Faithful witness requires prophetic voices to speak truth to power and priestly sensitivity. In my ministry career, there has been no other time when both aspects of pastoring a church have been more important. Sisters and brothers, when it comes to preaching, this is where we stand, and the only place for us to stand.

The responsibility of preachers to speak truth to power is not optional. It is essential! From the prophet Nathan confronting King David to contemporary clergy addressing modern leaders, this prophetic role calls for courage, discernment, and unwavering commitment to the truth of the gospel. The prophetic task is not to wield power but to hold power accountable to God’s justice, mercy, and love.

Nathan Confronting David

The story of Nathan’s confrontation of David in 2 Samuel 12 is a timeless example of prophetic courage. After David’s grievous sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, Nathan approaches the king with a parable. In it, a rich man, despite having many sheep, takes the only lamb of a poor man to prepare a meal for a guest. David, outraged by the injustice, declares that the man deserves death. Nathan then delivers the piercing words: “You are the man!”

Nathan’s boldness is striking. David was not just any man; he was a king, a warrior, and a leader anointed by God. Yet, Nathan’s allegiance was not to David’s position or power but to the truth of God’s justice. His willingness to confront David demonstrates the prophetic role of clergy: to speak the truth, even when it is costly or dangerous. Nathan’s words lead David to repentance, showing that prophetic confrontation is not about condemnation but about restoration and alignment with God’s will.

Paul’s Witness to Power

The Apostle Paul provides another model of prophetic engagement with power. In Acts 24-26, Paul stands before governors Felix and Festus and King Agrippa, defending his faith and proclaiming the gospel. Paul’s approach is marked by respect and courage. He does not shy away from addressing the truth of sin, righteousness, and judgment, even as he appeals to the rulers’ sense of justice and reason.

Paul’s example reminds clergy that speaking to power is not about aggression or anger but about clear and compassionate proclamation of the truth. His words challenge rulers to consider the implications of the gospel for their lives and governance. Paul’s willingness to testify before powerful leaders, even when it led to imprisonment and suffering, underscores the cost and necessity of prophetic witness. It was a cost faced by leaders like Bonhoeffer and King, as well. In time, it may be asked of contemporary preachers as well.

The Responsibility of Preachers

Stretching back through the scriptures, there is a profound responsibility of preachers to speak prophetically to power. This task requires a balance of boldness and humility, truth and grace. It is not about partisan politics but about holding leaders accountable to the moral and ethical demands of the Kingdom of God.

Clergy are called to be shepherds, guiding their flocks in the way of Christ. But they are also called to be prophets, reminding both the church and the world of God’s justice and mercy. This dual role is not easy. Speaking truth to power often invites criticism, misunderstanding, and even hostility. Yet, it is essential to the mission of the church.

The late John Stott once said, “We should not ask, ‘What is wrong with the world?’ for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, ‘What has happened to the salt and light?’” Preachers, as bearers of the gospel, are called to be that salt and light, preserving what is good and illuminating what is true.

A Prophetic Vision

The prophetic task is not merely to critique but to cast a vision for God’s kingdom. This vision is one of justice, mercy, and humility, where the powerful use their influence to serve rather than dominate, where the vulnerable are protected rather than exploited, and where the walls that divide us are torn down in favor of bridges that unite us.

To fulfill this calling, preachers must remain deeply rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the life of the Spirit. They must cultivate a heart of compassion for both the oppressed and the oppressor, recognizing that God’s desire is not only for justice but also for reconciliation and redemption.

The responsibility of preachers to speak prophetically to power is as urgent today as it was in the days of Nathan, Paul, and Jesus himself. It is a calling that requires courage, wisdom, and faithfulness to the gospel. By holding leaders accountable to God’s justice and mercy, preachers serve as a voice for the voiceless and a witness to the transformative power of Christ’s kingdom.

May those who are called to this prophetic role do so with the boldness of Nathan and the conviction of Paul. In doing so, we will embody the words of Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

But the prophetic role is only part of the preacher’s vocation in politically terse times.

The Priestly Roles

The priestly role of preachers during politically tense times is to serve as mediators of God’s presence, fostering reconciliation, offering pastoral care, and guiding their communities in alignment with the gospel. This role becomes particularly critical when political climates are fraught with division, injustice, or fear.

While the prophetic role of clergy calls them to speak truth to power, our priestly vocation calls us to nurture peace, care for the vulnerable, and anchor our congregations in the hope of Christ.

In politically charged moments, preachers are often looked at as moral compasses. Our role is not to endorse political parties or candidates but to uphold the values of justice, mercy, and humility as outlined in Micah 6:8. In this capacity, pastors can help their communities discern how faith intersects with civic life, emphasizing principles that transcend partisan lines. For instance, during times of polarization, clergy can remind their congregants of their shared identity in Christ, encouraging dialogue over division and compassion over contempt.

One key aspect of our priestly role is pastoral care. In politically tense times, people feel anxiety, anger, or disillusionment. We offer listening ears and a healing presence, offering spiritual guidance that points individuals back to the eternal truths of God’s love and sovereignty. We are tasked with creating spaces for lament and hope, where people can process their emotions and seek God’s wisdom.

Our priestly role involves fostering reconciliation within fractured communities. When political tensions threaten unity within congregations or neighborhoods, preachers can lead efforts to bridge divides. By embodying Christ’s ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19), we encourage forgiveness, understanding, and shared purpose.

Preachers let’s ground our congregations in the worship of God. In tumultuous times, liturgy can remind people of God’s unchanging character and the hope of his kingdom. Through sacraments, prayers, and proclamations of the Word, congregations add solace and strength in God’s presence, ensuring that faith remains the foundation amidst political uncertainty.

Preachers, in this and every moment, we are called to be both prophetic and priestly. In doing so, we maintain our integrity and character in a political climate that tempts us to be on one side or another, and to exchange our vocation for temporal power. Yet, this is not our calling. We are called to, in all our feeble efforts, to offer a hearing for God. This is where we stand.

Sean Palmer is the Teaching Pastor at Ecclesia Houston, speaker and speaking coach, and author of several books including--Speaking by the Numbers: Ennegram Wisdom for Teachers, Pastors, and Communicators.