Like many Christian pastors, ministers, bloggers, authors, podcasters, and congregants, I believe that the Church must be more courageous. Human rights and dignity are at stake. And the Church is not the building. The Church is the millions of Christians that make up the body of Christ. Yes, Christians are Republican, Democrat, and Independent in party affiliation. But the mark of a Christian is not a particular party platform. The mark of a Christian is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, and most certainly love.
What might a courageous Christian look like?
- A person who values their personal faith convictions more than their allegiance to a political party.
- Men and women who will say that bigotry wrapped in religion is still bigotry.
- Christians, saying that Christianity was never supposed to be about power or America being first.
- A person who asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything Jesus was doing when he was here and continues to do through his followers today.
- Men and women who will say, “No more,” to a Jesus-less Christianity.
I believe, along with other pastors, ministers, bloggers, authors, podcasters, and congregants that the American Church is at a turning point. That turning point is to shed irrelevance, uselessness, prejudice, selfishness, and moral bankruptcy and begin the rebirth of being the living, loving, and forgiving presence of Jesus.
Can we, the Christians of Grace Presbyterian Church, defend the millions of vulnerable people who are being sacrificed on the altar of hateful people’s phobias, privileged people’s convenience, or fearful people’s cowardice?
My thanks to John Pavlovitz, who in his February 12, 2025, blog informed my thinking, reflection, and convictions in this column.
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh, Interim Pastor
ShareFEB