The Courage and Wisdom of Pastoral Silence

There are two kinds of pastors in our current moment. 

You have those who are engaging in political and social issues through their social media platforms and weekend pulpits.

And then you have those who are not saying much, if anything at all. 

I personally value both kinds of pastors.

I believe there are times when all pastors must speak up and speak out. I also believe there are some pastors who are called to speak broadly to the American Church at large (not just to their local church context).

But I also believe the pastors choosing to continue the faithful work of local church shepherding without engaging publicly on their social media platforms or weekend sermons are also fulfilling their calling. I do not believe they are being cowardly by being a “part of the problem.”

If anything, I think they are very courageous and wise. 

Here are 3 reasons why I think this:  

1. What’s Said Is Not What’s Heard

It’s not about what’s said, but what’s heard and there is a growing gap between words and their meanings.

Take the phrase “social justice” for example. This phrase means very different things for different people. A tweet or a sermon point, therefore, no matter how carefully crafted, will not be heard according to the author’s intent or desire by all. 

Does this mean the pastor should not teach the truth? Of course not! But it does call for wisdom and care in how the truth is delivered. The pastor needs to consider which mediums best serve certain purposes.

The goal should never be simply to speak and make a statement. That is too low a bar. The wise and courageous pastor carefully considers how things will be received, and therefore doesn’t mind biting his tongue. 

2. The Current Issues Are Moving Targets 

We are in an ever fluid, ever changing cultural climate. Therefore, the very attempt to avoid a danger, may lead us to walk into another.

Here’s an example:

In April, there were pastors posting on social media how the lockdowns were good for the church since it enabled the church to slow down, focus on home discipleship, and love their neighbors by quarantining. Fast forward a few months later and the same pastors were having a hard time convincing their church people to gather outside. Why? Because the conviction had already been framed for them: “Love your neighbor by being safe. Home worship.” In the effort to contain one issue, they walked directly into another. (And this is just regarding outdoor church gatherings!) 

This is why leaders need to exercise what Trevin Wax calls “multi-directional leadership” or the ability to see the issues from multiple-sides.

And this is why silence is an ally. Silence means we do not prematurely dig ourselves into a hole. Silence buys us time to identify what the holes are from multiple directions. 

3. Mic Drops Don’t Build Bridges or Disciples 

Mic drops can garner attention, go viral, and score points for one’s tribe.

But here’s what mic drops cannot do: Make disciples who know know the main thing (Focus) and know how to engage others for meaningful conversation (Action).

Have you ever considered that the pastor’s social media platform is also a vehicle of discipleship? So when a pastor continually rages on about politics or current events, what the people hear is: “This issue is what really matters (Focus). This is how you witness, speak out, and do social media (Action).” This is why there can be a link between the social media noise created by the pastor and the congregation. Remember what Jesus said? “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40)?

Now it’s true, mic drops can create a following. But it will be an echo-chamber of a following consisting of a very specific target audience. Silence, therefore, seems to have a far greater upside in building bridges and disciples.

Conclusion

I personally enjoy posting my thoughts online and diving into cultural issues when I teach for college ministry so writing this gave me some cognitive dissonance.

I wrote this to remind myself that I don’t have to always speak. Often, my need to speak is more about me than it is for others. There are certainly moments to speak, but there is also “a time to be silent” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). There is a beauty and strength to silence.

I also wrote this for pastors who feel the continual pressure to “say something.” Thank you for your self control, your steadiness in the care of your people, and the example that silence really is golden. May you be free from the pressure to say something for the sake of saying it. We will be judged more strictly after all (James 3:1).

Lastly, I wrote this for the church member who is wondering why his or her pastor is so silent. Your pastor is silent because he is wise and courage.

You should consider yourself blessed to have such a pastor.