CHURCH POLITICS:

Introduction

Politics: “The activities of governments concerning the political relations between countries … a particular set of political beliefs or principles.” This form of politics operates at the governmental level and has been around since people needed governance. The political arena hasn’t had the most perfect track record. Thus the word “politics” has a negative connotation today to most because of the acts that have been committed in the name of political gain. We’ve watched, in America, presidential debates and have witnessed one candidate after another slander each other in the name of public service. Politics in America is used in government to influence decisions that affect our everyday lives. Power players such as congress men and women work to gain position in order to get their agendas accomplished. This type of governmental politics we will not discuss here, but the same principles apply somewhat.

A definition of playing politics is “(a) to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.: exploit a political system or political relationship (b) to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement.” This definition of political play is what we see in some of our Christian establishments. Since the beginning of time, humans have played the game of politics for power and advantage—to have these over others. Church politics is still similar though to governmental politics in that it is about obtaining power positions, sustaining those positions, and protecting territory. Every church game that is played engages everyone involved in gaining, sustaining, and protecting. Oxford Dictionaries gives another definition for politics: “activities within an organization that are aimed at improving someone’s status or position and are typically considered to be devious or divisive …” The key words are “improving … status,” “position,” and “devious.” Though none of our churches are perfect, as you reread the key words, ask yourself the following questions: (1) Do these themes belong in the local church? (2) Is church the place for improving our statuses? and (3) Should we spend this much or any time for that matter jockeying for position and using devious practices to do so?

Church Politics will specifically address the games that are played in church circles around the globe. Eric Berne suggested this definition and motive of the word “game” used in this context: “… an ongoing series of complementary ulterior transactions progressing to a well-defined, predictable outcome..The payoff usually involves some emotional satisfaction or increase in control.” This book was written to address these issues that are also hindrances. Why? Our political games are keeping Christ’s church from growing in numbers and growing in maturity. We are here to worship God and love others as ourselves. The church setting provides the best-case scenario to be able to accomplish the Great Mandate together as we have been commanded. But political games make it tough on pastors, lay members, church workers, first-time seekers/visitors, and all who want to experience Christ in a corporate setting and share their spiritual experience with the rest of God’s family.

This book was written first to expose the enemy so that the church will no longer be ignorant of his devices. This material should minister healing to all who have, at one time or another, been a part of political turmoil that is sometimes called church life. The material presented here is not meant to be divisive, as, at the time of publishing, we are in the middle of a pandemic where certain Christians are not involved in corporate worship. I know that some pastors are warning against division more than ever. This truth should only further equip the believers as they refrain from participating in church politics.