The Christian Perspective

More and more it seems that the Christian point of view is becoming muddled and more difficult to acknowledge in today’s world.  Often, when we use the terminology of Christian we automatically assume conservative and believe that these two words are mostly interchangeable.  While it is true that a Christian is considered conservative by todays standard,  Christ was a radical and viewed as a liberal of his time.  Measured by our standards today, Christ would be way conservative.    This does not  imply that a person who is classified as a conservative is a Christian.  In looking at our politics, government, our nation, and our world today, having or using the term Christian in association with oneself is seen to be unacceptable.  It is better to be viewed as a conservative rather than a Christian first.  Now there are many reasons for this, but for the sake of this article I will not delve into this.  In strict sense let’s look at how we must elevate the Christian Perspective in America’s leadership and in the world today.

Why is it important that we elevate the Christian Perspective?

First, simply put, it is the Christian perspective that this nation is founded upon.  A primary reason for our founding forefathers in establishing this nation was that we be able to have and practice a freedom of religion.  It is this liberty that is found in Christianity that motivated our forefathers to do the things that they did.  Yes, it is true that many of our forefathers where not Christians, but most were.  Regardless, all believed in the freedom of choice that came with Christianity and in the moral code at which is encapsulated in the Old and New testaments of the Holy Bible.  Now, we know God sent Christ and Christianity is the only answer and way to salvation, but our founding fathers understood that even God allowed for choice.  The point is, we must work to make our Christian Perspective heard because it was the right choice of the founding principles of this nation and is what has made this nation great.  The principles of service, compassion, integrity, truthfulness, patience and more taught in the word of God have been largely forgotten in our governmental politics today.

Second, it is our right!  America was founded with a liberty and freedom of voice.  It was founded that it be a government, “of the people and for the people”.  This means that our government should listen to the hearts and cries of its constituency and should understand that it is not the boss of the people but that the people are the boss of it.  If this, were the case and the Christian Perspective were in the majority then our government should be forced to hear and obey the wishes of its people.  It is the Christian’s responsibility and right to train people of integrity and vote them into office.

Third, it is promoting our Christian Perspective that people will see our respect and love for the world around us through our government as a true representation of its people.  It is also through this perspective that other religions are tolerated and not persecuted and this means our own.  Currently, it seems our nation will tolerate and even lift up any religion with exception to Christianity.  I submit that it is time; we of the Christian Perspective gracefully coordinate our agendas in the best interest of our nation to begin redirecting the interest of our politics back to the original documents of our founding fathers with a few exceptions.   For example, our forefathers failed in their own politics when they did not abolish slavery.  This was a travesty and a great blight upon our nation!

So, how do we re-ignite and promote our Christian Perspective?

First, we understand the terminology of “separation of church and state”, promote, and teach its true meaning and intent.  These words are nothing more than a commonly misstated metaphor.  It is commonly used to lead one to believe that it means that the church should stay out of the state’s business and the state should stay out of the churches business.  In fact, it’s used so often that many believe that it is in the constitution.  The truth is that it is not in the constitution at all!  The phrase “wall of separation of church and state” was in fact written by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptist.  His letter was meant only to provide them with the assurance that the state would not meddle in their affairs.  The grand purpose being to provide them with comfort that the state should not be in the Church’s business and not that the Church should not be in the states business.

Point of fact our constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."  This statement only reflects that congress shall make no laws restricting or interfering with religions or denominations.   No separation of church and state exist except to say that congress cannot establish a “State” religion.  Unfortunately, the true intent of this clause has been misused and mishandled by the promotion that it means the Church is not to be involved in the business of the state.  We know this cannot be true when the overwhelming majority of our founding fathers where Christian and were practiced men of faith.  Even to those who did not accept Christ they accepted the concept of God and the biblical concept of morality.  However much of our government, judiciary, ACLU, and various other liberal and media groups would not have you believe the truth.  This is a trend that began long before our current administration, but this writer believes it is being made most evident in our current state of affairs and is gaining great momentum.

Second, we must understand the urgency of our plight and promote it accordingly.  Christ instructed in Matthew 22:21 “….render unto Caesar the things which are Caesars…”  Caesar is representative of our government.  This verse does not mean that our contribution is limited to taxes.  Rather our contribution should include many things such as prayer for our leaders, taxes, tribute, honor, obedience, personal action, accountability, and leadership.  Caesars government was one of emporial rule.  We have a government designed as a government run by the people.  This places more responsibility upon our shoulders than those of which Christ was speaking to.  Our “things” as Christ put it, give cause to personal accountability to our current state.  It is we the people who allow ourselves to be herded and instructed like cattle in blind obedience to wrongful doing that which is diabolically opposed to the teachings of our God.  Certainly, this could imply as to our personal accountability to our God when given opportunity to do what is right in His eyes, concerning the things concerning our State.

Christ instructed us in Matthew 5:13, 14 that we are the salt of the earth.  As in His example, we appear to be a salt that has lost its flavor and are being tossed out!  We must gain a great sense of urgency in our personal lives and in our churches to revitalize our flavor and scatter it abroad.  Few other times in history have a people had greater opportunity to govern themselves and put Christ first in such a way as we have had.  Yet, it seems we are willing to idly stand by and watch it happen.  If the promotion of the gospel is first and foremost our purpose, then surely living and governing according to the principles we teach must be second.  Similarly, this is what Christ is referring to in verse 14 concerning the fact that as the light of the world we cannot be hid.

Third, we must challenge ourselves, our families, and our churches to be a people of salt and light.  If salt is of worth it must have flavor.  If light is present there is no darkness.  To accomplish this task means that we must be open in sharing our beliefs.  This especially includes our political expectations and desires in government.

There was a time, when I would never speak about my personal political views from the pulpit.  In fact I resented the many African-American Churches who seemed to exercise this freedom without reproach.  I could not understand why our black America churches so freely spoke out concerning their political views.  Then it came to me how wrong I was.  This is a wonderful body of intelligent people who were persecuted by their government in a great and horrific way and which was totally opposed to their human rights, but even more so their “Christian Perspective.”  As per our original declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Our African-American brothers and sisters were left with no choice spiritually, but to speak about their plight from the pulpits of America.  Their situation was opposed to ethical Christian Perspective of the day as according to the rights given them as citizens of this great nation and their rights as free Christians.  Had they not taken their plight to the streets by way of the pulpit and the church then their voices would have never been heard.  It was through the preaching, teaching, and public expounding of men such as Dr. King who changed the course of this nation and brought the plight of a great people to forefront of this nation.  It was the “Christian Perspective” that put these principles in place and opened the door to change because it was a Christian nation’s responsibility to hear.

Here is what I have learned:  When in the course of our existence the Christian code of ethics and morality is not represented or is tread upon we (spiritual leaders) are left with no recourse but to take the truth to our people through the pulpits of our churches.  This is not to say that we spend an entire sermon on political topics but that we do preach unapologetically about what is right for the course of our nation and government.  Not to do so is offensive to Christ instruction.  I understand, many will say, “Well if I voice the truth I may offend some in my congregation.”  My reply, “Doesn’t the truth always offend some?”  My advice would be to simply discuss those issues of which there is no debate.  For example, we cannot idly set back and condone a government that upholds the rights of homosexuality equal to that of a marriage between a man and a woman.  I’m not talking about a homosexuals rights as an individual, but we cannot condone a recognition of marriage nor a candidate who does.  We must work to promote and create a better grade and class of government.

The bottom line is this; the extreme liberal part of society has spent years infiltrating our school systems with their teaching and theologies.   This infiltration is culminating in and made most apparent in the millennial generation that is now coming to the forefront of society.  It’s been reported that fully one in four do not accept the concept of a God and of the remaining 75% another 32% have a pluralistic view of God.  This means that 57% of the next generation does not recognize the Judeo Christian ethics by which we live by and our country was founded upon.  Of the remaining body of “religious” people they are not all Christian nor do they practice their faith, faithfully.  The only hope that our nation has is through the shouts from the rooftops of our Churches.

I have come to the conclusion: We must raise up men and women of integrity who believe in the intent of the foundation of this nation, are tolerant of other religions and denominations, but who are believers and followers of Jesus Christ in order to get our nation back on track.  To do this means we must focus on soul winning and education.  Convert them to Christ, educate them in His teachings, encouraging them, and voting them into public service.  We cannot continue to simply voice our opinions over coffee or at the water cooler.  It is time that we take personal responsibility and action.

I challenge you today to get more involved in your local, state, and national government to insure that our Christian voice is heard and our influence is not lost.  I fear if we allow things to continue as is, the Christians of this nation will be viewed strictly as a radical movement that must be stomped out.  We can prevent this, but we must assume personal responsibility.

I look forward to hearing your comments and reviews on this blog.

Serving Christ by Serving You,

Bryan K. Taunton

Exec. Director FootWash Ministries

btaunton@footwashministries.org

Introducing "Super Shepherd!"

Pastors are leaving the pastorate, experiencing moral failures, and experiencing stress related health issues more than ever before. Are the reasons related to our overbearing expectations on them? Often, Pastors are viewed as nothing more than hired Super Hero’s – “The Super Shepherd.” We place such high expectations on them as Pastors to our Church and to us individually. Please, read this article with personal self evaluation about what your expectations are of your pastor.


First let’s look at what the church as a whole is looking for.


Pastoral Expectations of the Church: 
· Teaches and works directly with adults in adult religious education classes and/or special seminar series.
· Participates in community projects and organizations (such as school boards, community involvement).
· Ministers to the sick, dying and bereaved.
· Plans and leads public worship services.
· Works with congregational boards and committees.
· Maintains a disciplined program of prayer and personal devotions.
· Accepts speaking engagements before community and civic groups for special community occasions or for radio and television.
· Oversees church office activities, church bulletins, correspondence, records, etc.
· Tries to maintain harmony and resolve conflict among church members over church programs, finances, elections, etc.
· Prepares and preaches sermons.
· Visits new residents and recruits new members
· Counsels with people about their personal problems.
· Follows a disciplined program of continuing education & personal growth.
· Teaches and works directly with children, visits Sunday School, preaches children’s sermons, etc.
· Assists victims of social neglect, injustice and prejudice; cooperates with social service and charitable programs.
· Personally leads people to Christ.
· Remains spiritually pure, reverent, repentant, and Christ like at all times.
· Is responsible for the vision of the church even if it is not his vision
· He is responsible for the growth of the church
· Answers to the expectations of the church to the community
· If possible, is present at every church function.
· Spends time with his/her spouse and family apart from church activities


Now let’s look at what we as individuals desire or expect from our Pastor.
· I expect him to teach me how to be a Christian.
· I expect him to teach me the best bible verses.
· I want my pastor to be an entertaining speaker
· If I’m sick I want a visit or a bare minimum a personal call.
· If I’m in the hospital I better get a visit.
· If I lose a relative, friend, or co worker I expect a call or visit depending on how close I was to the person
· If I miss church I should get a call and if it’s been a while since I attended I should get a personal visit if not, I won’t go back because the Church doesn’t care.
· If I have a need I expect the Pastor to be aware. I don’t have to tell him, he should be close enough to me to already know.
· I expect my pastor to treat me as though I’m always the most important member of the congregation.
· My pastor should resolve all disputes in the church and especially hear my complaints.
· My pastor is my example of Godliness and is not allowed to be human or display human frailties.
· If by chance I bring a visitor my pastor should visit them.
· It is my pastors responsibility to reach the lost
· We pay our pastor a salary and he works for our congregation.


The Super Shepherd, no doubt, is under a lot of stress with the great expectation placed upon them. We expect them to fulfill all our expectations as individuals and as a church collectively. We forget that they are just one person and expect them to be super human. Equipped with super human stamina, will, fortitude, knowledge, how-to, administration, vision, servitude, creativity, and more.   Many of our Super Shepherds are hitting the wall and falling to the way side. Very often the same pastors who are expected to lead are trapped into a vision that is held strong by tradition, a deacon/administrative board, or elders who refuse to relent and follow the shepherd. These people view the role of pastor as a paid servant/preacher, wanting them to be a dynamic speaker on Sunday and chief servant evangelist during the week.  Never able to fully express themselves for fear of losing members, being fired, or creating turmoil pastors give in and fall into the deep trap of Super Shepherd and as a result lose their personal vision and drive. It seems in many ways the flock/congregates have lost all sense of personal responsibility.


“A willing heart left unaccessed, unheard, and unused becomes a barren wasteland of despair and anxiety.” Remember that quote. God gave that to me and it is powerful. Pastors all across the world are trapped in despair and anxiety because they are expected to be hired guns for the pulpit and never allowed to pursue the vision and dream that God has placed inside them for their Church. As a result, many churches exist in a fruitless state. These churches refuse to adapt to the pastor but expect the pastor to adapt to the church. Let’s gain some understanding of what the real duties of the pastor are according to the word.


The word “Pastor” means shepherd. The Bible gives great instruction to our pastors and elders as to what they are to do and what role they should fill. This is seen largely by the instruction to and examples of the disciples.
· The Pastor is the overseer of the Church. Acts 20:28
     o As such we should hear our pastor and follow after their vision. The only time we shouldn’t is when their vision goes against scriptural teaching. Personal theology or preference does not and cannot come into play when following our shepherd. A sheep follows the voice of the shepherd when the shepherd is safe. Even a dumb sheep will not follow the shepherd off of a cliff. Having said this, when the leadership of a church or a congregation refuses to follow the shepherd be sure, that they are clearly putting the life of a church in jeopardy. Otherwise, we should follow the Shepherd.
     o This also means that the Shepherd must lead, have a clear vision, and be able to communicate that effectively to the congregation.
· The Pastor should administrate, 1 Peter 5:1-3
     o Feed and teach the flock as the Shepherd
     o Does not take oversight, but is given it willingly
     o An ensample to the flock – an example of what we should all be
· Devoted to prayer and ministry, Acts 6:4
· Oversees all doctrinal matters, Acts 15:6
· Pray for the sick when asked for, James 5:14
· Oversees church discipline matters, Matthew 18:15-17


Now most notably, this list is short and I’m sure there are some things that are missed and should be added. The point is, we put entirely too much expectation on our pastors. We do this and at the same time we often tie their hands by subjecting them to administrative fallout and leadership. Often, deacons or other administrative boards expect the Pastor to operate according to the standard at which the administrative board sets. At the same time, they also hold the "Super Shepherd" accountable as to the success or failure for all church activity and growth. This is diabolically opposed to the operating setup as set forth by scripture. If we truly want a Super Shepherd then we must allow our pastors to lead and we must follow the vision that God has given them. If we truly believe that a pastor is a called of God then they must be given the leeway of a loving understanding and allegiance. Our job is to work to make the vision that the pastor has a reality and to find ways to make that job as simple as possible. Thereby making their time more valuable, dedicated to the wellbeing and teaching of the flock, and preaching to the lost.


I am not saying that every pastor deserves a blind following, but they do deserve our complete support and love. Pastors find themselves so limited in time and duty that they are rendered ineffective, because of the almost limitless expectations we’ve placed upon them. Many of these expectations are task of which others could and should undertake. This is especially true in mid to small sized churches. Because the pastor knows most every congregate by name then they are expected to be intimately involved with everyone. The irony is these same people wonder why their church is not growing or not baptizing new congregates. They cannot see that it is because 1) they are not fulfilling the roles that they should be and 2) the pastor is so busy tending the flock and the needs of individuals that they cannot focus on the church as a whole. Often individuals view service by any member of the church other than the pastor as an insult. Not understanding that the pastor was responsible for administrating and insuring that not just they, but that all the congregates needs are met. Any system that is in place is a direct result of the leadership of the pastor and therefore they are being served by the pastor whether the pastor is actually present or not. We must be willing to let the pastor be the pastor “Shepherd” and allow them to shepherd in all things. We cannot limit them by placing expectations of personal service upon them. If a flock is going to grow then the shepherd must either bring in more herders or split the flock. Having said this, we must allow the shepherd to train up herders and give them authority to serve.


We must follow after the vision of the Pastor and not chain them with tradition and the gallows of submission to a board. A real shepherd loves his flock and will always do what is best for the flock. Our boards must follow and support our pastors and work to fulfill the vision that has been placed upon them.


I fear that today our pastors are so over worked that our churches and communities are paying the price. I spoke to a fellow evangelist the other day that is hurting because he just can’t get bookings to churches anymore. He’s not alone, many evangelist are hurting. We want to say that it’s the economy and that churches just aren’t willing to pay or give additionally to bring an evangelist in, because they don’t have the funding. Honestly, I think it has more to do with the fact that our pastors are hurting. They are so overworked that they don’t care or are not willing to take the time to plan for an evangelistic event or revival. I’ve had opportunity to speak with hundreds of pastors. Their problems are all similar, mostly, how to motivate a congregation to do what they should and reach out to a lost a dying world. Your pastor carries a heavy burden of love for you and the entire congregation. I beg you the reader/congregate help your pastor! Pray for your pastor! Love and support your pastor! Never say anything publically to hurt your pastor! Realize your pastor is human is not there to serve in your place so that you don’t have to. Send them a card or a letter of encouragement. Lift them up and edify them whenever possible. Tell them you want to be there for them and help them reach your community. After all, we are all on the same team and every team needs a quarter back to lead. Get on board and join their Godly vision and do what you can do to assist in seeing it through.

Serving Christ by Serving You,