Pastor Tom Hatley of Immanuel Baptist Church in Rogers invited me to speak to about 30 pastors who gathered at his church on Monday morning. I told them how concerned I have become about what I call the “winsome” church movement.

Without disrespecting or disregarding the true meaning of winsome, this new definition seems to apply to those evangelical protestant churches that won’t bring up controversial issues like homosexuality or abortion. They claim to believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, but shy away from preaching or teaching the full counsel of God on issues that might make anyone in the congregation uncomfortable.

I believe this is the primary reason some evangelical protestant churches refused to circulate petitions in support of the Arkansas Adoption and Foster Care Act, or even the Arkansas Marriage Amendment. These issues were too controversial.

In 2008, many leaders of large evangelical churches simply sat on their hands while the lottery passed. For them, the lottery was too political and too controversial to be mentioned from the pulpit. In the end, their silence aided its passage.

Thankfully, the 30 pastors I met with on Monday weren’t that way. One told me, “We have to be both salt and light, and you can’t have one without the other.” Most of us find it easy to tell people about God’s forgiveness and love. We find it much harder to tell them about His attitude toward sins that carry Hollywood’s stamp of approval. Rather than being glad to proclaim God’s word on these issues, we almost act ashamed of what He has to say.

I wonder, isn’t being ashamed of what God has to say, pretty close to being ashamed of Him? For just a little while on Monday, it was refreshing to be in the presence of men of God who didn’t seem ashamed of God, His word, or their effort to proclaim it.

3 comments

  1. Just a note of encourgement, Jerry. I appreciate what you guys are doing. Keep up the good work. I cannot believe the apathy of churches regarding gambling issues. It is a telling fact about the times in which we live. Thank God you were able to find 30 pastors in the same room somewhere who are in agreement on this issue.

    God’s blessings,

    Chris

    Just let me know if any petition drives are upcoming. I would be happy to help.

  2. Admin

    Chris,
    Thanks for the kind words. We always appreciate your help and support!

  3. Chantel

    Perhaps it is not that we are ashamed of God. Perhaps some Christ-followers, such as myself, believe that citizens should be allowed the freedom to make choices regarding their own lives. If one chooses to gamble, that is their personal choice. The government does not need to prohibit the personal choices of citizens. If one is against gambling, that is their choice. They are free to not purchase lottery tickets and not take weekend trips to Vegas.
    The government should not abridge the rights of gay citizens either. They should be allowed to marry (or form a civil union) and foster and adopt children just like non-gay citizens. The government should not deem which class of citizens are worthy of which rights. All citizens deserve equal rights.
    As Christ-followers, we must live our lives according what God says in His Word. Every citizen whether Christian or not should be free to develop their own values and live their lives the way they choose as long as they are not harming others.
    God does not force us to do anything. He wants us to choose Him and choose to live our lives according to His will. Why would God be pleased when we try to use the government to coerce others rather than allow them the freedom to make their own choices?

Comments are closed.