Sending the 70 | Speak out in Public Places

We've finished our tour and are now settled in a hotel in Glasgow. There is so much to see! And we are tired!

Just a few more days on the road.

-Liz

Be Church: Speak Out

In Galatians 6:9-10 Paul urges us to do what is right, and to not grow weary of the work. We are to work for the good of everyone, especially, but not only, those in our faith family. Whenever we have the opportunity! I can't help but wonder if they had the opportunity less often then we do? It sounds exhausted.

It's important to notice that this opens with "Let us." This is not an individual assignment, it is an assignment for the church in Galatia, and for churches today. We are called to do what is right. Some of this is by doing individual actions, taking a break when needed, knowing that other individuals in our community will take their turn.

Sometimes our church needs to decide to act.

We assume that Paul heard stories of Jesus ministry before his death, but we have no evidence that he would have, or could have, read the gospels. But Paul's instruction matches the assignment that Jesus gives in Luke 10 when he sends out seventy disciples in pairs. They are to work together, and to depend on one another. I am relieved by this, I cannot imagine speaking up alone.

But Jesus and Paul alike do command us to speak to our neighbors. We must proclaim good news that the kingdom of God is at hand. Paul's instruction here is to care for neighbors, and each other, and to each bear our own share of the work.

Paul and Jesus lived in a community where prophets, preachers, and healers were a typical sight in the central square of a town or neighborhood. You could gather a crowd speaking on the sidewalk, or in the local place of worship. You start preaching and people stop to listen.

This is not what happens in our culture today. If you start preaching people will assume something is wrong.

Sadly, this does not get us off the hook. We are to find a way, some strategy appropriate for our time and culture and place, to share the good news. This has always been true, but right now the good news is so important to the good of our nation.

There are many topics to address, but as a church, we should stick to our strengths as a faith community. While gerrymandering and the electoral college and other political machinations are important, the church is about the direct care of our neighbors. About love of our enemies, about support for people who are otherwise oppressed. The biblical call to care for the stranger and the immigrant and the alien that is living amongst us. Our commitment to care for those who are materially poor.

So what needs to be done in your community about one of these issues? These are Christianity's strengths, where is your congregation's particular calling? How can you tell others what you are doing to care for those in your town? How can you proclaim good news, and push for support for those you are protecting?

Letter writing is important, both to politicians and to the local paper (it is probably online). Speak as a people of faith and ask for support for those that need it. Make space on your church's blog and social media presence to speak out. Show up for stand-outs and for protests. Make signs that identify your congregation. ("I'm a member of [church] and immigrants make this town stronger.")

Go as a church to talk to your congressperson or senator. Bring two to five people, but make it clear you are representing the church as a whole. For elected representatives that are Christian, bring a one page argument, founded in biblical texts, as to why you want to protect immigrants, trans people, the poor. Don't start out antagonistic, but rather presume that they want to know the Christian arguments. Listen, but stand strong in your defense of God's children. For very conservative officials, perhaps you'll have to bring yourself to open with a prayer to "Father God".

Because lives are at risk we have to go out, proclaiming Jesus message of release for the captives.

What is your church doing in the public sphere? Where are you speaking and who is listening? Reply to this email to let me know what's happening. ​
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This video from Episcopal Divinity School is about how to provide a Christian Witness in our changing political landscape.

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Singer Song-writer Judy Small about being "One Voice in the Crowd".

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