What I want to say (as a pastor)

Every year around this time, there is some tension in our church. There is some (palpable) tension every four years around this time. Once every four years, it's double tension.

Annual tension: ever since I was a kid, growing up in the conservative, moral majority South, the tradition of Halloween has been one of tension. Some kids just want to have fun, dress up, and (mostly) get candy. There are Christians who have a sincere resistance to the tradition based on some learning of Druids and Celtic traditions that undergird the "darkness"-- seeing a celebration of evil.

Four-Year Tension: Presidential elections. Twenty years ago, as a young pastor, I was distraught— the tragedies of 9/11 were in the rearview mirror and times had NEVER BEEN LIKE THIS BEFORE IN THE CHURCH, MUCH LESS OUR NATION— I was becoming very doubtful that the leadership development movement was the answer for our churches— all I saw was a grasp for more attendees, more members, more money and more power in the political spectrum— now, the presidential primaries were showing the George Bush and John Kerry race was immanent and would be the most disruptive and tense election we had ever faced— that aged well. Since then, the rhetoric, the division, and the meanness seem to increase exponentially every four years.

So, what do I want to say? As a pastor?

Bring all the darkness you have to the church. We'll carry the light, whether it’s around ghosts and goblins or elephants and jackasses (sorry, backspace, donkeys). Bring all the darkness, and let's light it up. The traditions among us are no match for the light of Christ-- esp. when it shines through us and when we submit to it.

After all, this God of ours doesn't seem to be risk-averse. Even his followers have been killed for this light and Gospel.

I say Christians must be more engaged than ever in Jesus's ways and means. Now is the time to consider how Jesus approached power and ruling (whether of darkness or just human inability): how he lived, what he permitted, and what he prohibited.