As we approach Thanksgiving 2024, that most American of holidays, the America that raised most of us has come to an end. There are different ways to look at it, ranging from Rome being sacked by the Vandals (a rather dreary comparison) to simply a nation being reborn at its 250 year marker, as occurred in the 1860s and again in the early to mid-Twentieth century. About every 80 years we transform. As the incoming administration takes a wrecking ball to government, for all that will be lost, there will be something fresh to rise from the rubble. It might be really good. Like New Deal-good! That 1930s fresh movement brought my family out of poverty.
The organized church in America has always found its members of a divided mind politically, even when one platform was much more aligned with the spirit of Jesus. In this moment, however, church members overall clearly broke for Trump. This in part because evangelicals often vote as if there were no other issue but abortion. Without the church, I am not sure there would be a Trump. When this era plays out in chaos and rubble, the association of church with the destruction may further weaken the credibility of organized religion as a force for good.
We will see.
Meanwhile the immediate future of ministry and ministry credibility is local. Serving neighbors in love. Strengthening connections to populations who are spiritually lost or unmoored. Proving to our communities what we are. Churches will be key to the rebuilding of justice and civil rights and the social safety net post Trump.
Church people gave us this mess. Churches will also be key to resolving it.
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