Right or Wrong? Pietistic language

A few leaders in our church stand and declare "a deep conviction" about practically any issue we consider. They offer little rationale, but they swing votes. Why does pietistic language trump in-depth analysis?

T

he "conviction" you describe has the power to influence a congregation's path through business meetings, committee meetings, Sunday school gatherings and even through a passing hallway conversation. Such potentially divisive behavior is, ironically, a misappropriation of the church's purpose. After all, doesn't the church strive to develop leaders who make decisions from the spiritual perspective of deep convictions? The reason these words carry such weight is that they are Spirit-infused language.

The deeper problem is your church leaders appear to be misusing the church's spiritual focus. However, this conduct is not new. Jesus' ongoing confrontations with the Pharisees were not about their lack of religious principles, but more about their misapplication of faith truths. Can't you hear a Pharisee saying to our Lord, "I have a deep conviction about dining with sinners"? From the beginning of our faith, supposedly heaven-sent convictions have been misused to wield undue influence or get one's own way.

Since this language can be inherently a statement of wise spiritual discernment, how can the church know the speaker's motivation is pure? The first step in evaluating these power-packed and super-charged words is to consider the role of the business meeting in the life of the church. The very use of the word "business" separates this meeting from ministries. Perhaps a business meeting should be just as much a spiritual experience as Sunday morning worship. Through meaningful presentations, celebrative reports and even some difficult decision-making, the business of God's people should be a purposeful act of praise and honor before God. Consider how you might incorporate worship in the conduct of church business. Then, such declarations of "deep convictions" are uttered in the more familiar context of spirituality and humility before God.

The next step is to recognize the process does not begin at the business meeting. The long journey to faith conviction begins in Bible studies, prayer gatherings, small groups and worship. In these settings, honest discussion and study provide the congregation the opportunity to learn that "deep conviction" first begins with a solid faith in God, finds meaning through constant prayer with God, uncovers discernment within the church of God, and seeks fulfillment in the people of God. When the church becomes intentional about the spiritual growth of her members' convictions, the church will discover that business meetings are times of truly "deep convictions."

Allen Reasons, senior minister

Fifth Avenue Baptist Church

Huntington, W.Va.

Right or Wrong? is co-sponsored by the Texas Baptist theological education office and Christian Life Commission. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to bill.tillman@texasbaptists.org.