Church Politics

It was at a Red Lobster in the summer years ago. He was a preacher, and he was frustrated. As he unfolded his story, he finally said: “I am just tired of it all. I don’t think I’m cut out for this. I think I just need to find something else to do.” 

He unloaded on elders who cave to members who have more money. On preachers who make assumptions without confirmation. On members who judge ministers based on all external stuff. He was hurt and needed to vent. 

As he wound down, he said: I love people, I love studying with those who haven’t come to Jesus, I love preaching and learning and helping others understand the text. You could tell he did. You could hear the passion in his tone. 

Then he concluded: “I just can’t do politics. I can’t do it.” 

Let’s face it - politics seems everywhere these days, and it rarely leaves a good taste in our mouths or changes anybody or anything - it just produces heat, not light.

I imagine some reading this feel the same way. I’d like to make the same suggestion to you that I did to him.

Then, don’t. You don’t have to get tangled up in it all. You don’t have to determine who is in and who is out. You don’t have to be in the middle of church politics or brotherhood politics. Just don’t. 

Breathe. Tell people about Jesus, teach His Word, love His people. Nobody said you had to get in the middle of brotherhood junk. So, if you can’t handle it, just decide not to play. It’ll certainly make you better and more effective. I’m not saying never take a stand on right or wrong, or never defend the hurting, or ignore false teaching. I am saying, you don’t have to be political. Just be God’s man. He needs you.