With Election Day just days away, I am reminded once again of how significant the role our local churches and pastors play in the balance of our community's health and future.

 

As pastors and leaders, we are charged with an irrevocable responsibility to be effectual in our world, leading positive change and transformation for people and families within our community.

 

Right now, we stand at the precipice of an unknown future, yet an even greater unknown opportunity to affect our culture and our community for the present and the years to come.

 

What happens if we do nothing?

 

It's a heavy reality to ponder when we consider what all is at stake.

 

I would submit that when we speak up on matters we care about and believe are vital for progress, it is always unknown at first what the results of our actions will be.  Indeed, it is a 50/50 chance that an impact is made, let alone our voice even heard.  However, when we are silent, we ensure that the odds of our influence making any difference are reduced to zero.  When we choose to remain on the sideline, we remove the possibility entirely that our opinions and values will have any effect in the outcomes of our culture and community.

 

While I am not suggesting political involvement or social conflict that deters us from our missional mandate, I am nonetheless challenging every church and pastor in our community to stand up, get to the front lines, and be a voice of influence at every level and in every venue within our local government, school system, and business arena.  It is not a time to be silent, not a time to be passive, not a time to merely hope for the best.

 

There's too much at stake.  We must be engaged.  We must be unashamed and unwavering about our role and influence in our community.  We must care about our responsibility.  We must care about our lack of presence.  We must not gripe on the sideline about the direction of our economy or the state of our nation or the price of tea in China if we are not picking up the ball ourselves and getting in the game.

 

If not you, then who?  If not now, then when?

 

Plug in. Engage. Let your voice be heard. Let your influence be felt. It is our community, it must be our commitment.