In the last couple weeks I heard from several friends in ministry about the distress caused by politics in their churches. A couple of them even gently rebuked me for adding to their woes through some of what we’ve published at TGC. They suggested that some of our more pointedly critical articles have been used against them to demand a stronger stance on current events.

I believe there’s a place for TGC to apply the gospel to all of life with winsome and wise, trusted and timely articles and podcasts and videos, in support of the local church. But I do not believe pastors should behave like political commentators. In fact, to become an expert on current events would almost certainly distract pastors from fulfilling their unique biblical calling.

And that’s why I assigned this article to new TGC editor Christopher Colquitt. Addressing members of your church, he writes:

Your pastor can certainly spend 10 hours this week keeping up with the latest controversy and crafting the perfect statement that will speak truth in love, preserve the peace of his church, and honor his limited authority from God—but is that really how you (and God) want him spending his finite time and energy? This will be appropriate at times, and some pastors will have unique gifts to do more of this in their ministry. But we can and should be thankful for pastors who take seriously the limitations of their high calling, both on principle and in practice.

So keep on praying, studying the Bible, writing a sermon, visiting the sick, counseling the hurting, evangelizing the lost, and leading your church. No one can replace you in this specific and vital role.