The Bible is clear that a plurality of elders is to lead the church (Acts 14:23; 15:4-6; 22; 16:4; 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5; 5:17-18; Titus 1:5; Heb. 13:7; 17; 24; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). That does not mean that smaller churches cannot function biblically with one pastor. Indeed they can. But, the Scripture holds out a plurality of godly elders as the ideal. These men are pastors and are charged with shepherding, guarding, teaching, and leading the flock among other things. While much could be said about elders, let us simply affirm that when it comes to the issue of elders, Scripture and not tradition must be our guide.

Threats to families abound in this culture and the Scripture tells us that Satan roams the earth as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). At times, family leaders and perhaps others within the family know exactly the enemy or threat they face and at other times they obviously do not. One threat may have influence and open the door to other dangers. It behooves Christians to be aware of the variety of snares that lie in wait in a culture bent on godlessness.

The politically hot topic of homosexuality creates more problems than most understand or admit. Not only is the sanctity of marriage at issue, but issues of health, social norms, and the family are raised to name a few. One could argue that unabated homosexuality could actually end the propagation of the human race. But then other issues are more immediate. Consider the fact that Catholic Charities of Boston decided to get out of the adoption business, according to Maggie Gallagher, President of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy. “We have encountered a dilemma we cannot resolve…The issue is adoption to same-sex couples.”

The gospel is about conversion but does indeed have a social dynamic to it. If we are concerned about the salvation of individuals, then a full-orbed view of salvation and the fact that man is created in the image of God necessitates a concern for the well-being of those individuals on this earth.

One of the greatest tragedies in our day is the willingness of evangelical leaders to forsake their calling and enter into the field of politics and call it cultural engagement. There is no doubt that we evangelicals should involve ourselves in cultural engagement and indeed politics. The problem lies in the notion that we can actually change the world through politics. The political arena must always take a back seat to the gospel. It is the gospel alone that can change hearts and those who have a call to the gospel ministry forsake that call when they confuse being salt and light with being political pundits. If we are going to speak to and in the political arena, we must do so with gospel words, not mere political words. Our message is Christ, not the Republican ideal or what passes for Republicanism these days.