politics should permeate our church services, especially during worship and preaching.
To tackle this question effectively, we must first understand the purpose of the church. In essence, the Church is tasked with proclaiming the gospel, making disciples worldwide, upholding truth, shining as beacons in a dark world, representing God’s heavenly kingdom, worshiping sincerely, and practicing church discipline. The question arises: Can politics find a place within these purposes? To some extent, yes, particularly concerning upholding truth. However, this doesn’t imply that political discussions should dominate our church services. Let’s break down the practical application in two key components of most Christian denominations’ services: worship and preaching.
Politics on the Platform
Should politics influence our worship? The answer hinges on the purpose of corporate worship. Is it meant to glorify our nation or its leaders? No, this would verge on idolatry. Our worship should be solely devoted to God. Elevating anything else to the same level as God or intertwining it with our worship is spiritually precarious.
Consider practices like singing patriotic songs during a service or displaying the American flag on stage, practices observed in some churches. While these actions may not inherently violate Scripture, they seem unwise. Why introduce elements of patriotism into a space designated for God alone? This can confuse congregants, particularly non-believers or foreigners visiting your church. If we are indeed ambassadors to the world, our church space should reflect our heavenly identity and God’s heavenly kingdom, rather than Earthly matters.
The one area where politics could enter worship is in prayer and thanksgiving. Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages us to pray for our country and its leaders, offering thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us as Americans. However, even here, we must exercise caution and wisdom to ensure that our worship and thanksgiving ultimately glorify God.
Politics in the Pulpit
Should pastors discuss politics from the pulpit? Once again, the purpose of preaching is central. Primarily, preaching should revolve around Christ, His gospel, His life, death, and resurrection, drawing us into worship. Additionally, preaching serves to instruct and edify, aiding spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.
Political topics can certainly find their place in sermons, as the Bible itself addresses political matters. For instance, when Scripture urges us to do justice and love mercy or love our neighbors as ourselves, it carries political implications. The Bible informs our perspective on political issues. However, if preaching becomes primarily focused on politics instead of the gospel, we lose the core purpose of preaching. Any inclusion of political topics should stem from the Word of God, not a preacher’s personal political agenda.
Nonetheless, pastors can address specific issues relevant to the congregation, which may include political concerns. This falls under their role of teaching and shepherding. Addressing political matters requires gentleness, humility, firmness, and truth. Pastors must strive to maintain church unity while recognizing that adherence to God’s truth may lead to necessary divisions.
In Conclusion
The Church’s primary mission is to proclaim the gospel, worship God, and make disciples, ultimately bringing glory to His name. This may occasionally involve discussing political issues during preaching or praying for those in authority, as Scripture commands. However, elements of excessive patriotism or partisanship, while acceptable in individual Christian lives, should be kept out of corporate gatherings. Although not explicitly prohibited, introducing them carries risks of idolatry, distraction from the church’s true purpose, and potential confusion or division. An excessive focus on politics can also confuse non-believers and foreign visitors. Christians, especially pastors, should continually seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit when deciding if and how to address political matters within the church.
