YOU'VE BECOME TOO POLITICAL

 

 

We frequently hear that criticism.

For many years, people of faith have been encouraged to avoid politics altogether, often out of a sincere desire to preserve unity or remain “neutral.” We understand that impulse. In many seasons, we have chosen that path ourselves. But the reality we face today no longer allows the luxury of silence. When policies and leaders shape the lives of the vulnerable, influence the truth we tell, normalize cruelty, and determine whose dignity is protected and whose is ignored, disengagement itself becomes a moral choice.

Scripture reminds us that faith has always had public consequences. The prophets spoke to kings. Jesus confronted systems of power that oppressed the poor and exploited the weak. The early church refused to separate worship from justice, compassion, and truth. To follow Christ is not merely a private spiritual exercise — it is a public witness to God’s vision for human community.

We want to be clear: we at CcNet are not increasing our focus on public life to promote a political party, baptize an ideology, or tell people how to vote. Our loyalty is not to the left or the right. Our loyalty is to Jesus and the kingdom of God. And that kingdom compels us to care about how power is used, how neighbors are treated, and how truth is honored or distorted.

This moment in our nation’s life is marked by deep division, rising extremism, attacks on democratic norms, and rhetoric that dehumanizes entire groups of people. Silence in such a moment is not neutrality — it is surrendering the public square to voices that do not reflect the values of Jesus and the Kingdom. We believe the Church must speak boldly when fear replaces love, when lies replace truth, when domination replaces service, and when policies harm those Jesus calls us to love and protect.

At the same time, we approach this work with humility. Speaking prophetically does not mean claiming moral perfection. We are human. We will not always choose the perfect words. We will use a phrase, quote or meme that lands harder than we intended. We will offend people we care about. We will sometimes miss the mark or speak with less wisdom than we hope. When that happens, we commit to listening, learning, repenting when needed, and growing together. We seek the narrow path of truth shaped by love.

Our goal is not to inflame anger, but to form conscience. Not to divide, but to disciple. Not to chase power, but to bear faithful witness to the way of Jesus — a way rooted in justice, mercy, humility, truth, and love of neighbor.

We intend to engage this season prayerfully and thoughtfully. Ask hard questions. Seek truth. Listen deeply. Stay grounded in Scripture. Stay connected to one another. Always remembering that our ultimate allegiance is not to any nation, leader, or movement, but to the Kingdom of God — a kingdom where the last are first, the powerful serve, the wounded are healed, and love is stronger than fear.

We look forward to the day when our attention can return more fully to inspiration, encouragement, and the daily challenges of congregational life. Until then, we will do this work carefully, courageously, and together — trusting that faithful presence in hard times is part of our calling.

thanks to the Clergy Coaching Network