Navigating Church Division: Seeking Unity in Today's Polarized America

I like to think of myself as a realist. In other words, I teeter on the edge of optimism and pessimism. As we look ahead to 2024 the realist in me is quite alarmed. The wars, violence, political division, loneliness, greed, and cynicism has created a chasm between people where civil discourse is no longer welcomed. The tendency is to withdraw, because the pain of living in this reality is just too stressful and agonizing. The other option is to fight, making sure the right people get elected and the right laws are being passed.

If I may be so bold to say, there are millions of conservative Christians who see America as a land set apart, a people uniquely blessed in a special covenant with God. In his book, The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory, Tim Alberta makes a sobering statement, "This love of country has given way to a right-wing nationalist fervor, a reckless blood and soil idolatry that trivializes the kingdom of Jesus Christ." I realize this statement is pointed and blunt, but it is a reality that is happening in America.

The church in America is as divided and polarized as the whole of society. What should the church do? A couple other correlating questions, what is the church for? and why the church? These questions are important for us to wrestle with. I will be using these questions as context for the next couple podcasts. I want to offer some of my own thoughts, and thoughts of other people who are asking the same questions. Please join us for this conversation on slack and share your own thoughts, questions, and concerns.

I am an optimist when it comes to the reality of who leads the church ultimately. Jesus gives us the hope and confidence we need when he said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) My prayer is that we will be focused on being the light in the darkness as we look to welcome the day when Jesus returns for his Church.

Thoughts? See you on Slack.