Should Congregations Discuss Controversial Topics?
There are certain topics that often threaten to split congregations. Probably the one that is most prominent at the moment is the role of LGBTQ people in our churches. But there have been others in the past and there will be many others in the future.
One way to deal with this situation is to try and ignore it. If we never bring it up, perhaps we will never have to face it. We know there are people on both sides in our congregation and if we talk about it, someone will be offended and leave. The safe bet is to not talk about it.
It is true that this is the easiest path in the short term. But usually these things have a way of coming up eventually and usually when the leadership is not ready to face it. Plus, there is something unhealthy about having an emotional issue just simmering under the surface. It has its way of affecting community and ministry.
The other option is to talk about in a healthy and thoughtful way. Instead of waiting until the conversation is forced, the leadership can prepare and help the discussion to focus on more light than heat.
This is dangerous. It is true that it could lead to a division in congregations. We have seen it create divisions in entire denominations. People may get offended and leave.
One of the things leadership should consider is that it does not have to impose a position on the congregation. It is possible to discuss a controversial topic, acknowledge the different opinions and respect one another. The biblical model is not unity in uniformity but unity in diversity. This is hard work but it is worth it.
Church leaders need to look at the long-term. They may be able to make their lives easier for the next few years but what will be the effect in the long-term? Is healthy conversation worth the possibility of losing some people? We do need to remember that we are going to lose people whether we talk about these things or not.
Leaders and congregations need to pray about these things and discern the best way and the best time to have these discussions.
Pastors need to clearly express their views on these issues in a wise manner and model appropriate behavior toward those who disagree with them. While there’s a time and place for peacemaking, I think it is generally not the role of a pastor to straddle the fence in an attempt to keep unity. That would be a false unity and an undue weight on the pastor. We should want a unity fashioned by the Holy Spirit. The pastor is one of the instruments of this Spirit-led community. But the rest of the assembly also has to bear their own burden in struggling through these issues. How can we come to know the truth of God’s love without learning to live with those we disagree with? When Jesus dwelt among us on this earth, did he say, “Oh wonderful, finally a bunch of people I really get along with!”?