Paul tells us that the job of “apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers” is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” (Eph. 4:11-12) Pastors not engaged in equipping their congregants aren’t doing their job. This includes training them to practice their faith in the public square even when it is unpopular. And living out the historic Christian faith is becoming increasingly unpopular in both society and the courts.
Given SCOTUS’s punting on Baronelle Stutzman’s case, pastors need to prepare their flocks for legal persecution for following their consciences. If you think persecution is too strong a word here, look at Jesus’ definition of it in Matt. 5:11. And consider that the judicial decision is likely to cost Baronelle Stutzman her business and her life savings for refusing to go along with an unbiblical redefinition of marriage. Paul tells us that “everyone who wants to live a godly life WILL be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12)
So pastors, if you aren’t equipping your people to deal with the social and legal pressure, you need to start. Sooner or later, the mob or the judiciary is going to come after someone in your church for “want[ing] to live a godly life.” The question is, will they be ready for it? The answer will largely depend on the kind of teaching you have done and the kind of community you have built within your congregation. You also need to be ready to support those who are facing pressure for their faith or suffering any other kind of injustice. Otherwise, you are abandoning the sheep entrusted to your care.
Agree it is the duty of pastors to equip the church.. The dynamics that are moving in this country is becoming more and more unfriendly to the ones desiring to life a godly life. Those who speak out against the government actions will find threats coming their way.
As I pray and read I hear the word, prepare, build deep core muscles for the tide coming.
I am beginning to ask a few to join me to develop deep dependence on the Lord in a prayer group.
I am working in the political field, needing this covering and for those that work with me.
I’m with you! Yes, let us be prepared for all that lies just ahead. It’s no longer Coming, it’s now here. And this isn’t a time for soft knees and results-dependent, fair weather faith. Ephesians 6 was written in Rome and now coming to full fulfillment. C’mon saints, read the signs. Now is not the time to get all opinionated and do little or nothing, or back down so the Enemy can finally succeed. All that we’ve prayed and prepared for is before us, at the very threshold. The world itself is beyond weary of a pathetic Church riddled with FB hating, fat-cats. Hard to hear, but the shoe fits! Let’s step out in the Love of God, the Wisdom and life-changing conviction of the Holy Spirit and the resurrected power of the Living God! Are we up to this?! You can bet I am. For such a time as this. Don’t give up! (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Mark
mpcollett@comcast.net