Home Christian News How Christian Leaders Should, and Should Not, Speak in This Kavanaugh Moment

How Christian Leaders Should, and Should Not, Speak in This Kavanaugh Moment

A deliberate word spoken in due time is infinitely better than a hasty word spoken simply to have the appearance of being culturally engaged. At the same time, be careful of those who use the excuse of “getting all the facts” to disparage or discredit those who come forward with accusations of sexual assault or harassment.

We must, in our desire to not rush to judgment, hold in tension the accusations and the presumption of innocence as simultaneously legitimate.

Conversely, silence is never an option when the accusations or incidents occur in your church or organization. When ministry leaders remain silent in response to the needs of their own people, they are abdicating their obligation to shepherd God’s people with wisdom and courage. They are, as Jesus describes, hired hands who desert the sheep at the first sign of trouble.

And, if the message your church gets from your comments today is that you will mock or dismiss accusations of assault, that’s a message you must not send.

Second, remember that we tend to defend those we support.

If you follow me on social media or know me in person, you know that I tend to be politically conservative. I’ve supported Judge Kavanaugh in writing because I want a conservative Supreme Court. The Atlantic magazine made it clear, quoting my words and support. So, it’s been clear where I’ve stood in regard to the nominee.

But we must always remember how these political biases can shape our reactions, sometimes in ways that subvert our witness and leadership. Right or left, if your immediate reaction is to overlook accusations against politicians you support or to revel in accusations against those you oppose, you need to consider how political tribalism is shaping your worldview.

Put another way: I do, indeed, have an opinion here. But, more important than my opinion in this situation is my responsibility to my congregation. My community comes before my opinion if I am truly a Christian leader.

Instead, we must strive to look past partisan lines when it comes to issues as serious as this.

We need to develop relationships with believers of different communities and politics and then listen first instead of jumping to conclusions. When we do not, our defenses or indictments of public figures are far more likely to be based on our own personal biases.

We must remember that our (and my) impulse to look past the criticisms or faults of our allies can provoke rather than solve difficulties. We’ve seen in the church with the recent example of Willow Creek Community Church, where the failure of leadership to respond effectively to accusations against Bill Hybels caused untold damage. The elders later confessed—all resigning—because their impulse to defend one they supported overwhelmed their need to hear someone from outside.

So recognize that you have biases, assess how they have and continue to shape your thinking, and develop relationships that can help you engage these blind spots.

And, then decide how (and if) you need to respond, considering that impact on your congregation and community.

Third, know that women—and men—in your church are listening and watching how you react.

The church is in uncharted territory as we respond to accusations of sexual impropriety both in and out of the church. So much of this is good and long awaited as sin that had been covered and ignored is brought to light.

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Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola Univeristy and Scholar in Residence & Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America, is the Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and regularly writes for news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. Dr. Stetzer is the host of "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast," and his national radio show, "Ed Stetzer Live," airs Saturdays on Moody Radio and affiliates.