VIEWPOINT: Cowardly Clergyman?

By staff - May 13, 2008 - 6

Since when does a church or its pastor have to remain silent when addressing moral and social issues from a biblical worldview? There is no shortage on those who would like to squelch the voice of the church, especially during a political season.

Now is not the time for the church and its pastor to turn passive with regard to addressing critical social and moral issues from the pulpit. The pastor must speak with conviction based on the authority of the Scripture, not with results from the latest opinion poll. The pastor must challenge his congregation with the truth of God’s Word without regard to the views and opinions of political parties or candidates.

The pastor must do all he can to provide insight to moral and social issues based on God’s Word. Shying away from or avoiding certain issues for fear of offending a particular political candidate or political party member is acting as a cowardly clergyman.

Pastors have every right to preach on moral and social issues and to encourage their congregations to become active in civic affairs. Pastors should never endorse a candidate on behalf of the church. Nor should they use church funds or services to contribute directly to candidates or political committees. The pastor should never distribute materials on church premises that favor any one candidate or political party. However, the pastor does have the right to address moral and social issues being addressed by candidates and political parties.

The church has every right to encourage members to voice their opinions in favor or against legislative issues. A church should never endorse or oppose a political candidate or make contributions to a Political Action Committee. Nor should churches conduct fundraising for political candidates. However, the church is an excellent place for the community to learn more about the political process and legislative issues.

Unfortunately, too many churches and pastors are standing on the sidelines allowing those with a secular worldview to dominate public affairs and critical legislation. Our silence has been perceived as agreement. We must clear our throats and be heard without concession.

We are not skating on thin ice when it comes to taking a stand regarding moral and social issues. We must not be intimidated by those who desire to silence the church. We are called to proclaim the truth. May Joshua 1:9 serve as our guide as we seek to address the moral and social issues of our day. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May the Lord find us strong and courageous as together we seek to make a difference within our culture.

It is time to speak up, pastor. Take a stand with God’s Word as your guide! Churches, stand with your pastor as he proclaims the truth of God’s Word with regard to sensitive social and moral issues of the day.

Church members, beware of allowing your political persuasions to compromise your biblical convictions. Know where candidates stand on the issues and support those who share your values as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

This editorial is adapted and reprinted with permission from the April 10, 2008 Oklahoma Baptist Messenger.

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission works to educate Americans about the importance of voting, among many other moral and social issues we face in today’s society. To learn more about this important issue, please visit our Web site at iVoteValues.com.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Citizenship, Church and State, , Religious Liberty

6 comments (post your own) feed

1 On May 13th, 2008, at 4:27pm, George Wadding wrote:

I did not give up my citizenship when I allied myself with a local SBC church.  My right to speak out against immorality, incompetence, or evil remains intact. I am doing what I can to make my brothers and sisters in Christ aware of their need to do so as well.

If we fail to make our voices heard and our votes counted for those who share our values, we lose. Worse than that we have failed to serve our Lord and our church in a fundamental and inexcusable way.

2 On May 14th, 2008, at 1:38pm, Joe Young wrote:

As we let our voices be heard, we must be careful that they are OUR voices.  We must never BELONG to a political party, but the party must BELONG to us.  Too many of us have allowed ourselves to be used by political parties and some of their members whose values we absolutely do not espouse.

We must only BELONG to one Lord Jesus Christ,
and let our voices represent His mind!

3 On May 14th, 2008, at 3:10pm, Dr. Kermit P. Soileau wrote:

Who exactly is “staff?” That’s how this article is headed.  The “staff” uses some strong language to urge on “cowardly” pastors.  I like the article, but why no name for the author?  That comes off just a bit “cowardly,” might we say.

4 On May 15th, 2008, at 9:12am, eric wrote:

“Unfortunately, too many churches and pastors are standing on the sidelines allowing those with a secular worldview to dominate public affairs and critical legislation.”

That ‘secularism’ which is so derided is the garuantee of equality and religious freedom for ALL! [which may well be why the SBC fears it so]

5 On May 15th, 2008, at 2:22pm, David Hammock wrote:

Every minister has the natural right, the God given right and the Constitutional right to preach anything in the Bible. Otherwise, why would the military have Protestant chaplains and Catholic chaplains? Only 1 church has ever had their tax exempt status threatened, and that was during the Clinton administration, but even then, it was not lost. We use words like moral, ethical and political, etc. to try and fragment our faith so we don’t “offend” anyone. Truth always has and always will be, to the one who isn’t interested in the truth, an offense. What I believe or the next man believes, has no bearing on what God says about any “issue.” Man the world over is a worshiping creature. We must speak out for the night cometh when “no man can work.” AMEN to not letting political persuasions conflict with Biblical truth.

Rev. David Hammock

6 On Jun 5th, 2008, at 5:39am, Daqvid Hammock wrote:

When it comes to speaking out, I know of very few who are in the pastoral position who are willing to take the risk to tell the truth. Sad. Why else would one be pastor, I continue to ask? Revivals For America’s surveys indicate that 98% of America’s youth want to know the truth, despite data to the contrary. To be afraid to tell the truth is counter-productive to living, much less politics.

Rev. David Hammock
Revivals For America
Raleigh, NC

Post a Comment




Notify me of follow-up comments?

Before You Submit Your Comment (below), Read This:

Thank you for your interest in the ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (SBC).

Comments are moderated to preserve the family-oriented nature of this website and in an attempt to avoid comment spam. We welcome opposing viewpoints, and we will not turn comments away as long as your views are presented with respect to everyone.

Your comments will not appear immediately and are subject to editing or deletion. We will make every attempt to check new comments in a timely manner, though there will likely be delays on the weekends and around holidays.

Please follow the these guidelines to insure your comments will be posted:

  1. Use a real name, at least a real first name. We find folks are less-rude online when not hiding behind a screen-name.
  2. Name-calling and vulgar-language will not be tolerated. Zero-tolerance is our policy. We will not spend time editing profanity. If it contains foul language, your post will be deleted. Oh, and we decide what is and what is not vulgar.
  3. Comments must be on topic. General comments (compliments, complaints, and otherwise) are best delivered here or expressed on your own personal Web site.
  4. And please, do not type in ALL CAPS. It looks like you're screaming at people.

Additionally, within Baptist polity, please recognize that many issues and decisions are addressed at a local church level. SBC denominational (national) offices have no control and desire no control over the activities of a local church. This entity is not responsible for overseeing and insuring the ethical behavior of Southern Baptist pastors or church members. If your concern involves a legal civil or criminal matter, we suggest you contact the proper local officials.

Issues involving pastoral staff or other church members, local Baptist associations or state Baptist conventions are local issues. Therefore the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission cannot and should not address such issues. While we regret we are unable to assist you, we encourage you to seek a biblical resolution of the issue at the local church level. If your question or submission pertains to a matter covered in this text, it is likely we will not acknowledge your submission.

Other than that, we welcome you and hope to see thoughtful discussions at ERLC.com