Church vs. State?

Thom Rainer:

About two decades ago, Lyle Schaller predicted that one of the great challenges for local congregations would be restrictions placed on the churches by governmental authorities, particularly local municipalities. My reaction at the time was that Schaller was overreacting to a few isolated examples, and that such a development was unlikely. I was wrong. I see the reality of church versus state taking place on a regular basis.

Read the rest for his explanation. Here are his suggestions as we move into the future:

I do not see any sign that the church versus state challenge in America will get better in the near future. I do, however, have some suggestions for leaders in churches to deal with this reality. 

First, lead the church to love the community. Find ways to be a positive presence in the area. Do good deeds for the local schools and merchants. Find ways to partner with the city to help children, the elderly, and the mentally challenged. Become a volunteer force to keep an area of the town clean. Provide free medical and dental services on occasion. Help needy children to buy school supplies. In an adaptation of President Kennedy’s famous words: Ask not what your community can do for you; ask what you can do for your community. 

Second, pray for your community and its leaders. Leadership is never easy; leading a governmental body is a special challenge. 

Third, be involved in local community and governmental functions. Show that you care about your town with your presence, voice, and action. Church versus state is a sad reality in many places today. But it is possible that you can lead your church to change that reality. Your church can be Christ’s presence in ministry to the state. 

What church versus state realities has your church encountered? How is your church moving forward to be a positive presence in your community?