Chuck Mingo, church leader and spiritual growth advocate, joins Curtis to discuss how political controversy can serve the local church. They explore the importance of addressing controversial topics, engaging in politics, nourishing oneself on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and building a community of practice for pastors. They also provide advice on avoiding common mistakes and navigating political controversy in the local church while caring for the soul and seeking spiritual mentorship.
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Quick takeaways
Actively engaging with controversial topics like politics and race is crucial for pastors and church leaders to serve the local church and foster spiritual growth.
When navigating controversial topics, church leaders should avoid rookie mistakes such as a 'one and done' approach or relying solely on outside resources, and instead take an ongoing and holistic approach while personally shepherding their congregations.
Caring for one's own soul is paramount for leaders addressing controversial topics, requiring prioritization of spiritual and emotional well-being, seeking mentorship and supportive communities, and actively engaging with diverse perspectives.
Deep dives
Importance of Engaging with Controversial Topics in Church
It is crucial for pastors and church leaders to actively engage with controversial topics like politics and race in order to serve the local church. Avoiding these topics leads to malnourishment of the people's faith and a lack of fruit of the spirit. To address this, pastors should prioritize caring for their own souls and seek supportive communities of practice. They should also cultivate relationships with those who hold different views to foster understanding and growth. By doing so, the church can effectively disciple its members and have a positive impact on society.
Navigating Controversial Topics as a Church Leader
When navigating controversial topics, church leaders should avoid common rookie mistakes. The 'one and done' approach, where a single message or event tackles the issue, is insufficient. Leaders should take an ongoing and holistic approach instead. Another mistake is relying solely on outside resources, such as guest speakers, to address the topic, without actively engaging and leading the conversation themselves. It is crucial for leaders to personally shepherd their congregations and build trust and credibility with their own voices. Additionally, leaders must be aware of their own woundedness and seek proper care and support to avoid further harm.
The Importance of Personal and Organizational Soul Care
Caring for one's own soul is paramount for leaders seeking to address controversial topics. The work of engaging with politics and race can be challenging and can reawaken personal wounds. Leaders need to prioritize their own spiritual and emotional well-being, seeking mentorship, spiritual direction, and supportive communities. They should also actively diversify their perspectives and engage in relationships with those who hold different views on these topics. The care of the leader's soul impacts the health of the church and its ability to navigate controversial issues effectively.
Empowering and Supporting Leaders in Controversial Conversations
In promoting healthy conversations on controversial topics, leaders should identify individuals within their congregations who are willing to engage and learn. Empowering these champions to take on leadership roles can create a safe and supportive culture within the church. Leaders should also foster relationships with diverse voices and viewpoints to enrich the conversation. By providing ongoing support and guidance, leaders can navigate backlash while encouraging balanced, empathetic, and Biblically-informed discussions.
Expanding the Impact of Controversial Conversations
To effectively broaden the impact of controversial conversations, leaders should consider expanding beyond the traditional sermon format. Exploring small group settings and utilizing resources like workshops and curriculum can create safe spaces for meaningful engagement within the church community. Personal relationships and embodied conversations promote better understanding and empathy. By embracing diversity and extending the conversation beyond Sunday services, leaders can equip their congregations to navigate controversial topics in a holistic and transformative way.
Some churches seek to exploit political controversy for self-serving ends. But many more churches instinctively avoid controversy, and steer away from topics that may reveal differences. In this episode, Curtis is joined by Chuck Mingo to explore a different route: treating this upcoming election season as an opportunity for spiritual growth. They make the case that the same spiritual muscles that get built in politics apply also to marriages, parenting, employment and other areas of discipleship. Curtis and Chuck also talk about the practicalities involved: what should happen on Sunday morning (and what shouldn’t); the top rookie mistakes made when first trying to engage in politics; how the posture of the “wounded healer” is necessary for pastors; and much more.