SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP IN A POLARIZED WORLD

 It’s certainly true that the world we live in has become increasingly polarized during the last decade. We are now five years out from the pandemic era of 2020, which seemed to both surface and accelerate the confusion, animosity, partisanship, deep-seated anger and resentment toward one another.

My role as a shepherd of God’s flock has become increasingly more complicated during this season. But, I am actually extremely thankful for it! I was clearly not aware enough or addressing some of the issues enough to be able to feel like I was leading from the front when these pressures hit.  I was scrambling to catch up! I was reading, listening, praying, and trying to respond to a world that seemed to be changing every day, if not minute by minute!

For most of us, this pressure-cooker season pushed us into a place where we were having conversations both personally and on social media about what was going wrong, and what needed to be done about it. Many of these conversations became heated debates which led to the kind of polarization which hardened our responses into an unmovable posture toward one another.

And not only in western culture. This polarization also solidified in the big ‘C’ Church across the world:

·       Conservatives and progressives. 

·       Democrats and republicans. 

·       Deconstructionists and theologically orthodox. 

·       Feminists and traditionalists. 

·       Black lives matter and all lives matter. 

·       Woke and un-woke. 

Should I go on?

Here’s what I think is happening now among many Christian leaders in 2025:

Polarization Fatigue

Many leaders who were engaged in dialogue a few years ago, have decided to opt out of the conversations all together. It’s NOT that they do not care. Many have found ways to work toward solving a lot of the social challenges in our world. They just don’t want to talk about it anymore because they feel that the conversation is pointless and fruitless.

Toxic Tactics

One of the reasons for the leadership fatigue are the techniques used by so many partisans on both sides of the culture war. The use of exaggeration, fear, anger, shame, and the threat of ostracization and cancellation has had its effect. Why say anything when what you say could cause you to lose friendships, partnerships, or reputation?  

Articulation & Precision

If you want to address any issue now, there is a need to thread the needle, so to speak. Leaders might hesitate to say anything raw and unprocessed because the punishment for a misstep is severe.

Angry Partisanship

I have watched many friends, who were initially cautious about how they led and spoke, when it came to culture and politics, begin to respond to the challenges previously mentioned by deciding to become totally unfiltered and purposefully combative and partisan in their leadership. Their attitude has now become, “I don’t care what you think or feel anymore. This is what I believe…deal with it!”

Theological, Historical and Biblical Illiteracy

The number of things posted online that are inaccurate, factually wrong, biblically inconsistent and just plain illogical is mind blowing! Neither side of the culture war has a corner on stupid. It’s an hubris assumption to think, based on a little bit of knowledge of a situation, that you or I have a complete understanding and solution of the issues at hand.

Loss of Gospel Centered Solutions

We have, unfortunately, been led away from true answers. It is the gospel that reconciles us to God. It should also reconcile us to each other: Jew and Greek, Black and White, Red and Blue. The Gospel makes us one family, working for one King, who is building one Kingdom! 

Lack of Discernment of the Dangers That Exist

However, as we pursue our connection in Christ, we must be aware that there are wolves who are lurking around, dressed as sheep. Satan is using the confusion and polarization of our day to plant dangerous leaders who want to devour God’s flock.These hostile leaders are sowing tares among the wheat.

My goal in this series of posts is to unpack some of my thoughts on these matters. Honestly, I am writing these things down so that I can flesh out what I believe. I need a fresh look at how to lead right now. 

As I share my thoughts, I realize that several things may happen:

First, my desire is that my posts will help pastors and leaders and that they would choose to adopt a Christ-centered paradigm for how they lead moving forward. 

Second, I recognize that some will read my thoughts and choose to end their relationship with me. I have arrived at the place where I am okay with that. I am not seeking to sever any relationship, cancel any leader, or punish anyone who disagrees with me. But, after the last few years, I realize that clarity is better than confusion. 

Clarity is the key to define the relationship. When someone rejects or detaches from me for what I believe, it hurts and I grieve. But I am unwilling to compromise my beliefs for the sake of relationship; doing so would only create a fake foundation for a very fragile friendship.

Most of all, I want to please God! My posts will be written from this motivation. My goal will be to post one blog a week on these topics.