Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
In a recent Christian Post article, Pastor T.D. Jakes and other Christian leaders sounded an alarm over the rise of tribalism in modern society. The most obvious display of tribalism, which is defined as “a strong loyalty to one's own tribe, party or group,” can be seen in the enormous political divide in the nation. Both sides of the aisle are so sure of their positions that neither group is listening to the other.
As harmful as this is for our country, it can be equally devastating in the Church. As spiritual leaders become increasingly comfortable with their talking points and agendas for their church, the outside world begins to shrink from memory. People who act, dress and believe differently can quickly become marginalized and ignored. Jakes points out that the missing ingredient is the ability to listen to one another. “I think the first thing we need to do is go on an expedition and go beyond the borders of the safety of our sanctuaries and finally fulfill the Matthew 28:19 commission to go into all the world,” Jakes, leader of The Potter's House megachurch based in Dallas, Texas, said. “But before we teach them, let's listen. Because I think there's a huge disconnect between the sanctuary and the solar orbit that it encircles. And that difference makes a difference in how we approach the Great Commission.”
The great value in listening to folks that are different from us is that it develops relationships and understanding. Listening is how we begin to “walk in another person's shoes” before passing judgment on them. On the other hand, tribalism, according to Jakes, “always leads to war, always.” As Christians, the Great Commission is to go outside of our walls and reach people with the good news of the Gospel. Personally, I fear that tribalism will leak into our outreaches, making us more interested in proving our points, instead of pointing the way to Jesus.
Though I miss my work in the pulpit, being outside of the church walls has helped me to hear people with fresh ears, listening to their hearts with greater intensity. If I'm honest, I'll admit that church leaders sometimes offer superficial solutions to deep-rooted problems and hurts that require much more than what is being offered. Really listening to others sometimes requires unexpected things of us, like letting them cut loose with a string of profanities that would surely make Grandma blush. I recently encountered such a person who was full of “church hurt,” having grown up as a pastor's kid who faced plenty of unreasonable expectations. As he relayed his story, the pain manifested in his language, which to his surprise, I ignored. I wanted to hear him, love him and provide a space where God could bring healing. I don't care what his “grave clothes” look like, I just want to help him see the light of day again. He appreciated my acceptance of his rough edges, and I believe he continues to heal from his unfortunate past. I got to visit with him several times, and he became increasingly at ease with me each time. He was also very attentive to what I had to say. That's why relationships reach people and tribalism drives them away. Jesus didn't leave Heaven with a point to prove. He brought redemption and hope to a dying world, and He loved the messiest of people in ways they simply couldn't resist. That's the formula I want to follow, and I'm certain that most of the world's troubled tribes will be happy to come along if they can only catch a glimpse of Him.