Listening to the people in the pews

Moses or Aaron?

Following Donald Trump’s much touted meeting with “Conservative Christian Leaders” there remained more than a few genuine leaders on the evangelical right who refused to accept Trump’s pandering as an expression of genuine Christian faith.  I was disturbed in reading a comment by one of the pastors who attended and accepted Trump’s voiced commitment to Christianity. This pastor said that those “leaders” who still refused to embrace Trump’s campaign just weren’t listening to the people in the pews.  Think about that.

Politicians continually want to know what “the people in the pews” are saying.  Most of our elected officials are convinced that being followers of the people’s wishes is the safest way to stay in office.  Leadership is replaced by alignment with the polls.  But pastors? 

I was reminded of a story from Exodus 32.  While Moses was listening to the voice of God, the Israelites got tired waiting around for Moses’ return from the mountain.  They decided that what they really needed was an idol to carry before them.  They would worship the idol and that god would keep them safe.  So while Moses was listening to the voice of God, Aaron listened to “the people in the pews.” 

Pastors need to be Moses not Aaron.  Sometimes witnessing God’s Word will make you very unpopular with “the people in the pews,” but that’s the job of a pastor.  We are called to be Moses not Aaron.  We are called to listen to the Lord and let the people in the pews understand His Word.