Election Day Special: Shepherding a Politically Polarized Church

Rainer on Leadership

The election season is probably not the primary catalyst for negativity in your church, but it can exacerbate the negativity already present. Pastors can feed the negativity by not acting with diplomacy and grace. Thom and Sam discuss these issues and what pastors can do to shepherd their congregations when tensions are high.

• • Politics is not necessarily the problem. It’s the negativity that surrounds politics that can be harmful to the church.
  • As a pastor, you must work to heal the negativity rather than fueling it.
  • Listen first. Talk little. Most people are at least tuning into the basics of where candidates stand. Ignoring or avoiding political conversations is negligent. You don’t have to say much. You don’t have to respond. Just be willing to listen. And learn.
  • Guide your church in corporate prayer for our nation. There is no need to avoid the election season as if it is not happening. Everyone is feeling the bombardment of ads, news reports, and opinions. You should address what people are experiencing. Call your church to pray.
  • Encourage on social media rather than debating. We’ve never heard a church member say, “I wish my pastor would debate more people on social media.”

Resources:

• Upward Sports

• “Life Application Study Bible”

• “Life Application Study Bible” For All Times

• Tyndale House Publishers

• Know Your Community Politics

• Church Answers Central

• The Everything Church Resource Directory

• The Hope Initiative

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

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