Many of us love worshiping at our local assemblies, we love the spiritual growth we experience but at the same time we struggle to justify certain decisions whether pastoral or administrative. We observe that some families or members get favoured more than others. We also notice these sorts of things in departments and units of the church where favoritism is rife. Let’s be honest here. Church politics is real. Humans are political animals and the church is not exempt from politics
In this post we will do a deep dive into handling church politics when you are just a member. Let’s be clear, this post is not about leaving your church for another church once you sense that politics is being played in your local assembly, rather we will explore ways to respond biblically when you are just a member not as a pastor or leader.
What Does “Church Politics” Actually Look Like?
Churches are not immune to politics and even the best of churches experience this but note that this occurrence does not make your church a bad church. Note that the church is filled with imperfect people trying to live right by God. The members that make up the church are not saints but imperfect humans like you and I. Here are some examples you would have noticed going on that looks like church politics:
- When you notice that the same set of people always get good leadership positions.
- Decisions are made by a small inner circle without transparency.
- Certain people, sometimes wealthy or those who are socially adept are treated differently based on who they know or how much they give.
- The same set of people who gather to have animated conversations that look like gossip after the service has ended. Sometimes side-talking happens during meetings or after service.
Why Does It Hurt So Deeply?
The church is supposed to be like a family similar to how it is described in the book of Acts. The early church operated a close-knit organisation where everything was shared and there was harmony amongst the members. 1 Timothy 3:15 describes how a church should be like but many churches today have not measured up to that standard. This can feel like betrayal and carnal and you who is not in any leadership position can be disappointed with what is going on. If you are not committed and strong in faith, this could have your faith shaken and could cause you to consider leaving for another church. Like they say, the grass is not green on the other side.
What Does the Bible Say?
- Proverbs 6:16–19 – Two of the things God hates aptly address things that fuel church politics First is the lying tongue which can mean distorting the truth. When people don’t verify information you heard from the grapevine and spread it as fact. The last one that applies is that God hates “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” This is self explanatory.
- James 3:13–18 – Wisdom from heaven is pure, peace-loving, and impartial. Earthly “wisdom” is selfish and disorderly. What causes church politics is mainly self-ambition which this passage clearly condemns. The early church relied more on the Holy Spirit to make decisions as earthly wisdom causes division in the church
- Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The Bible enjoins us to be mindful of how we relate with everyone. It didn’t say some people. This is difficult but doable. Not all interactions will be pleasant but may have to play the bigger person sometimes even when you are tempted to react in a situation where you feel you have been wronged.
4 Godly Responses to Church Politics (As a Member)
You may not be a pastor or a leader. You cannot control what happens in the church office or behind closed doors. But you can control your own response. Here are four biblical ways to handle church politics without losing your peace or your witness.
1. Pray for Your Leaders – Not Against Them
Your first instinct might be to complain about the wrongs you have noticed in your local assembly, but the Bible’s perspective is clearly the opposite. You are called to bring up these matters up to God. Through the Holy Spirit, the Lord would make them have a conviction in their spirit to bring them to a state of repentance.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
Prayer is the master key for all things as a believer. Do not curse them in your heart or show your disapproval of their actions publicly rather keep praying for them. Prayer changes your heart before it changes anything else. And who knows? God might answer by softening the very leader you are struggling with.
2. Refuse to Gossip
What festers disaffection and disharmony in many churches today is mostly gossip. The whispers from church members spoken after services cause more harm than you can imagine. Those messages exchanged via Whatsapp or the questions like “Did you see what that choir member wore today?”
Proverbs 16:28 warns: “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
You need to make a personal decision not to engage in conversations like that. Things like that do not edify the body of Christ. Do not forward controversial whatsapp messages when you receive them. When gossip comes to you, stop it. Say, “Let’s not talk about them. Let’s pray instead.” That takes courage but it honours God. You may build a reputation as someone who does not entertain gossip this way.
3. Speak the Truth in Love – to the Right Person
Sometimes the issue can really be a sticky situation where a leader has truly done something wrong. You are not supposed to pretend everything is fine. But the Bible gives a clear process to deal with situations like this.
Matthew 18:15–17 says: go directly to the person involved. Not to social media or a group chat. Not to your friends in your unit where you serve. Rather, go to the leader privately and tell them your concern with humility and respect.
If they listen to your concerns, you have achieved your aim.. If they do not listen to you, take one or two others with you to speak with them again. Only then, if they still refuse to listen, bring it to the church. Notice how many steps come before public exposure. Most of us skip straight to the last step. Do not be that person. Speak the truth, but speak it in love and speak it to the right person.
4. Focus on Your Own Growth
Sometimes the best response is no response at all. Not every problem needs your solution. Not every injustice needs your voice.
Psalm 131:1 says: “My heart is not proud, Lord… I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.”
There is freedom in saying, “That is above my pay grade. I will focus on my own walk with God.” Continue to serve in your ministry and love your neighbours as yourself as commanded by God. Keep reading the Bible and keep growing your prayer life. Leave leadership issues to God as He is the ultimate judge. He sees what you cannot see. And He will handle it in His time.
When Is It Time to Leave?
The main focus of this post is not to convince you to leave your church when you observe church politics but there are certain lines that should not be crossed. Here are few signs that leaving might be necessary:
- False doctrine is being taught consistently. For example, it was reported a female preacher questioned the statement made by Jesus in the Gospel of John where he said I am the Way, the truth and Life. She went on to say that these words were not literal and that there are many ways to God. Such blasphemous takes on the Bible should set alarm bells ringing in your head and the right thing for you do should you encounter such corrupt message is to leave instantly
- There is unrepentant sin (e.g., financial fraud, sexual abuse cover-up). Where there are cases of fraud or sexual sins and the church leadership is seen not to punish or take action commensurate action on the offenders, you should leave that church immediately
- Your own faith is being destroyed by staying. When you start to experience a lukewarm feeling in your spiritual life and you are not growing then it’s high time you left.
When you decide to leave, do so quietly and respectfully without making a scene. Try not to recruit others as your purpose is not to cause a split in the church.
A Final Encouragement
While it is inevitable to experience church politics in your local assembly as even the best churches have it. In Acts 15:39, it is recorded that even Apostles Paul and Barnabas had a fall out. So no church is perfect but we should be equipped to handle disagreements. Expect it. God works through imperfect people and imperfect churches. In addition, your witness as a member who is not keen on playing politics can be a powerful testimony.
- No church is perfect. Even the apostles argued (Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:39).
- But God works through imperfect people and imperfect churches.
- Your witness as a member who refuses to play politics can be a powerful testimony.
