2. Clarity is kindness, so pastors must prioritize biblical clarity. This is especially important as our society debates many cultural and political issues. Pastors must always teach their churches what the Bible says, whether the Bible’s teaching challenges or comforts the hearers. Topics like the sanctity of life, justice, sexuality and the care of the marginalized show up all over the Bible, so pastors must teach on those things. But we must carefully root our teaching in Scripture, avoiding a political party’s talking points. The church does not so much have the role of telling people how to vote, but of helping them think biblically when they do vote.
Teaching the Bible clearly provides Christians with a framework for making political decisions and navigating the political landscape while assessing partisan rhetoric. Pastors must address the issues directly, with faithfulness and kindness. Clarity doesn’t avoid difficult topics or leave Christians unprepared to respond to the challenges of their world. We must recognize the church shouldn’t be an echo chamber, but a “gospel chamber,” one with a heavenly vision (Col. 3:1) than an early victory. The gospel should challenge and transform all of us as a countercultural community that reflects the kingdom of God.
3. We must pursue a winsome witness. The church should be a community gathered from people of different backgrounds and perspectives who worship and serve God together. As we engage our culture with the gospel it’s important to be winsome. Some today think being winsome means compromising our principles. But that is the wrong way to define it. Winsomeness isn’t weakness or compromise. Instead, winsomeness pursues a posture of grace, respect and kindness. Winsomeness seeks to understand before seeking to be understood, listening even—and especially—when we disagree with someone. Winsome engagement can help people in a polarized culture witness the transforming power of the gospel. It is not a political strategy. It is the way of Jesus.
4. We must prioritize unity in the midst of diversity. God cares about the unity of his church. The Bible warns about division and encourages unity throughout its pages. For example, Paul says to the Christians in Corinth, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction” (1 Cor. 1:10). The polarization in our society is real, but it should not define the church. Instead, our unity in Christ should define us, transcending all earthly divisions.
Pastors can focus on primary issues that unite believers rather than secondary ones that divide them. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, we can approach conversations from a biblical perspective, seeking to build bridges. Churches can develop opportunities for people with different perspectives to talk—but more importantly, to listen. Such an opportunity requires a commitment to maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).
The environment of polarization and tribalism is a big challenge for the church, but it’s also a big opportunity for the church and for pastors to help Christians model a better way forward. If we base our identity and purpose in Christ and his gospel, we will commit to the unity of the church. Then we can resist the pull of partisanship and do the work of reconciliation, pursuing our mission with wisdom, grace and love. Then we will point to the hope that can only be found in Christ. I pray we will reflect God’s heart of love and unity, especially in our polarized world. I know it’s possible, because I saw it in Korea.