Interestingly, the 2008 election is proving that Americans are deeply interested in and affected by faith. We are living in a time in which faith is growing in both impact and diversity in our nation. The 2004 elections showed us that a “values voter block,” especially in Ohio and Florida, shaped the course of an entire election. This kind of strategic use of influence by evangelicals concerned non-Christians and liberal Christians.
The 2004 election swung toward President Bush because of massive grass roots sentiments about faith, family, and national security. Keeping religion out of the political arena would be un-American. It would be tantamount to saying that we no longer believe in a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Last week I was interviewed by Michele Martin of the “Tell More” show on NPR. Toward the end of the program she asked me how this election cycle would affect the way I approached preaching and my work in the local church. I believe that my answer and conclusions after the program are worth repeating here to you.
The 2008 election season will affect many preachers three ways:
1. We will consider multiple audiences
2. We will think about long term implications of our messages
3. We will stick closer to biblical texts and watch how “creative” we get with biblical application
Although Jeremiah Wright, Rod Parsley, and John Hagee have television and/or radio ministries that extend beyond their local churches, much of their respective ministries appealed to people of like minds that were a part of their denominational or regional sub-cultures. In a sense their sermons are a part of a personal dialogue with their congregations or audiences that are in some way mentored or taught by them.
For the first time in American history, superstar pastors are communicating by CDs, MP3s, books, Internet, U-Tube, and live services. These additional outlets create audiences that do not have an intimate connection with these leaders. Therefore, some leaders need to analyze the cultural impact of their messages. This does not mean compromising on doctrine or spiritual non-negotiables. Greater exposure for preachers will lead to greater opportunities for positive cultural impact. Gone are the days of anonymity for national leaders. Anyone’s reputation could be compromised by an unrehearsed comment. As a result of the current pulpit controversies, most preachers are just waking up to the idea that they have to be aware of the presence of multiple audiences.
Secondly, many preachers will begin to think about the long-term implications of their messages and spiritual assertions. Even theological notions of how God judges or blesses a nation must be vetted more clearly from both the scriptures and history.
Third, many preachers have emphasized novel approaches to presenting the timeless truths of the scriptures. Many of us “activist” types will begin to make a clearer distinction between the preaching of the scriptures and transitory concepts of cultural engagement.
In addition to these three changes to the pulpit, we all could use a little media training! After all, the best of what we have to say can be fuel for our opponents’ fodder if we blunder the language or speak out of season. In the midst of the battle ahead, let’s not lose the fire of our principles. Our spark can light the way for a better nation.