High-Level Debate

I got to thinking last night about all the pastors and church leaders who lead and serve in other areas of ministry, outside of their local church. They may serve on boards or leadership positions in their communities or in the higher ranks of their denominations, at a district, state or national level. They serve on boards of other non-profit or para-church organizations.

There's an incredible amount of wisdom and knowledge from these amazing leaders.

As I reflected on this past week, and the conversations that have arisen on how the church should respond to issues abroad and how governments interact with each, there has been an overwhelming amount of perspectives and opinions offered... how to respond as a society, how to respond as a church and how those two come together in a way that glorifies and honors God.

The last part is increasingly difficult, as so much of society and government has sought to remove God from the conversation, yet now we "have" to do the Christian thing.

I say all of that to say, if the people have difficulty having the conversation and coming to places of understanding, how much more the disagreements that come to light through the interaction with leadership teams and people of influence; those who make the decisions and direct the conversations that precede them.

These are simple times of epic proportions in which we live. I really don't know how to describe how so many people are using Scripture to justify and advance their argument, even from those who aren't Christian, yet use the Christian foundation of a nation against the church for the stance they may take. This is nothing new, of course, but it seems to have surely risen to the forefront in recent days.

All the more, to pray for our pastors and church leaders!  

So, pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for senior pastors who hold places of influence and leadership outside of their church. In the conversations and meetings they have, may God impart wisdom into their hearts and minds. Pray God would guide their paths and direct the conversations and the decisions that result. While they may never have 100% support or everyone in agreement, pray that their convictions would be clear and grounded in a consistent and accurate understanding of Scripture. Pray for a covering of grace when times of dispute and disagreement arise; that their positions would not be used negatively, but for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

Strength from the Hand of God
Direction from His Word
Intentional in our walk with Him
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood
But against principalities and powers and rulers of darkness.
Against spiritual wickedness in high places.
God, we look and reply and upon you anew and afresh.
For your glory.

- PNC