Growing up, I was taught that the two things not to discuss in public are God and politics. It seemed to work for my parents. My father was a small business owner who happened to be a Republican, and my mother was a photographer who fell in line more with the Democratic party. But they hardly ever talked about politics, and the only times I remember God’s name being invoked seemed to be if he knew where my brother was late at night.

But for preachers, we are mandated to talk about God all the time, especially on Sunday mornings. And since politics is what is on everyone’s minds, at least every four years or so, what better way to address politics than from the pulpit and from God’s perspective.

However, this is easier said than done. Every congregation is different, and every message will be unique. I can think of at least two elements within the lives of the congregation that seem to be consistent for many believers. During hotly contested election seasons, many believers seem to sit in climates of fear and partisanship. Understanding where our listeners are can help us point our sermons in directions that are most helpful.

Climates of Fear and Partisanship

Fear is one of the climates the preacher may find the listeners wading in. It ought to be no surprise that political candidates, news outlets, and lobbyists use fear as a strong motivating factor to get votes and pass agendas.

All sides are guilty of pointing out the possibility of what would happen if the opposing side were to win. Often, the outcome is communicated in a hyperbolically negative way striking fear into people’s minds and into their lives.

Kyi states, “It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.”[i] Tapping into one’s fear is a coercive and manipulating way of leading people. This fear eventually leads to anger and division.

Everyone has an opinion in the midst of his or her fear, which is subjectively the correct opinion. This leads to a climate of partisanship which is often a consequence of bombastic rhetoric.

A recent Pew Research poll discovered that whenever a hot political topic is confabulated, citizens of the United States can easily be divisive and feel defeated. In particular, evangelical Christians often feel like they are on the losing side of the cultural changes.[ii]

Religious liberties have suffered blow after blow over the past several years. Cultural and political shifts have occurred in America which have heavily influenced the future of America. This perpetuates a divisive attitude and a worldview of “us versus them.”

It is in these environments of fear and partisanship, among others, that the preacher must weekly stand up to preach, serve, and lead the congregation. What is a preacher to say? What is a preacher to do?

Servant-Leadership and Preaching

Servant leadership has existed long before Robert Greenleaf but in his 1970 short paper, The Servant as Leader, Greenleaf coined the phrase “servant-leadership.”

Greenleaf draws the major distinction between the common views of leadership (being a leader first who eventually serves) versus his view of how leadership ought to be (being a servant first who ultimately steps up to lead). In the former, men and women are continually striving to get to the top-of-the-pyramid as the place of prominence. Once they have reached the peak, they turn back and decide to serve those under them. Servant-leaders, on the other hand, are servants first, regardless of their position. They are servants who lead by taking care of the well-being of others.

Instead of preachers leading with their words, what if preachers led with their service first? For instance, what if the preacher is not simply a preacher first who has paved the way for his or her congregants and then tells them about his or her discoveries. Nor is the preacher the one with all the answers that everyone must turn to for direction.

He or she is not a preacher-first, but rather a servant-first, helping others to discover the truths of God on their own and guiding his or her listeners as they put those truths into practice. It is important to remember that the preacher is a sinner too who is continually on his or her way to becoming a servant-leader.

The same is true when it comes to preaching sermons that are politically sensitive. If the preacher decides to speak on any issue involving politics, then the main purpose must not be to merely address political issues and share one’s own opinion by strategically connecting those thoughts with Scripture.

I am arguing, rather, for the preacher to adopt a servant-leadership homiletic and to strive to be a servant-leader preacher. With this mindset, the preacher serves the congregation by communicating God’s sovereignty in the face of fear and stresses unity in the body of Christ in the midst partisanship.

How to Become a Servant-Leader Preacher

Listening

The essence of a servant-leadership homiletic has the practice of listening at its core. While preaching often entails the congregation listening to the speaker, the preacher is also an active listener in four distinct areas: listening to oneself, listening to individuals in the congregation, listening to the world, and listening to God.

Regarding a servant-leader who communicates, Horsman and Hazel write that listening is, “a multi-dimensional, active practice that can be a powerful agent for cultivating authenticity, mindfulness, trust, and transformation in self and others.”[iii] It takes silence and a listening ear to be an effective listener. Many preachers feel the responsibility to be the only voice in the wilderness during troubling times but if they do not stop and take time to listen, they may miss another voice that is vital and tremendously influential.

Jesus understood and practiced the values of silence and listening which can contribute to wise discernment and decision-making. When one thumbs through the pages of the Gospels, it seems that before any major decision Jesus made, he spent time in silence, solitude, and prayer.

For instance, before the start of his earthly ministry, he withdrew to the desert for 40 days (Matt. 4:1-10). Before he chose his team of twelve disciples he went to a solitary place (Luke 4:42). Before Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life and be crucified, he spent time alone in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-41). Luke records that even though, “The news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to solitary places and prayed,” (Luke 5:15-16). Jesus was first, and foremost, a listener.

Listening is a powerful tool in the servant-leader’s toolbox. By seeking understanding as to what led people to their views and assessments, you have the potential to speak into others’ beliefs more holistically and lovingly.

Bonhoeffer writes,

The first service one owes to others in a community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s Word, the beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. God’s love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives God’s Word, but also lends us God’s ear.[iv]

To begin, try following in Jesus’ footsteps and take some time listening to your own thoughts, attitudes, presuppositions, and emotions before sitting down to write a sermon. Examine your own spiritual state and growth.

Second, actively listen to those who make up the congregation. Often, preachers define this as exegeting one’s audience, but as a servant-leader preacher, you can go a step further. Do not only observe the congregation, but spend time actively listening to the past and current frustrations, worries, joys, and blessings of the people in the pew.

Third, listen to the world and the events that are going on in society. While there will always be others who are better informed, do not neglect listening to the concerns and messages from the various groups throughout society.

Fourth, and most importantly, listen to God and remember that ultimately it is him whom you serve. The psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (Ps. 199:105). Listening to God, which can occur in many ways, ought to be the main voice you listen to.

If you can hone the art and practice of listening, then the congregation is more adept to lending their ears because they know you have taken the time to listen to both sides of the political or cultural issue. It is important to actively listen to all the candidates and issues with the intent of understanding and, as best as you can, identifying with their worldviews and beliefs.

Listening is no small task and can be easily overlooked. However, the preacher who listens to oneself, others, the messages of the world, and God is on the right path to becoming a servant-leader preacher.

Empathy

A servant-leadership homiletic empathizes with the congregation’s needs. Biblical accuracy is of the utmost importance, but what is also crucial is showing constant empathy towards the listeners.

Our people need to know that the preacher cares for them, comes alongside them, and serves them. Reed writes, “When the minister is cognizant of his or her own emotions, when empathy attentiveness is in play, and when rhetorical rationality shapes public discourse, transformation and mission emerge.”[v] Being an empathic listener begins to break down barriers that stand in the way of people uniting with God and others.

In the Book of Hebrews, Jesus’ empathy towards mankind is explained when the author writes, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin,” (Heb. 4:15).

Follow in the steps of the ultimate servant-leader and try to not only understand, but empathize what the listeners are going through.

It is important to empathize with all sides of sensitive issues. For instance, if the sermon is speaking about the issue of abortion, show empathy for people who are both pro-choice and pro-life as well as empathize with those in the congregation who may have had an abortion, known someone who had an abortion, or are currently facing that difficult decision.

Or perhaps the preaching topic is the justice of God versus the injustices of humanity. Seek to empathize with those who claim injustices in their daily lives. Even though you may have never experienced police brutality or systemic racism, you can serve others by seeking empathy towards those who have.

Healing

A servant-leadership homiletic also focuses on healing and restoration. The servant-leader preacher must recognize the brokenness of his or her listeners and help them to identify with the brokenness of the text.

This is similar to Bryan Chapell’s “Fallen Condition Focus”[vi] which is an excellent method to use when sermons need to heal the wounds of the listeners. Once you identify the need for wholeness, you can point the listeners to the truth of the text which has the power to restore and reconcile. Don’t just point out the need to be reconciled to God, but also the need to be reconciled to each other.[vii]

When preaching politically sensitive sermons, the task as a servant-leader preacher must not stoke fear, but to remind people of the sovereignty of God. We ought not to divide people but rather to unify the entire congregation around the central truths of God and his ultimate authority. As tensions rise during politically charged seasons, healing is vital for the longevity of the church, community, and nation. Healing is possible when servants become preachers.

Servant-Leader Preaching in Action

Several years ago, I was preparing my sermon just days before a Presidential Election. The polls were tightening, and it seemed as if the election could go either way. As much as I had wanted the conversations with my parishioners to be about something other than how bad the other candidate was, it seemed as if that was all they could talk about.

I knew I had to do something about it, and I couldn’t just preach through the sermon series we were currently in. But I was still left with the questions of “What should I do?” and “What should I say?”

That’s when I began to put the principles of a servant-leader preacher into action.

Before I started to exegete a text, I knew I needed to listen. I needed to listen to my congregation. I wanted to listen to the real concerns that were on my people’s minds. Throughout the next several days, I tried to fill my calendar with as many breakfast, lunch, and coffee meetings as possible with people from the congregation to hear their real concerns. They hardly ever just came out and said it, but usually around the time when our plates were cleaned and cups were nearly empty, they would express their concerns.

I came to realize that many of their concerns revolved around the leadership of the next potential President and the condition of the country if that candidate was elected. They repeatedly mentioned the importance of leaving the country better than they found it for their kids and grandkids.

Having a young child at the time, I tried to empathize with them. I began to ask questions like, “What do you think this country needs for future success?” and “What would you hope for in the next President that can inspire your grandkids?” I think questions like these helped me to not only grow closer to the people I was serving, but also helped us to think more deeply about the implications of an election and what I could share on Sunday morning. It also helped us to realize that one of the most important goals is to raise up the next generation of believers to love the Lord and not fear the unknown.

It was now time to put my conversations that required listening and empathy into a sermon that could lead to healing. Since everybody’s minds were already on the election coming on Tuesday, my sermon introduction began with the importance of elections and how in a democratic, free society we are given power to elect our leaders.

I then went on to talk about the importance of leaders and how we ought to expect and hope for certain types of leaders.

I then mentioned that I wrote a short letter to the winner of the election which included what a believer in Jesus hopes for in their leaders. I promised I would read the letter to my congregation but first, we dissected a Biblical text that these leadership principles arose from.

Then, in an effort to lead with healing both for our congregation and the people in their circle of influence, I read them this letter:

Dear President-elect,

Congratulations on your recent victory. Your hard work and sleepless nights during the campaign have paid off. It would have been nice to see you in our state more often instead of just the swing states, but we understand how the process works. As you prepare to lead us into an uncertain future for the next several years, remember that almost half of the voters chose someone else. And regardless of what political party you fall under we want you to know that there are a few things that we as Christina citizens hope for from a leader like you.

We understand that our country and its polices can be difficult and challenging, but would you not lead solely based on the most recent poll numbers and approval ratings? We ask that you be a person of integrity, honesty and noble character first and foremost and say what you mean and mean what you say.

As we have talked about today, we ask that you help those who cannot help themselves, both here and abroad. But what is most important, we ask that you be committed to daily trusting in the Lord and not only your advisors. Remember what He has done for us in the past as a nation and remember what He has done for you. And while there will be a number of challenging and demanding decisions that come across your desk every day, will you not trade in the future for something that looks so good in the present. Will you stand for justice, freedom, what is good and right.

On your inauguration day, when you take your oath with one hand on the Bible, we ask that you also commit your heart to the Lord, recognizing both your dependence and our nation’s dependence on Him. If you attempt to lead without Him, you will have failed us as a leader and a president. Please do not place your trust in earthly goods, your administration, or your policies alone. We urge that what is written on the back of our coins will be written on the front of your heart…“In God We Trust.”

Conclusion

Fellowship and community were a huge part of the early church and that ought to still be the case today. The author of Hebrews writes, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25).

In a servant-leadership homiletic, sermons are to be focused on unifying the body of believers around the resurrection of Jesus and the life-giving power he gives to all believers. Building community within the church takes patience especially since the church consists of a diverse group of individuals with differing political viewpoints and positions.

Nonetheless, we have the opportunity to build community by pointing people to God’s sovereignty and the truths that unify rather than the opinions that divide.

We may feel motivated, perhaps even obligated, to choose sides in political campaigns or current issues and make those views known from the pulpit. Instead, model Christ and serve all the listeners by listening, empathizing, and healing.

[i] A. S. Kyi, “Freedom from fear,” Index on Censorship, 21(1), (1992): 11-30.

[ii] H. Fingerhut,). In Politics, Most Americans Feel They’re on the Losing Side. (November 25, 2015). Retrieved April 30, 2016, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-

tank/2015/11/25/winners-and-losers-in-politics/

[iii] J. Horsman & M. Hazel, Servant-Leadership and Listening: Serving and Developing Authenticity. (Unpublished manuscript, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. 2013).

[iv] D. Bonhoeffer & P. Michael, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in

Community. (Hovel Audio. 2007).

[v] C. E. Reed, Motive and Movement: Affective Leadership Through the Work of

Preaching. Journal of Religious Leadership, 13(2), (2014), 63-82.

[vi] Bryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005).

[vii] Brian Loritts, A Cross-Shaped Gospel: Reconciling Heaven and Earth. (Chicago: Moody, 2011).

Chris Rappazini is an Associate Professor of leadership at Anderson University’s Center for Leadership and Organizations and Founder of Faithful Steps Forward, which provides leadership coaching and training to pastors and business leaders. He has also served as the head of the Pastoral Studies program at the Moody Bible Institute, where he was on faculty for eleven years. Learn more at FaithfulStepsForward.com.