Small-Group Members or Political Prisoners?

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Why we need to err on the side of love, not politics

Alan Danielson | posted 10/20/2008

Topics:	Confrontation, Controversy, Disagreements, Fighting, Government, Group dynamics, Politics, War
Filters:	Coach, Director, Host, Lead, Leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Romans 13 , 1 Corinthians 1:10
Date Added:	October 20, 2008

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I had no idea what I was in for when a former marine came into my office and asked me to mediate a conversation between himself and a man who attended his small group. The marine said this man was completely anti-war. You can already see where this is headed.

I met with them both to hear the story of how the subject of war came up in their group, and it turned into a full-blown political debate. Without knowing there was a veteran in the group, the pacifist complained about the President while also saying some unfavorable things about "the fascist right wing." The former marine is a political conservative, and this raised his blood pressure considerably.

The conversation became an argument with both sides becoming very angry. The marine admitted that he was close to "knocking this guy out," which only reinforced the pacifist's belief that all war and violence is wrong. After a long talk and some prayer, the two men agreed to separate, forgive each other and attend different small groups.

This situation reaffirmed for me a long-held truth: politics and small groups are like crystal drano and gasoline. If you didn't already know, that's a volatile combination.

So during an election year (and all the time, for that matter), how can we keep politics from becoming a problem in our small groups? I'm glad you asked. Below are some bullet points that will help equip you and your small groups to avoid a political black hole.

Address it up front. Agree within your group to not talk politics. Address the fact that politics can be divisive by nature, and as the body of Christ, we are never to allow the devil a dividing foot-hold.
Address it immediately. Agree that anyone and everyone in your group has permission to immediately address it when someone in the group breaks the "no politics" rule.
Address it on the back end. If and when someone brings up politics in your group, be sure to talk about it with that person in private. Remind the person that it is vital to maintain group unity.
Address it with love. Everyone in the group must understand the biblical mandate to love one another unconditionally, and that we should treat one another with respect. No matter how passionately we may feel about a political subject or view, we must never let it outweigh our passion for loving one another as Jesus loves us.

At the end of the day, let's just admit that it's okay for Christians to hold different views on a variety of topics. We also have to admit that controversial political issues will never be settled for all Christians—especially during a small group discussion.

So if you we are going to err, let it be on the side of love, not politics.

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Dale

November 12, 2008 2:26pm

I'm a small group leader and a Republican. Most of my small group votes differently than I do. It's amazing how angry people can get over politics. In my group we have chosen not to talk politics. We trust that studying God's Word together and seeking to be like Jesus together will shape our political views and voting habits in His time and His way. This article is spot on!

Darren

October 24, 2008 1:02pm

For the most part I agree that generally speaking politics shouldn't have a place in a small group. If it causes people to stumble than it should be avoided. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9 That said, I wonder if this is the equivalent of giving someone an advil to treat a life threatening disease. Yeah, you might be addressing some of the painful symptoms, but you're not really hitting the core problem. As Christians in this world, we will often not have the same opinion on issues. Politics. Social Issues. Sports. Financial. Relationships. If we can't talk about issues with fellow believers without being at one anothers throat, there is likely a more fundamental problem. Why as believers are we primarily identifying ourselves by our positions (political and other) rather than our faith? Why can't we talk with thoughtful respect to others, much less other Christians

Dave B

October 22, 2008 4:18pm

While I agree that politics can't be allowed to divide the body of Christ, surely banning the topic of the government we elect from church activities is counterproductive. If Christ is to rule all our lives, of course he must govern our political decisions, too; it is therefore unwise to exclude ourselves from godly counsel in this area, particularly so since democracy is something we need to participate in together if we're not to fall into the worldly trap of drawing our identities from partisan human politics rather than Christ. It is a problem area because people do have strong feelings about it. And to some degree, that's appropriate, because government is important, but let's do some work on being loving and respectful rather than dismissive or abusive of large sections of our country's people based on a ridiculous and artificial polar affiliation. Don't let politics take over your group, sure, but deal with the issues appropriately.