By Brenda Blackhawk
A few years ago, a friend and I were asked to lead the Palm Sunday service. We chose the readers, wrote the prayers, and – in lieu of a traditional sermon – performed a spoken word piece we had written. The sermon at core questioned some traditional life choices and highlighted the different ways Jesus shows up in the world.
In the 20ish-minute poem, we emphasized Jesus’ call for us to engage the world: Pursue and follow truth, love neighbors by seeking equality, show mercy by sharing in our wealth and resources, and respect creation. And, my friend and I accentuated our perspective rather forcefully.
We ruffled a few feathers. Recognizing this was the reaction of some congregants, we offered to sit and talk with people after service about all the points we’d made. We used Bible verses, verified statistics, personal stories, and more to demonstrate injustice in the world, and to support our contention that it is our duty as Christians to combat it. In the end, some people couldn’t see past the fact that they didn’t want what they considered “politics” to enter the sanctuary.
“Not once does Jesus suggest we avoid the problem.”
In the 20 months that I have worked at the synod, I have spoken to a lot of pastors and church leaders from different denominations around the state. And I have heard from several pastor-leaders about how often some church members avoid contentious discussions or worry that a sermon is too controversial. I’ve heard stories of angry messages left on answering machines for pastors and of congregants walking out in the middle of worship, instead of engaging in conversation directly and openly.
In good Minnesotan Nice fashion, our churches have become “conflict avoidant.” We’ve embodied Switzerland.
IN THE GOSPEL READING for last Sunday (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus tells us how to be in healthy conflict within the church. He gives a really good step-by-step guide for handling it. First, talk one-on-one with the person you’ve got an issue with. What if that doesn’t work? Next time bring two or three others to be witnesses. What if that still isn’t working? Bring on the whole church!
Not once does Jesus suggest we avoid the problem. He even reassures us that he’s present in our gatherings (including times of conflict) when he says, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
As we approach election season, in what some pundits predict will be the most contentious election in memory, it will be tempting to shy away from “the perception of politics” at church. Congregations around the state have memberships divided by where they sit on the political spectrum. What can churches do in this situation? Could church leaders challenge us all to think about whether we care more about keeping the peace or preaching the gospel?
“As we approach election season, it will be tempting to shy away from ‘the perception of politics’ at church.”
Recently, the ELCA published a new social message, “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.” The document reminds us that “… civil engagement is a vital aspect of discipleship for baptized Christians.”
As Lutherans we are called to live out the gospel. Sometimes that means peace (as in, absence of conflict). Sometimes that means protest. No matter what, as the new social message states, “… this church affirms that government’s failures and injustices need to be remedied through robust civic engagement.”
And sure, we might ruffle a few feathers. But at least we’re living out the gospel together. With Jesus among us.