Did Andy Stanley Really Mean Obama Is 'Pastor in Chief'?
Then the very next thing John says is that "Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist." So I talked through the narrative of Jesus washing their feet and then telling his disciples, "This is what you're supposed to do for each other." And I noted how he just took away their excuses. "If I did it for you, you have no excuse not to do it for each other."
I talked about the tension that was in the room between the disciples, because they'd just been arguing about who's going to be the greatest. Jesus removed their excuses. So those of us who follow Jesus, this is the example: You leverage your power for the sake of other people in the room.
Then I told the President at the very end, "Mr. President, you have a very big room." And he smiled. I said, "It's as big as the nation. It's as big as our world. And my prayer for you is that you continue to leverage this stewardship of power for the sake of our nation and the world."
That's good. That'll preach.
Years ago, I read Joseph Ellis's book Founding Brothers. He says that in learning that Washington intended to reject the mantle of emperor, King George III allegedly observed that if Washington did that, he would be the greatest man in the world. So King George recognized that anyone that would walk away from that much power—that's a sign of greatness. I love that little historical insight, and it seemed to fit the occasion.
In the sermon, you referred to the President as "Pastor in Chief." That phrase has caused a great deal of anxiety among people.
First, I understand the anxiety. If I had read that in isolation, it would give me concern as well. So I don't fault anyone. Apparently there was one pool reporter in the room, because they didn't allow any media. In fact, they didn't even announce who was speaking. This was as private as they could make a ceremony for the President private. The pool reporter wrote his or her story and mentioned that I said that, which I did. But of course, he or she didn't have time to give the entire context. So I don't fault anyone for the reporting or the confusion around that. But here's what happened.
In mid-December, the President went to Newtown [Connecticut], to the high school, and gave this address on television. I knew the President got there early. Each of the families who lost a child was taken to separate a classroom. So this would be 20-something classrooms. In the classrooms were the parents, siblings, in some cases grandparents. And the President got there early enough and went to every single classroom, and spent time with every single family individually.
It's still emotional for me to think about. As a pastor, I've walked into homes where people have lost children, teenagers. The grief and emotional toll it takes on a pastor to sit with a family, to listen, to be eye to eye—it's excruciating. The President had done that with every single one of those families before he walked into that auditorium to give what I thought was an incredibly appropriate and powerful message.
Grieving with the Good Friday God
La complejidad hispana: Todo cambió en el 2012
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audrey ruth
Lillian, if Obama is our "pastor-in-chief", then it is his duty to call sin what it really is. Abortion really is murder and same-gender "marriage" really is an abomination in God's sight. However, Obama has been outspoken in supporting these sins, even advocating the death of babies after they are born (the Born Alive act). This is one reason it was so abominable for Andy Stanley to call Obama our "pastor-in-chief". God's purpose for those whom He has called to lead His church has always been for them to call the nations' leaders to repentance -- as Samuel did King Saul, as Nathan did King David, as Elijah did King Ahab, among others. BUT Andy Stanley did not take his calling seriously. Instead, he chose to flatter an unGodly leader who has chosen to defy God time and time again in his stands on important issues. It is disappointing that Stanley supported Obama in his rebellion against God instead of calling for repentance. As you said, he (and Obama) will answer to God.
Robert McKenzie
Lillian, I think the point many of us made is Andy did not preach the Gospel. He basically challenged the audience to use their power to do good. Noble and maybe it will even make some worldly difference. But it's not the Gospel. I'm not a Bible scholar, but I can't think of any examples of Christ or the apostles deferring deliverning the Gospel so they could "build bridges" first . But that's what Andy and the Purpose Driven pastors believe and teach. Even if they are correct, Andy still missed it here. He was invited there TO PREACH. The bridge was already built. He got the invitation. He decided a real sermon was too risky. There is a difference in preaching things that are true and preaching The Truth. The PDC leadership is very skilled at lectures and life coach presentations on true principles. They are woefully shallow on presenting The Truth. Jesus Christ, Him being crucified and resurrected and our only access to God. Andy got no where near that sermon.
Lillian Logan
Pastor Andy Stanley is a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He preaches to all people regardless of what they think or believe about certain issues. God didn't say just preach, pray or teach to certain people. He says go into all the world and preach the gospel. There are people in all the world who believe and do any and everything which entail ungodly and godly things. I think it is an honor to be asked by the President to speak at his gathering. God bless Pastor Stanley. God hates all sins. He doesn't hate some and love others. Sin is sin whether it be murder, sex immorality, lying, hate or whatever. He is the Judge who will deal with all sin in the end. Each individual need to be certain his/her own life is pleasing to God.