Our country faces unprecedented polarization over political movements, social issues, and sense of identity. Sadly these divides have infiltrated our sanctuaries, such that opinions about buzz words or social commentators or even medical decisions divide some Christians more than our shared faith in Jesus unites them.
Last week I had the privilege of joining other pastors and Christian leaders who want to address this trend. The Matthew 5:9 Fellowship “supports evangelical Christian leaders and pastors in shepherding their communities to live out the Gospel and place their identity in Jesus Christ above partisanship and societal divisions.” A cohort of nine leaders gathered in Nashville to learn how to nurture “The Heart of the Peacemaker.” In July, we will reconvene to study “The Work of the Peacemaker” as part of this Ambassador Program.
The purpose of the retreat was twofold: content and connection. The content was rooted in the Scriptures and informed by studies on polarization. With the intent of taking the log out of our own eye first, we looked at the virtues and practices needed for peacemaking and how these are grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We explored the self-justification and self-protection that keep us from examining our own motives. And we looked at the spiritual disciplines necessary to nurture a peacemaking life.
Along with this, we learned about many of the dynamics involved in polarization and peacemaking: the point at which differences shift from normal to toxic; the distinction between eliminating toxic polarization and transcending toxic polarization; the negative effects of reducing complex people down to singular rigid identities; the way belonging (“us and them”) can deform into tribalism (“us vs. them”); addressing false narratives about “the other”; and how to stand up against the worst impulses of our own group. One of the most insightful teachings was tracing the fear, anger, and disgust people feel toward certain politicians and policies to the way their identity and way of life feel threatened—all so we can seek relationship over winning an argument.
But content was not the only purpose of the retreat, otherwise we could have watched videos at home rather than traveling to be in person. The other purpose was connection. I found myself welcomed and challenged by this group of leaders. One is an African-American brother who serves in a mostly white church in the suburbs who is asked to explain more than he should have to. Another was told, following the murder of George Floyd, that he was not to use the word “justice” in the pulpit. Still another, when naming how anti-Christian the violent January 6th attacks on the Capitol were, had multiple people yell at him during the sermon.
These are not radicals pursuing a political agenda. These fellow leaders are seeking—from Orange County, CA, to Detroit, MI, to coastal South Carolina—to faithfully teach the way of Jesus in a culture that wants to color that way blue or red. I experienced a kinship with these fellow leaders and look forward to learning from them during this program.
My hope is that this will enhance my ministry in Groveton’s politically, ethnically, and culturally diverse community. I walked away feeling deeply grateful for our church and how we have been able to navigate the upheaval of the last five years with unity and shared purpose. I am proud of the way our church models transcending toxic polarization. May we be peacemakers in our broader community, showing the way of Jesus by prioritizing his love and Lordship over all other concerns.
Pastor Chris Davis
Chris Davis and his wife, Rachael, have four children and live in Alexandria, VA. A graduate of Samford University, he received his Master of Divinity in Biblical Communication from Bethlehem College and Seminary and Phoenix Seminary. He has been a lead pastor at churches in Phoenix and Northern Virginia since 2005. His articles have been published in The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, and Real Clear Politics. He has also written two books: Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Anticipating Jesus’ Return Gives Strength for Today and Dwell: The Blessing of Life Broken Before God and Shared with Others. Chris is the co-leader of Redwood Groups for Pastors, which creates a safe community where pastors can be known.
Chris Davis and his wife, Rachael, have four children and live in Alexandria, VA. A graduate of Samford University, he received his Master of Divinity in Biblical Communication from Bethlehem College and Seminary and Phoenix Seminary. He has been a lead pastor at churches in Phoenix and Northern Virginia since 2005. His articles have been published in The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, and Real Clear Politics. He has also written two books: Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Anticipating Jesus’ Return Gives Strength for Today and Dwell: The Blessing of Life Broken Before God and Shared with Others. Chris is the co-leader of Redwood Groups for Pastors, which creates a safe community where pastors can be known.
