DO CHURCH-GOERS ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THEIR PASTORS?
I'm a little annoyed (ok, more than slightly annoyed) by the premise in the news that people can attend a church for a long period of time, completely disagree with their pastor's teaching and ideology, and not be impacting in any way by his messages.
Why do I say this? Thanks for asking. Allow me to explain so that I can make the point.
It's old news, and that's why I've waited this long to say anything. My comments are not political in nature. But, if you've been listening to the news about Barak Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, you'd know what I mean and why I'm ticked. Here's the thing: Obama and his family sat under Mr. Wright's pastoral teaching and leadership for 20+years. His rhetoric, vitriol, and hate-centered talk have made the headlines recently. I actually listened to one of his sermons nearly in its entirety, and it was disturbing.
And I don't care about your political bent, we are after-all one America, one nation under God. But no matter your tradition, this kind of speech is wrong, contrary to Scripture, and a horrific, if not entirely sac-religious interpretation of the Bible. And this isn't even the point of my blog...
And what is Obama's out? How did he get away with attending and sitting under this kind of hate-filled preaching?
He said things like:
-I wasn't there that day.
-I never heard him say that stuff
-He's my pastor but his teachings have no impact on my personal beliefs and values
-yea, he's a little out there, but I don't really get effected by anything he says
-yes, he did our wedding, dedicated our children, and I've attended regularly for 20 years, but I don't think anything like him and actually disagree with most of what he says
Those aren't exact quotes, but down-right close.
WHAT'S MY POINT?
If anyone who sits under my leadership, teaching, and preaching regular is as equally un-impacted, un-transformed, un-challenged and un-changed by your experience at church and under my leadership. You need a new church. I'm not doing my job. I've failed. If anyone says that about the ministry of Lifehouse East, even after only 2 years, I'd be devastated.
I hope that people are so changed, transformed and impacted by their experience at Lifehouse East, my teaching, and God's love that they are dramatically different. That your thinking, living, and values have so changed that it's undeniable.
May it be OBVIOUS to everyone around you and may it be provable in the court of Law that we are JESUS-FOLLOWERS. By the way, I'm a die-hard Lifehousers. And I'll stand behind our teachings, experience, and family!
1 comment:
I get to have a little "inside look" at this whole deal and your points are excellent. Obama needed to insist upon his "Christian heritage" to overcome statements about him being Muslim. Then when the Christian influence of Pastor Wright was brought out then he had to quickly back peddle. This is an example of the tenuous nature of faith and politics. And one reason why so many in America have become leery of the overt professions of faith by politicians.
I have plenty of political commentary, but I will reserve that for private conversations. But I will say that being at these Obama events is moving and inspiring. He is a tremendous speaker and his message of "hope" resonates with a society largely devoid of the true hope found in a relationship with our loving, personal Savior, Jesus Christ. I would encourage everyone to examine each candidate with great scrutiny and evaluate their values and positions on key issues and then get out and vote!
As far as influence, this reaction is consistent with our modern society. People do not want to be held accountable for negatives and they don't like to admit that there are poor influences which affect their lives. The thinking is an extension of relativism.
I hope that fellow Lifehousers are not only affected by your leadership but the leadership of others within the church. I hope we are all affected by the culture of the Lifehouse. I pray that this influence affects people to the very core of their being and it transforms their lives and the way they pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Post a Comment