Years ago the taking a stand in the public square was relatively easy…because most people (even unbelievers) were being directed by a culture of morality that was at lease parallel to the morality we find in the Scriptures. The culture that we are facing today as pastors, missionaries, and church members is much less accepting of Biblical viewpoints..and often your very belief system is considered hateful!
We are bombarded every day with cultural issues that have moral implications. Some cultural issues are moral by their very nature! When we are questioned, when we are cornered by our communities, our friends, our neighbors…how do we speak the truth in love? That’s our topic today on Let’s Talk Church.
Point to Consider
So when we talk about moral issues, we are talking about issues based on an understanding of right and wrong. There are some issues, however, that are easy to push off as “political” when they are actually moral issues being discussed on the political stage.
We have a choice…do we stand up and speak or do we sit back and be silent.
Matthew 5:13-16 says, Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Being salt and light in a culture that hates salt and light is difficult…and a new experience for many pastors that have never had to deal with community interaction or cultural engagement.
Obviously we are to be sharing our faith…obviously we are to be preaching sound doctrine... but how do we as pastors, church leaders, and believers influence our communities for righteousness when the conversation seems so controversial?
Our guest today is Ben Schettler…he is the Founder and President of The Center for Truth in Love, a non-profit whose vision is to transform believers' ability to speak the truth in love by updating the way Christians learn, modifying the tactics Christians use, and increasing the knowledge Christians have. I have enjoyed watching Ben from afar and seeing his ministry to pastors and churches develop over the years. I am looking forward to what we can learn in this conversation!
Questions to consider from this episide: 1. Can the church (speaking broadly) be effective in reaching the lost world if we don’t engage the community on moral issues? 2. How do we distinguish between issues that are moral (with political ramifications) and political (with moral ramifications)
Examples of moral issues (with political ramifications) abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, gender identity
Examples of political issues (with moral ramifications) immigration, healthcare, taxes *Should we engage in each of those conversations the same as pastors?
*So as a pastor, how should we address moral issues in culture without coming across as political hacks?
3. What are some roadblocks that we (as Christians) create to having productive conversation around difficult cultural/moral issues?
4. Can you give me a few examples of how ministries are engaging with the community well…and maybe a few resources that we can take with us today to help develop our cultural engagement?
CONCLUSION
Today’s moral culture is dividing Christians into two groups..those that want to withdraw and remain silent…and those that want to actively engage in their communities, with their neighbors, and in the town square…but want to do it in a loving and kind way that points people to Jesus.
I hope the conversation we have in this episode will be a blessing to you...and strengthen your resolve to be salt and light in your community!
Pastor DJ Harry
