My church was silent over Charlie's Kirk, how should I respond to this
Q: Im not going political here. I’m just looking for Christian guidance.
God bless!
I’ve been going to my church for over 5 years, felt like I found a home. I’m in women’s studies, I love the way the lead pastor and other pastors present, I love the community. Hes written books, articles nationally, and speaks about pastors who do wrong (sin). However, our pastor made no mention of Charlie Kirk - at all. I expected him of all people to at least post about "coming together" with God, and standing against violence.
I did learn that he was camping with his son and grandson during the week, but I expected him to address this at church on, at weekday prayer session, something. A guest pastor spoke instead this Sunday, didn’t mention anything, and even the pastors wife who did the opening prayer and announcements said absolutely nothing.
At women’s study on Thursday night and the lady who runs the class mentioned that she’s been in tears as her daughter personally knows the Kirk family and she’s been having quite a rough week. In the opening and then closing prayer when we do intercession prayer, Charlie, believers, the nation, these issues... none were mentioned. It’s almost like they were avoiding the whole thing.
Our pastor has been releasing quotes on his social page this week, that could be alluded to (if you think about it), but I was expecting a more direct approach. I feel very disappointed in my church leadership. I feel like it’s time to look elsewhere, even though it would mean leaving the women studies and the community that I have grown to love, but on the other hand, I haven’t seen the support that I would expect (from the church community here) against this awful act and the loss of Charlie Kirk, who spoke out about and brought so many people to God. Am I wrong in leaving look elsewhere?
A: If your church is solid biblically, dont leave. They're all processing it differently, though (the saved there) should be of one mind biblically on it on focusing on the Christian worldview in such situations. Theres new, weak, stagnant, lukewarm believers among the godly in church. These ones are pursuing a faithful maturing walk with the Lord, and understand sin, evil, politics in truth, and align holy/morally with Scripture - not culture and political parties. There might be concern over a clash in the church if he spoke in sermon on it. Though in truth, they (congregants) all should be aligning to biblical truth...but wont be. You'll have the unsaved in the church, democrats among the congregants (saved, faking or otherwise) and that causes a division that your church leadership doesnt want to deal with. If your pastor isnt bold nor willing to take a stand (and use it to teach truth), then hes likely among many pastors cater to the culture instead of God; fear men not God, focus on money and reputation not trusting God. These ones are focused on numbers of bodies showing up cuz that = income/giving. Theyre focused on compromising God's Word for money. And in fear choose not losing folk if theyre focused on pleasing man over God. Wecant serve two masters. Depending on if the pastor is faithful to God or not, will be a key factor.
If your pastor/leaders speak on it, they's hit a key issue most folk never have understanding/grasp of: Suffering. If he preached on that, he would easily add the Kirk murder/mayrterdom in that teaching moment, helping folk realize "the blame isn't on God" for all the problems in the world, but on mankind; sin. Sin choices and devestating rippling consequences- not just at the Fall, but since then, by every choice each human has made, including you, since the beginning. If the pastor/leaders truly understand this [key biblical truth] they would easily address it in this congregation, educate everyone, and stop all mouths from blaming God in any situation they face, but also it equips each beloever there to minister that truth out to those they minister to in life, as they point folk to God, and Jesus for salvation. He seeks to restore, recover, transform...and reconcile us to himself through Christ.
We are called to minister to one another, encourage too. So do your part in a loving way to minister in situations like these, to the brethren you meet and engage or fellowship with. Pray with them and guide them to comfort and focus on Christ.
It will help them see things in truth, focus on trusting God, looking for what good he plans to do through this, and regardless... have faith, trusting it all to Him.
This can help more with the situation and give guidance as you think through, and as you minister.
Tbvh at this point, I would just have those convos with church members that are focused on what this article reveals. It's a teaching greatly lacking in churches today. And can bless your brethren if you reveal it, cuz it will "solidify their faith", (answeing many perplexities). You will likely find this [cowardly] is the way your church handles such matters. But if they speak on a of of death or persecution of others in the future... call them out for being silent over Charlie's death. They should be truthful and true shepherds leading. Theyre picking and choosing, and avoiding truth's "dividing", which is unfaithful stewardship on their part; a failing. Truth divides as Scripture says. And should. Shepherds need to rightly divide the Word in truth. Not avoid it to prevent losing congregants. It is a disservice to congregants, and a failing towards God. Be gracious, forgiving, but call him/then out [to them], encouraging them to be faithful to truth, and educate, because it ties into impirtant biblical truths [noted] and about persecution and expected destination among all those who pick up their Cross and follow Christ.
Luke 12:51-53:
"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
1 Corinthians 11:19
"For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized."
Here, Paul acknowledges that divisions can serve a purpose in revealing true believers, suggesting that truth can lead to separation.
Your pastor might also think many Christians, pastors and those with reputable & large platforms have already gone in depth on addressing this... but imo he should at least post on it (to adress all the above) and guide them to those links, so folk have reputable places to get guidance and answers. I saw good videos & post on it myself.
There's no excuse for him to avoid the topic. It will be talked about still for a year [and decades]. And is a big one to use to educate on this larger important topuc of suffering, sin, death, persecution and Christian life.
You can see some he couldve linked to below. As educational fir believers.
God bless
Ps. Share the message Charlie proclaimed.
These can help you to do so online, easily.
Theyre like digital tracts 😊. Just save em.
