Christianity Must Face This: People Don't Trust Churches or Preachers



An item recently in the news is the "Johnson Amendment." This refers to an IRS exemption for churches because they are not "political" organizations. It is said to mean preachers cannot, or should not, endorse political parties or candidates. The link warns that even if the Johnson Amendment is ruled unconstitutional churches would help themselves by not endorsing one party or candidate and rejecting another. This advice is based on surveys that show most church goers or those who have stopped going to church do not like heavy politics in church. 

Churches and their preachers/priests should consider where the heads of their audiences are before they approach the pulpit. They need the review what surveys reveal. They need to say to themselves, "The public does not believe what I have to say." Also, "The public does not trust the church or any other institutions." "Those listening to me are wondering what's in it for me." When I say, "This is what the Bible means when is says...." those in the pews are going to look up opposing views on their phones while I'm preaching."

These thoughts are all the more true while clergy endorse political candidates, parties or political issues. The best way to have empty pews is to believe people really want to hear opinions of clergy on politics. For every person in the pews who says he/she likes your views there will be two who do not.


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