When Should A Church Post About Tragic Current Events?

Should your church post about insert Should your church post about insert trending event here? Today, we're here trending event here? Today, we're here trending event here? Today, we're here to share the policy that we recommend to share the policy that we recommend to share the policy that we recommend every church install for this. We'll every church install for this. We'll every church install for this. We'll talk through a number of real examples talk through a number of real examples talk through a number of real examples and discuss important caveats as well. and discuss important caveats as well. and discuss important caveats as well. Let's dive in. Let's dive in. Let's dive in. >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tools Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tools Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tools Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sheer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the Holy Huntsman. It's Alexander Mills. Holy Huntsman. It's Alexander Mills. Holy Huntsman. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello. Hello. And today we are going to >> Hello. Hello. And today we are going to >> Hello. Hello. And today we are going to break down some policy for your church break down some policy for your church break down some policy for your church to consider to install in respect to to consider to install in respect to to consider to install in respect to current events whether or not your current events whether or not your current events whether or not your church might want to talk about those church might want to talk about those church might want to talk about those online on social media. We're going to online on social media. We're going to online on social media. We're going to give you specific examples to show how give you specific examples to show how give you specific examples to show how this policy can be applied and we will this policy can be applied and we will this policy can be applied and we will also talk through some specific caveats. also talk through some specific caveats. also talk through some specific caveats. question about should my church post question about should my church post question about should my church post about this thing has become uh popular about this thing has become uh popular about this thing has become uh popular again in our inbox in my DMs on the again in our inbox in my DMs on the again in our inbox in my DMs on the heels of the Charlie Kirk assassination. heels of the Charlie Kirk assassination. heels of the Charlie Kirk assassination. We purposefully waited a little while to We purposefully waited a little while to We purposefully waited a little while to do this episode namely because it's do this episode namely because it's do this episode namely because it's >> almost impossible to install policy in >> almost impossible to install policy in >> almost impossible to install policy in the middle the middle the middle >> right >> right >> right >> of crisis. It's something that should be >> of crisis. It's something that should be >> of crisis. It's something that should be done proactively or it can be done done proactively or it can be done done proactively or it can be done reactively but not like in the middle of reactively but not like in the middle of reactively but not like in the middle of it all happening it all happening it all happening >> generally speaking. So the the dust is >> generally speaking. So the the dust is >> generally speaking. So the the dust is settled on this a little bit and now we settled on this a little bit and now we settled on this a little bit and now we can talk about installing this. Uh just can talk about installing this. Uh just can talk about installing this. Uh just give this caveat off the top before we give this caveat off the top before we give this caveat off the top before we get into the policy, the examples, the get into the policy, the examples, the get into the policy, the examples, the caveats. This is like the ultimate caveats. This is like the ultimate caveats. This is like the ultimate caveat. Use your discernment.

caveat. Use your discernment. caveat. Use your discernment. >> Use your wisdom. We had a comment come >> Use your wisdom. We had a comment come >> Use your wisdom. We had a comment come in on the Instagram post that I made of in on the Instagram post that I made of in on the Instagram post that I made of this same subject matter and the uh this same subject matter and the uh this same subject matter and the uh effect of the post was basically like, effect of the post was basically like, effect of the post was basically like, "Well, what about the Holy Spirit?" "Well, what about the Holy Spirit?" "Well, what about the Holy Spirit?" >> To which I would say, "Yeah, >> To which I would say, "Yeah, >> To which I would say, "Yeah, >> uh yes, >> uh yes, >> uh yes, >> of course." >> of course." >> of course." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> In in this case, the caption had >> In in this case, the caption had >> In in this case, the caption had mentioned that and this person had not mentioned that and this person had not mentioned that and this person had not read the entire caption. Look, we get read the entire caption. Look, we get read the entire caption. Look, we get it. We you read through the whole it. We you read through the whole it. We you read through the whole >> carousel. I'm going through the content. >> carousel. I'm going through the content. >> carousel. I'm going through the content. I'm not opening. I'm not opening. I'm not opening. >> Sometimes you got to make a critical >> Sometimes you got to make a critical >> Sometimes you got to make a critical comment without reading the post. I get comment without reading the post. I get comment without reading the post. I get it. It's Wait, we've all been there. it. It's Wait, we've all been there. it. It's Wait, we've all been there. Have we? I don't know. Um, my favorite Have we? I don't know. Um, my favorite Have we? I don't know. Um, my favorite are the YouTube comments on this show are the YouTube comments on this show are the YouTube comments on this show where folks will say, "I'm commenting where folks will say, "I'm commenting where folks will say, "I'm commenting before I finish the video." And then by before I finish the video." And then by before I finish the video." And then by the time they finish the video, they'll the time they finish the video, they'll the time they finish the video, they'll reply to their first comment, be like, reply to their first comment, be like, reply to their first comment, be like, "I finished the video." We love that. "I finished the video." We love that. "I finished the video." We love that. >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, >> we love that. We love a self-aware king >> we love that. We love a self-aware king >> we love that. We love a self-aware king and or queen. Um, wisdom and or queen. Um, wisdom and or queen. Um, wisdom can be proactive. can be proactive. can be proactive. >> It doesn't only need to be reactive. The >> It doesn't only need to be reactive. The >> It doesn't only need to be reactive. The idea with policy like this is that it is idea with policy like this is that it is idea with policy like this is that it is installed ahead of time. It is anchored installed ahead of time. It is anchored installed ahead of time. It is anchored to mission and it is the expression of to mission and it is the expression of to mission and it is the expression of wisdom and discernment being executed wisdom and discernment being executed wisdom and discernment being executed before something happens rather than before something happens rather than before something happens rather than waiting for something to happen and then waiting for something to happen and then waiting for something to happen and then being like all right now I'm going to being like all right now I'm going to being like all right now I'm going to call upon the Holy Spirit and I'm going call upon the Holy Spirit and I'm going call upon the Holy Spirit and I'm going to use wisdom and discernment in the to use wisdom and discernment in the to use wisdom and discernment in the moment both are valid. The upside of moment both are valid. The upside of moment both are valid. The upside of having proactive discernment and wisdom having proactive discernment and wisdom having proactive discernment and wisdom or reactive in the terms of hey this or reactive in the terms of hey this or reactive in the terms of hey this happened what do we do? I don't know but happened what do we do? I don't know but happened what do we do? I don't know but we should figure it out so that we can we should figure it out so that we can we should figure it out so that we can figure out a smart decision now and for figure out a smart decision now and for figure out a smart decision now and for next time. Um, the great thing about next time. Um, the great thing about next time. Um, the great thing about proactive wisdom and discernment is that proactive wisdom and discernment is that proactive wisdom and discernment is that you don't need to assemble the entire you don't need to assemble the entire you don't need to assemble the entire team or ask your pastor to, "Oh, by the

team or ask your pastor to, "Oh, by the team or ask your pastor to, "Oh, by the way, I need you to like weigh in like a way, I need you to like weigh in like a way, I need you to like weigh in like a judge and like decide on a verdict of judge and like decide on a verdict of judge and like decide on a verdict of this specific thing." this specific thing." this specific thing." >> That's what is so nice about Proactive. >> That's what is so nice about Proactive. >> That's what is so nice about Proactive. It's a simple two-part policy. The way It's a simple two-part policy. The way It's a simple two-part policy. The way it works is if your church can answer it works is if your church can answer it works is if your church can answer yes to either of these questions, then yes to either of these questions, then yes to either of these questions, then you would be in the place where you you would be in the place where you you would be in the place where you could merit making a post about a could merit making a post about a could merit making a post about a specific topic. specific topic. specific topic. >> And that that how you just said that is >> And that that how you just said that is >> And that that how you just said that is so is so great. could merit making a so is so great. could merit making a so is so great. could merit making a post. Just because you answer yes to post. Just because you answer yes to post. Just because you answer yes to either of these questions doesn't mean either of these questions doesn't mean either of these questions doesn't mean that a post is required of your church. that a post is required of your church. that a post is required of your church. But if you answer yes to either of these But if you answer yes to either of these But if you answer yes to either of these questions, you have a green light to questions, you have a green light to questions, you have a green light to consider making a post uh in exercising consider making a post uh in exercising consider making a post uh in exercising your wisdom and discernment uh to your wisdom and discernment uh to your wisdom and discernment uh to basically make the final decision of basically make the final decision of basically make the final decision of should we or should we not. If the should we or should we not. If the should we or should we not. If the answer is no to both, we would say sit answer is no to both, we would say sit answer is no to both, we would say sit it out. it out. it out. >> First question, is this current event >> First question, is this current event >> First question, is this current event related to an existing ministry in your related to an existing ministry in your related to an existing ministry in your church? We'll get to a specific examples church? We'll get to a specific examples church? We'll get to a specific examples here in a moment. Number two, is this here in a moment. Number two, is this here in a moment. Number two, is this current event locally relevant? Can you current event locally relevant? Can you current event locally relevant? Can you answer yes to one of those two answer yes to one of those two answer yes to one of those two questions? If so, then you may want to questions? If so, then you may want to questions? If so, then you may want to consider making a post. So, let's use uh consider making a post. So, let's use uh consider making a post. So, let's use uh the first example and we'll go with a the first example and we'll go with a the first example and we'll go with a tragic shooting. Okay, so there's a tragic shooting. Okay, so there's a tragic shooting. Okay, so there's a shooting that happens and here is kind shooting that happens and here is kind shooting that happens and here is kind of like the decision matrix. Step one, of like the decision matrix. Step one, of like the decision matrix. Step one, your church decides to make a post your church decides to make a post your church decides to make a post because the violence took place in your because the violence took place in your because the violence took place in your community. Check. or after a shooting community. Check. or after a shooting community. Check. or after a shooting receives nationwide attention, your receives nationwide attention, your receives nationwide attention, your church in another state chooses to post church in another state chooses to post church in another state chooses to post because your uh you as a church sponsor

because your uh you as a church sponsor because your uh you as a church sponsor responsible gun ownership classes in responsible gun ownership classes in responsible gun ownership classes in your community. your community. your community. >> Okay? >> Okay? >> Okay? >> But if your church is not local to the >> But if your church is not local to the >> But if your church is not local to the shooting and does not have a related shooting and does not have a related shooting and does not have a related ministry, we suggest that you sit this ministry, we suggest that you sit this ministry, we suggest that you sit this one out. one out. one out. >> Now, let's talk about caveat number one. >> Now, let's talk about caveat number one. >> Now, let's talk about caveat number one. And caveat number one is a helpful And caveat number one is a helpful And caveat number one is a helpful reminder when you are in the throws of reminder when you are in the throws of reminder when you are in the throws of this. Perhaps you're listening or this. Perhaps you're listening or this. Perhaps you're listening or watching this episode as a regular watching this episode as a regular watching this episode as a regular viewer andor listener viewer andor listener viewer andor listener >> and you're not in the middle of this. >> and you're not in the middle of this. >> and you're not in the middle of this. Perhaps you searched and this is several Perhaps you searched and this is several Perhaps you searched and this is several months after several years after this months after several years after this months after several years after this episode was published and you're in the episode was published and you're in the episode was published and you're in the middle of this right now. Okay, we are middle of this right now. Okay, we are middle of this right now. Okay, we are publishing this on the heels of the publishing this on the heels of the publishing this on the heels of the Charlie Kirk assassination and when the Charlie Kirk assassination and when the Charlie Kirk assassination and when the dust has settled. Mhm. dust has settled. Mhm. dust has settled. Mhm. >> I looked at Google Trends this morning >> I looked at Google Trends this morning >> I looked at Google Trends this morning and I typed in Charlie Kirk and I put in and I typed in Charlie Kirk and I put in and I typed in Charlie Kirk and I put in last 30 days and I put in the country as last 30 days and I put in the country as last 30 days and I put in the country as United States. And we'll put the graph United States. And we'll put the graph United States. And we'll put the graph on the screen right now. But essentially on the screen right now. But essentially on the screen right now. But essentially what on September 10th it showed was what on September 10th it showed was what on September 10th it showed was that the Google Trends interest level that the Google Trends interest level that the Google Trends interest level was 100. It is a scale of 0 to 100. So was 100. It is a scale of 0 to 100. So was 100. It is a scale of 0 to 100. So 100 is the highest that it could go.

100 is the highest that it could go. 100 is the highest that it could go. Okay. The highest interest. September Okay. The highest interest. September Okay. The highest interest. September 28th, 18 days later, the trend interest 28th, 18 days later, the trend interest 28th, 18 days later, the trend interest level was at one. level was at one. level was at one. >> So from 100 to one in a span of 18 days, >> So from 100 to one in a span of 18 days, >> So from 100 to one in a span of 18 days, not even 3 weeks. not even 3 weeks. not even 3 weeks. >> And the reason I point this out is to >> And the reason I point this out is to >> And the reason I point this out is to make the point and to emphasize that make the point and to emphasize that make the point and to emphasize that when you are in the middle of this, when you are in the middle of this, when you are in the middle of this, >> it is like suffocating the amount of >> it is like suffocating the amount of >> it is like suffocating the amount of attention and pressure you feel to attention and pressure you feel to attention and pressure you feel to respond. respond. respond. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then we get just a few short weeks. >> And then we get just a few short weeks. >> And then we get just a few short weeks. In this case, not even a few short In this case, not even a few short In this case, not even a few short weeks. We got 18 days past it and it's weeks. We got 18 days past it and it's weeks. We got 18 days past it and it's not even in the public conscious anymore not even in the public conscious anymore not even in the public conscious anymore according to like what people are according to like what people are according to like what people are searching now depending if your church searching now depending if your church searching now depending if your church is local to this depending on hey the is local to this depending on hey the is local to this depending on hey the Charlie Cook assassination is probably Charlie Cook assassination is probably Charlie Cook assassination is probably more relevant to churches than like uh a more relevant to churches than like uh a more relevant to churches than like uh a generic that's a terrible word like gun generic that's a terrible word like gun generic that's a terrible word like gun shooting. Um but irrespective of that in shooting. Um but irrespective of that in shooting. Um but irrespective of that in the middle of this it's like this is the the middle of this it's like this is the the middle of this it's like this is the only thing that's happening. only thing that's happening. only thing that's happening. >> It is like the only thing I see on my >> It is like the only thing I see on my >> It is like the only thing I see on my feed. we are having a intense feed. we are having a intense feed. we are having a intense conversation about this 18 days later it conversation about this 18 days later it conversation about this 18 days later it is in the past and it is not being is in the past and it is not being is in the past and it is not being talked about whatsoever. Yeah.

talked about whatsoever. Yeah. talked about whatsoever. Yeah. >> And so that's just such an important >> And so that's just such an important >> And so that's just such an important reminder that the decision that you make reminder that the decision that you make reminder that the decision that you make now now now >> like you will not feel the way you feel >> like you will not feel the way you feel >> like you will not feel the way you feel right now in just a few short days in a right now in just a few short days in a right now in just a few short days in a few short weeks. And that's why policy few short weeks. And that's why policy few short weeks. And that's why policy is useful because policy is meant to is useful because policy is meant to is useful because policy is meant to take this decision out of your hands and take this decision out of your hands and take this decision out of your hands and not make it emotional and put it into not make it emotional and put it into not make it emotional and put it into something that's missional instead. something that's missional instead. something that's missional instead. >> Yeah. And installing a policy for these >> Yeah. And installing a policy for these >> Yeah. And installing a policy for these kind of kind of kind of fever pitch events really shelters you fever pitch events really shelters you fever pitch events really shelters you or can help to shelter you from or can help to shelter you from or can help to shelter you from reactivity. reactivity. reactivity. And that's that's the pressure we feel And that's that's the pressure we feel And that's that's the pressure we feel when something unexpected, something so when something unexpected, something so when something unexpected, something so tragic, something that c captures not tragic, something that c captures not tragic, something that c captures not just national attention but like global just national attention but like global just national attention but like global attention. Um when something like this attention. Um when something like this attention. Um when something like this occurs, you you can't predict it and occurs, you you can't predict it and occurs, you you can't predict it and you're you're reeling in grief. There is you're you're reeling in grief. There is you're you're reeling in grief. There is without policy, without a without without policy, without a without without policy, without a without guiding principles, without a northstar, guiding principles, without a northstar, guiding principles, without a northstar, there is a great opportunity to make a there is a great opportunity to make a there is a great opportunity to make a misstep misstep misstep as you react to what's happening. And as you react to what's happening. And as you react to what's happening. And this is not just true in in what we post this is not just true in in what we post this is not just true in in what we post on social media. This is just true like on social media. This is just true like on social media. This is just true like sociologically, right? Like we I've sociologically, right? Like we I've sociologically, right? Like we I've talked about it on the show before. We talked about it on the show before. We talked about it on the show before. We have a a rule in our our parenting um have a a rule in our our parenting um have a a rule in our our parenting um situation at at our house which is we situation at at our house which is we situation at at our house which is we won't discipline in the moment if either won't discipline in the moment if either won't discipline in the moment if either me the parent or the child is me the parent or the child is me the parent or the child is disregulated. That's not the time disregulated. That's not the time disregulated. That's not the time because one of us is going to be because one of us is going to be because one of us is going to be operating out of reactivity. So we'll operating out of reactivity. So we'll operating out of reactivity. So we'll wait until that calms down and then wait until that calms down and then wait until that calms down and then we'll then we'll then we'll do the we'll then we'll then we'll do the we'll then we'll then we'll do the discipline where the child is able to discipline where the child is able to discipline where the child is able to receive it and I'm better poised to not

receive it and I'm better poised to not receive it and I'm better poised to not be disciplining out of anger or out of be disciplining out of anger or out of be disciplining out of anger or out of reactivity. And so that's what a policy reactivity. And so that's what a policy reactivity. And so that's what a policy um installing a policy for what we post um installing a policy for what we post um installing a policy for what we post online because when we post online, online because when we post online, online because when we post online, we're not just talking to our church we're not just talking to our church we're not just talking to our church anymore. You know, rewind the clock a anymore. You know, rewind the clock a anymore. You know, rewind the clock a few decades before any of our churches few decades before any of our churches few decades before any of our churches had Instagram accounts. When something had Instagram accounts. When something had Instagram accounts. When something catastrophic like this happens um catastrophic like this happens um catastrophic like this happens um nationally or globally, um we felt no nationally or globally, um we felt no nationally or globally, um we felt no pressure to post about it into the pressure to post about it into the pressure to post about it into the public square. could talk about it in public square. could talk about it in public square. could talk about it in our churches if we felt necessary, but our churches if we felt necessary, but our churches if we felt necessary, but only the people who were in the room only the people who were in the room only the people who were in the room room at that moment in time could hear room at that moment in time could hear room at that moment in time could hear that and respond to it. But now we have that and respond to it. But now we have that and respond to it. But now we have this external pressure of, oh, not just this external pressure of, oh, not just this external pressure of, oh, not just um uh anyone could be watching us, but um uh anyone could be watching us, but um uh anyone could be watching us, but everyone could be watching us. And so everyone could be watching us. And so everyone could be watching us. And so there's this pressure, this this this there's this pressure, this this this there's this pressure, this this this feeling of, oh, what do I say or do I feeling of, oh, what do I say or do I feeling of, oh, what do I say or do I say or do I not say? And so installing a say or do I not say? And so installing a say or do I not say? And so installing a policy for a moment like this can help policy for a moment like this can help policy for a moment like this can help to shield you from making a misstep out to shield you from making a misstep out to shield you from making a misstep out of reactivity. I'll tell you what our of reactivity. I'll tell you what our of reactivity. I'll tell you what our our church chose to do because we would our church chose to do because we would our church chose to do because we would answer to this policy or to to the answer to this policy or to to the answer to this policy or to to the questions in this policy. No and no. Um questions in this policy. No and no. Um questions in this policy. No and no. Um this this assassin assassination was not this this assassin assassination was not this this assassin assassination was not local to us. Um and it's not related to local to us. Um and it's not related to local to us. Um and it's not related to a ministry we support or something like a ministry we support or something like a ministry we support or something like that. Um, and but pastorally, and this that. Um, and but pastorally, and this that. Um, and but pastorally, and this gets to the the wisdom and discernment gets to the the wisdom and discernment gets to the the wisdom and discernment part, pastorally, I knew that I had to part, pastorally, I knew that I had to part, pastorally, I knew that I had to say something because this is not the say something because this is not the say something because this is not the first um act of gun violence that has um first um act of gun violence that has um first um act of gun violence that has um tangentially touched our Christian tangentially touched our Christian tangentially touched our Christian community or what have you. There's the community or what have you. There's the community or what have you. There's the the the violence is is a lot right now.

the the violence is is a lot right now. the the violence is is a lot right now. And you can feel the the atmosphere. And you can feel the the atmosphere. And you can feel the the atmosphere. It's it's um it's reactive. And so I It's it's um it's reactive. And so I It's it's um it's reactive. And so I knew pastorally I had to say something. knew pastorally I had to say something. knew pastorally I had to say something. And so what I did was I wrote a prayer, And so what I did was I wrote a prayer, And so what I did was I wrote a prayer, like a guided meditation for when when like a guided meditation for when when like a guided meditation for when when you hear news of more gun violence. So you hear news of more gun violence. So you hear news of more gun violence. So it's like, okay, I'm not specifically it's like, okay, I'm not specifically it's like, okay, I'm not specifically talking addressing the assassination of talking addressing the assassination of talking addressing the assassination of Charlie Kirk in a political sense, what Charlie Kirk in a political sense, what Charlie Kirk in a political sense, what have you, but it's no, I know that we have you, but it's no, I know that we have you, but it's no, I know that we have all heard this news. We are all have all heard this news. We are all have all heard this news. We are all feeling this way. It's adding to a feeling this way. It's adding to a feeling this way. It's adding to a conversation. And so pastorally, I chose conversation. And so pastorally, I chose conversation. And so pastorally, I chose to post that as a means of like to post that as a means of like to post that as a means of like spiritual formation of ministry online. spiritual formation of ministry online. spiritual formation of ministry online. Um, so I guess and you know me, I like Um, so I guess and you know me, I like Um, so I guess and you know me, I like to do this. I kind of like to take a to do this. I kind of like to take a to do this. I kind of like to take a third way. I'm not trying to skirt the third way. I'm not trying to skirt the third way. I'm not trying to skirt the policy here. Sure sounds like it. But policy here. Sure sounds like it. But policy here. Sure sounds like it. But you know, our answer was no and no, but you know, our answer was no and no, but you know, our answer was no and no, but I felt like in this moment, oh, I have I felt like in this moment, oh, I have I felt like in this moment, oh, I have to say something pastorally. And so to say something pastorally. And so to say something pastorally. And so that's that's the route that that we that's that's the route that that we that's that's the route that that we chose to take at our church. Yeah. And chose to take at our church. Yeah. And chose to take at our church. Yeah. And this policy is for like explicitly this policy is for like explicitly this policy is for like explicitly addressing the thing. addressing the thing. addressing the thing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like before the Charlie Kirk >> Like before the Charlie Kirk >> Like before the Charlie Kirk assassination, what were some other like assassination, what were some other like assassination, what were some other like versions of this? It was like, "Oh, are versions of this? It was like, "Oh, are versions of this? It was like, "Oh, are you going to talk about like um George you going to talk about like um George you going to talk about like um George Floyd as an example?" And like the Floyd as an example?" And like the Floyd as an example?" And like the pressure was like, "You need to name pressure was like, "You need to name pressure was like, "You need to name this thing." And that is the pressure this thing." And that is the pressure this thing." And that is the pressure that churches tend to feel. The third that churches tend to feel. The third that churches tend to feel. The third way that Alex is describing is you're way that Alex is describing is you're way that Alex is describing is you're like, "You know what? No, we're not like, "You know what? No, we're not like, "You know what? No, we're not going to like name the thing. We don't going to like name the thing. We don't going to like name the thing. We don't feel like when we go through this feel like when we go through this feel like when we go through this policy, it would be honest to answer yes policy, it would be honest to answer yes policy, it would be honest to answer yes to either." But we notice that in our to either." But we notice that in our to either." But we notice that in our local church of, you know, 65 people, local church of, you know, 65 people, local church of, you know, 65 people, they are being affected by this. And so they are being affected by this. And so they are being affected by this. And so we're not gonna like name the thing

we're not gonna like name the thing we're not gonna like name the thing because that doesn't align with how we because that doesn't align with how we because that doesn't align with how we would approach this. would approach this. would approach this. >> What we're going to do is we're going to >> What we're going to do is we're going to >> What we're going to do is we're going to address like the grief andor the fear address like the grief andor the fear address like the grief andor the fear andor the distress that the thing has andor the distress that the thing has andor the distress that the thing has caused which is distinct from what we're caused which is distinct from what we're caused which is distinct from what we're talking about here. So I I I don't think talking about here. So I I I don't think talking about here. So I I I don't think you're necessarily skirting the policy you're necessarily skirting the policy you're necessarily skirting the policy because the pressure that people feel because the pressure that people feel because the pressure that people feel and churches saw this. It's like if you and churches saw this. It's like if you and churches saw this. It's like if you don't say the thing, you are a coward, don't say the thing, you are a coward, don't say the thing, you are a coward, >> which is like >> which is like >> which is like >> yes, >> yes, >> yes, >> that that can't be why we're making >> that that can't be why we're making >> that that can't be why we're making decisions as churches. decisions as churches. decisions as churches. >> We can't make decisions based on like >> We can't make decisions based on like >> We can't make decisions based on like the pressure of people. That that's not the pressure of people. That that's not the pressure of people. That that's not missional. The mission of the church is missional. The mission of the church is missional. The mission of the church is to insert your mission here, right? Like to insert your mission here, right? Like to insert your mission here, right? Like help form people into the way of Jesus. help form people into the way of Jesus. help form people into the way of Jesus. some version of the greatest commitment some version of the greatest commitment some version of the greatest commitment and the the great the greatest and the the great the greatest and the the great the greatest commandments and the great commission. commandments and the great commission. commandments and the great commission. So that is not oh people are wanting us So that is not oh people are wanting us So that is not oh people are wanting us to say something to justify some type of to say something to justify some type of to say something to justify some type of like you know feeling that they have like you know feeling that they have like you know feeling that they have that's that's not at all what motivates that's that's not at all what motivates that's that's not at all what motivates this um to recall our policy again this um to recall our policy again this um to recall our policy again number one is this current event related number one is this current event related number one is this current event related to an existing ministry in your church. to an existing ministry in your church. to an existing ministry in your church. Number two is this current event locally Number two is this current event locally Number two is this current event locally relevant. Let's go through another relevant. Let's go through another relevant. Let's go through another example. Let's say abortion some example. Let's say abortion some example. Let's say abortion some something related to abortion. So, let's something related to abortion. So, let's something related to abortion. So, let's say there is an anti-abortion protest say there is an anti-abortion protest say there is an anti-abortion protest and one of the people gets arrested and and one of the people gets arrested and and one of the people gets arrested and this makes like headlines all around the this makes like headlines all around the this makes like headlines all around the country like, "Oh my goodness, this country like, "Oh my goodness, this country like, "Oh my goodness, this person was just like sharing their person was just like sharing their person was just like sharing their belief and trying to protect babies and belief and trying to protect babies and belief and trying to protect babies and they got arrested for it, the they got arrested for it, the they got arrested for it, the injustice." Okay, so let's say your injustice." Okay, so let's say your injustice." Okay, so let's say your church decides to make a post because church decides to make a post because church decides to make a post because the anti-abortion protester that was the anti-abortion protester that was the anti-abortion protester that was arrested took place in your community.

arrested took place in your community. arrested took place in your community. Okay, it was locally relevant to you. or Okay, it was locally relevant to you. or Okay, it was locally relevant to you. or after the abortion debate rises to a after the abortion debate rises to a after the abortion debate rises to a nationwide level on the heels of this nationwide level on the heels of this nationwide level on the heels of this specific arrest, your church decides to specific arrest, your church decides to specific arrest, your church decides to make a post because your church has a make a post because your church has a make a post because your church has a long-standing ministry that supports long-standing ministry that supports long-standing ministry that supports pregnant mothers. Okay, great. But if pregnant mothers. Okay, great. But if pregnant mothers. Okay, great. But if your church is not local to the your church is not local to the your church is not local to the anti-abortion protester being arrested anti-abortion protester being arrested anti-abortion protester being arrested and does not have a related ministry, I and does not have a related ministry, I and does not have a related ministry, I would suggest you sit this one out. Now, would suggest you sit this one out. Now, would suggest you sit this one out. Now, the question of course here is, do we the question of course here is, do we the question of course here is, do we need a related ministry? need a related ministry? need a related ministry? >> What if we're vocal about this thing >> What if we're vocal about this thing >> What if we're vocal about this thing from the pulpit? Okay. from the pulpit? Okay. from the pulpit? Okay. >> The point of this policy is not for me >> The point of this policy is not for me >> The point of this policy is not for me to interpret it for you. The point of to interpret it for you. The point of to interpret it for you. The point of this policy is to prepare scaffolding this policy is to prepare scaffolding this policy is to prepare scaffolding that you can then anchor to your that you can then anchor to your that you can then anchor to your church's mission. It is your church's mission. It is your church's mission. It is your responsibility, your duty, and your responsibility, your duty, and your responsibility, your duty, and your privilege to interpret it how you wish. privilege to interpret it how you wish. privilege to interpret it how you wish. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? >> If it were me, >> If it were me, >> If it were me, >> I prefer to have related ministry >> I prefer to have related ministry >> I prefer to have related ministry to the actual topic. Not just yes, we to the actual topic. Not just yes, we to the actual topic. Not just yes, we are vocal about this from the pulpit. are vocal about this from the pulpit. are vocal about this from the pulpit. I'm not saying being vocal about I'm not saying being vocal about I'm not saying being vocal about something from the pulpit is not something from the pulpit is not something from the pulpit is not ministry, but what you run the risk of ministry, but what you run the risk of ministry, but what you run the risk of if you don't have related ministry is if you don't have related ministry is if you don't have related ministry is you can give off the appearance and you you can give off the appearance and you you can give off the appearance and you could earn the perception that you're a could earn the perception that you're a could earn the perception that you're a church that talks about a lot of things church that talks about a lot of things church that talks about a lot of things but doesn't really do a lot of things.

but doesn't really do a lot of things. but doesn't really do a lot of things. So to go back to the gun violence as an So to go back to the gun violence as an So to go back to the gun violence as an example, you know, you might listen to example, you know, you might listen to example, you know, you might listen to that and say, "Wait, I can only like that and say, "Wait, I can only like that and say, "Wait, I can only like talk about it if like we sponsor like talk about it if like we sponsor like talk about it if like we sponsor like responsible gun ownership classes or if responsible gun ownership classes or if responsible gun ownership classes or if like we sponsor like whatever it might like we sponsor like whatever it might like we sponsor like whatever it might be like there's actually like an event be like there's actually like an event be like there's actually like an event happening or ministry." No. No. Like happening or ministry." No. No. Like happening or ministry." No. No. Like we've been vocal from the pulpit before we've been vocal from the pulpit before we've been vocal from the pulpit before that we believe in the Second Amendment. that we believe in the Second Amendment. that we believe in the Second Amendment. Okay. Like great. But it's one thing to Okay. Like great. But it's one thing to Okay. Like great. But it's one thing to be vocal about something and it's be vocal about something and it's be vocal about something and it's another to be active in like the pursuit another to be active in like the pursuit another to be active in like the pursuit of the thing itself. M of the thing itself. M of the thing itself. M >> it's one thing to say we believe that >> it's one thing to say we believe that >> it's one thing to say we believe that abortion is wrong. It's another to like abortion is wrong. It's another to like abortion is wrong. It's another to like show up in the lives of pregnant mothers show up in the lives of pregnant mothers show up in the lives of pregnant mothers of single moms who like have nowhere to of single moms who like have nowhere to of single moms who like have nowhere to go. It's another thing to actually like go. It's another thing to actually like go. It's another thing to actually like give money to a local relief shelter or give money to a local relief shelter or give money to a local relief shelter or to volunteer there. It's another thing to volunteer there. It's another thing to volunteer there. It's another thing to have like an active like foster to have like an active like foster to have like an active like foster ministry that your church supports, ministry that your church supports, ministry that your church supports, sponsors, or is involved in. Those are sponsors, or is involved in. Those are sponsors, or is involved in. Those are all things where you're like, "Yeah, all things where you're like, "Yeah, all things where you're like, "Yeah, like not only do I believe this, but I'm like not only do I believe this, but I'm like not only do I believe this, but I'm putting my belief into action, and it putting my belief into action, and it putting my belief into action, and it costs me something." whether it's the costs me something." whether it's the costs me something." whether it's the church's budget or people's time or church's budget or people's time or church's budget or people's time or whatever it might be. And when you have whatever it might be. And when you have whatever it might be. And when you have skin in the game there, I think you've skin in the game there, I think you've skin in the game there, I think you've earned the right to talk about it. Now, earned the right to talk about it. Now, earned the right to talk about it. Now, that would be my interpretation of this that would be my interpretation of this that would be my interpretation of this policy. But if you want to interpret it policy. But if you want to interpret it policy. But if you want to interpret it differently, that's your call. And this differently, that's your call. And this differently, that's your call. And this is where I, you know, I want to read the is where I, you know, I want to read the is where I, you know, I want to read the comment that someone uh sent in today.

comment that someone uh sent in today. comment that someone uh sent in today. >> And look, this is the type of comment >> And look, this is the type of comment >> And look, this is the type of comment that's really easy to dunk on. So, I'm that's really easy to dunk on. So, I'm that's really easy to dunk on. So, I'm not like trying to do it just to like not like trying to do it just to like not like trying to do it just to like get some like easy brownie points there. get some like easy brownie points there. get some like easy brownie points there. Um, but this is an ideology and a belief Um, but this is an ideology and a belief Um, but this is an ideology and a belief that you will encounter as you try to that you will encounter as you try to that you will encounter as you try to install this policy. So, I think it's a install this policy. So, I think it's a install this policy. So, I think it's a useful one to discuss. useful one to discuss. useful one to discuss. >> So, we shared our idea and this person >> So, we shared our idea and this person >> So, we shared our idea and this person said, well, just so many happy comments. said, well, just so many happy comments. said, well, just so many happy comments. I got to find the right one. I got to find the right one. I got to find the right one. >> Uh, don't you know you're supposed to >> Uh, don't you know you're supposed to >> Uh, don't you know you're supposed to pin the negative comment to the top? pin the negative comment to the top? pin the negative comment to the top? >> I thought I thought about it today. >> I thought I thought about it today. >> I thought I thought about it today. >> Too negative. >> Too negative. >> Too negative. >> And then I was like, okay. Okay. This >> And then I was like, okay. Okay. This >> And then I was like, okay. Okay. This person said, "Why are you trying to person said, "Why are you trying to person said, "Why are you trying to replace Holy Spirit's guidance in what replace Holy Spirit's guidance in what replace Holy Spirit's guidance in what church leadership brings to their church leadership brings to their church leadership brings to their platforms?" Yikes. Maybe stick to cute platforms?" Yikes. Maybe stick to cute platforms?" Yikes. Maybe stick to cute graphic ideas and engagement tactics. graphic ideas and engagement tactics. graphic ideas and engagement tactics. >> So, what I said to this person was, if >> So, what I said to this person was, if >> So, what I said to this person was, if you read the caption, I said, "Use your you read the caption, I said, "Use your you read the caption, I said, "Use your own discernment." own discernment." own discernment." >> But to our point from earlier, >> But to our point from earlier, >> But to our point from earlier, the Holy Spirit doesn't need to just the Holy Spirit doesn't need to just the Holy Spirit doesn't need to just give you an answer to every question in give you an answer to every question in give you an answer to every question in the moment, void of any other thinking the moment, void of any other thinking the moment, void of any other thinking whatsoever. Right?

whatsoever. Right? whatsoever. Right? >> When you are trying to discern something >> When you are trying to discern something >> When you are trying to discern something in the moment, having policy like this in the moment, having policy like this in the moment, having policy like this is an expression of the Holy Spirit's is an expression of the Holy Spirit's is an expression of the Holy Spirit's wisdom and discernment in your life. wisdom and discernment in your life. wisdom and discernment in your life. >> And churches come to us all the time and >> And churches come to us all the time and >> And churches come to us all the time and they're like like, "What do I post? What they're like like, "What do I post? What they're like like, "What do I post? What do I do?" do I do?" do I do?" >> And the reason that they're not they're >> And the reason that they're not they're >> And the reason that they're not they're not sure is because they're looking for not sure is because they're looking for not sure is because they're looking for an example. And policy like this is an example. And policy like this is an example. And policy like this is meant to exist and allow your church to meant to exist and allow your church to meant to exist and allow your church to interpret as you see fit. Your interpret as you see fit. Your interpret as you see fit. Your interpretation of the policy might be interpretation of the policy might be interpretation of the policy might be different than my interpretation of the different than my interpretation of the different than my interpretation of the policy. What is that? That's the Holy policy. What is that? That's the Holy policy. What is that? That's the Holy Spirit and your understanding of your Spirit and your understanding of your Spirit and your understanding of your church's unique mission, church's unique mission, church's unique mission, >> discerning within the policy itself, >> discerning within the policy itself, >> discerning within the policy itself, >> which is still so much better than >> which is still so much better than >> which is still so much better than arranging the entire leadership in a arranging the entire leadership in a arranging the entire leadership in a room being like, "All right, today we're room being like, "All right, today we're room being like, "All right, today we're going to spend two hours debating and going to spend two hours debating and going to spend two hours debating and deciding." This is a great use of deciding." This is a great use of deciding." This is a great use of everyone's time. We're so happy you're everyone's time. We're so happy you're everyone's time. We're so happy you're all here. all here. all here. >> Uh whether or not we're going to post >> Uh whether or not we're going to post >> Uh whether or not we're going to post about Charlie Kirk. Now, I know you have about Charlie Kirk. Now, I know you have about Charlie Kirk. Now, I know you have other responsibilities and meetings that other responsibilities and meetings that other responsibilities and meetings that you have uh canceled and ignored to you have uh canceled and ignored to you have uh canceled and ignored to attend this. Glad you're here, Elder attend this. Glad you're here, Elder attend this. Glad you're here, Elder Board. Appreciate it. Uh this late night Board. Appreciate it. Uh this late night Board. Appreciate it. Uh this late night meeting on a Tuesday from 8 till 10 p.m.

meeting on a Tuesday from 8 till 10 p.m. meeting on a Tuesday from 8 till 10 p.m. on whether or not we should post on on whether or not we should post on on whether or not we should post on social media. I know you're all happy social media. I know you're all happy social media. I know you're all happy about this, but it's important that we about this, but it's important that we about this, but it's important that we all use the discernment of the Holy all use the discernment of the Holy all use the discernment of the Holy Spirit. And there's coffee. Spirit. And there's coffee. Spirit. And there's coffee. >> Pastor, this coffee uh sucks, but >> Pastor, this coffee uh sucks, but >> Pastor, this coffee uh sucks, but pastor, um could you have not like, you pastor, um could you have not like, you pastor, um could you have not like, you know, like is our church has a mission. know, like is our church has a mission. know, like is our church has a mission. Is there no like policy we could have Is there no like policy we could have Is there no like policy we could have created for this to maybe like eliminate created for this to maybe like eliminate created for this to maybe like eliminate the need for these types of meetings? the need for these types of meetings? the need for these types of meetings? Yes, there is. And then you can use the Yes, there is. And then you can use the Yes, there is. And then you can use the wisdom and discernment of the Holy wisdom and discernment of the Holy wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit to figure out, you know what, we Spirit to figure out, you know what, we Spirit to figure out, you know what, we don't need an actual ministry. We care don't need an actual ministry. We care don't need an actual ministry. We care about this enough. We're going to just about this enough. We're going to just about this enough. We're going to just use the level of if we if we talk about use the level of if we if we talk about use the level of if we if we talk about it from the pulpit, then we're going to it from the pulpit, then we're going to it from the pulpit, then we're going to say it. And this policy also serves um say it. And this policy also serves um say it. And this policy also serves um serves the church in the sense that when serves the church in the sense that when serves the church in the sense that when folks from your congregation um in good folks from your congregation um in good folks from your congregation um in good spirit and good faith come to you and spirit and good faith come to you and spirit and good faith come to you and say, "Hey, um you know, this thing just say, "Hey, um you know, this thing just say, "Hey, um you know, this thing just happened and and you didn't talk about happened and and you didn't talk about happened and and you didn't talk about Charlie Kirk on uh from the pulpit on Charlie Kirk on uh from the pulpit on Charlie Kirk on uh from the pulpit on Sunday and I feel really strongly about Sunday and I feel really strongly about Sunday and I feel really strongly about that or this thing this abortion thing that or this thing this abortion thing that or this thing this abortion thing happened in our community and you didn't happened in our community and you didn't happened in our community and you didn't say anything like um I feel really say anything like um I feel really say anything like um I feel really strongly about that." instead of just strongly about that." instead of just strongly about that." instead of just coming back and say like, "Oh, well, I coming back and say like, "Oh, well, I coming back and say like, "Oh, well, I saw the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit saw the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit saw the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit said not to." Then you're just you're said not to." Then you're just you're said not to." Then you're just you're fighting with the person about what the fighting with the person about what the fighting with the person about what the Holy Spirit said to both of you. Because Holy Spirit said to both of you. Because Holy Spirit said to both of you. Because they're coming to you saying, "Well, the they're coming to you saying, "Well, the they're coming to you saying, "Well, the Holy Spirit said that it was important Holy Spirit said that it was important Holy Spirit said that it was important to talk about." You could say, "Oh, the to talk about." You could say, "Oh, the to talk about." You could say, "Oh, the reason we chose not to post explicitly reason we chose not to post explicitly reason we chose not to post explicitly about Charlie Kirk is the this is our about Charlie Kirk is the this is our about Charlie Kirk is the this is our policy for communication on social policy for communication on social policy for communication on social media, but that's also why we chose to media, but that's also why we chose to media, but that's also why we chose to post this guided prayer, this guided post this guided prayer, this guided post this guided prayer, this guided meditation um in the spirit of what has meditation um in the spirit of what has meditation um in the spirit of what has happened." And so it helps it helps you happened." And so it helps it helps you happened." And so it helps it helps you respond to those those well-meaning respond to those those well-meaning respond to those those well-meaning objections pastorally and to anchor it objections pastorally and to anchor it objections pastorally and to anchor it to something other than just competing to something other than just competing to something other than just competing interests about what you think the Holy

interests about what you think the Holy interests about what you think the Holy Spirit may or not be saying Spirit may or not be saying Spirit may or not be saying >> 100%. And that and that really like >> 100%. And that and that really like >> 100%. And that and that really like looks good on you as a leader and the looks good on you as a leader and the looks good on you as a leader and the leadership team. And it gives that leadership team. And it gives that leadership team. And it gives that person comfort that okay, my pastor is person comfort that okay, my pastor is person comfort that okay, my pastor is making thoughtful decisions and they're making thoughtful decisions and they're making thoughtful decisions and they're anchored to ideals that we can trace to anchored to ideals that we can trace to anchored to ideals that we can trace to the church's mission directly. It's not the church's mission directly. It's not the church's mission directly. It's not just like well on this one I decided X just like well on this one I decided X just like well on this one I decided X and on this one I decided Y and on this one I decided Y and on this one I decided Y >> because what'll happen is invariably if >> because what'll happen is invariably if >> because what'll happen is invariably if you take that approach inconsistencies you take that approach inconsistencies you take that approach inconsistencies will be visible and a smart person can will be visible and a smart person can will be visible and a smart person can look and say like well one time you did look and say like well one time you did look and say like well one time you did this and another time you did this this and another time you did this this and another time you did this >> and there was no rhyme or reason except >> and there was no rhyme or reason except >> and there was no rhyme or reason except for you said you wanted to and is that for you said you wanted to and is that for you said you wanted to and is that the end of the world necessarily. No, the end of the world necessarily. No, the end of the world necessarily. No, you don't need a policy for every single you don't need a policy for every single you don't need a policy for every single thing. But if it was me and I saw a thing. But if it was me and I saw a thing. But if it was me and I saw a church posting about one thing and then church posting about one thing and then church posting about one thing and then not another thing and their reason was not another thing and their reason was not another thing and their reason was like, "Well, we just felt like that was like, "Well, we just felt like that was like, "Well, we just felt like that was the way that that that wouldn't spark the way that that that wouldn't spark the way that that that wouldn't spark confidence in me that this leadership is confidence in me that this leadership is confidence in me that this leadership is thinking intentionally and making thinking intentionally and making thinking intentionally and making decisions based on mission." Because at decisions based on mission." Because at decisions based on mission." Because at the end of the day, the end of the day, the end of the day, >> you know, you might care about a thing >> you know, you might care about a thing >> you know, you might care about a thing more than I do or less than I do, but we more than I do or less than I do, but we more than I do or less than I do, but we all want our leaders to be accountable all want our leaders to be accountable all want our leaders to be accountable to the mission of the church and the to the mission of the church and the to the mission of the church and the mission of Jesus. That's what we want.

mission of Jesus. That's what we want. mission of Jesus. That's what we want. And when we have policy that gives us And when we have policy that gives us And when we have policy that gives us defense and language, verbiage to say, defense and language, verbiage to say, defense and language, verbiage to say, "This is why we do things the way that "This is why we do things the way that "This is why we do things the way that we do, and this is how it's anchored to we do, and this is how it's anchored to we do, and this is how it's anchored to our church's mission. We understand if our church's mission. We understand if our church's mission. We understand if you want to interpret that differently, you want to interpret that differently, you want to interpret that differently, >> but it's not just God told me." >> but it's not just God told me." >> but it's not just God told me." >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then they say, "Well, God put this >> And then they say, "Well, God put this >> And then they say, "Well, God put this on my heart." on my heart." on my heart." >> Well, someone is not listening to God. >> Well, someone is not listening to God. >> Well, someone is not listening to God. Is it you or is it the pastor? Is it you or is it the pastor? Is it you or is it the pastor? >> It's probably you cuz I am the pastor. >> It's probably you cuz I am the pastor. >> It's probably you cuz I am the pastor. >> Hey, I I know one just briefly before I >> Hey, I I know one just briefly before I >> Hey, I I know one just briefly before I move on. I know someone personally who move on. I know someone personally who move on. I know someone personally who actually just left their church because actually just left their church because actually just left their church because their church didn't say anything about their church didn't say anything about their church didn't say anything about Charlie Kirk on that following Sunday. Charlie Kirk on that following Sunday. Charlie Kirk on that following Sunday. And a policy like this I think could And a policy like this I think could And a policy like this I think could have kept that person in in community in have kept that person in in community in have kept that person in in community in right relationship. Um so the stakes are right relationship. Um so the stakes are right relationship. Um so the stakes are high like it's not just about like ah we high like it's not just about like ah we high like it's not just about like ah we don't need a policy it's just social don't need a policy it's just social don't need a policy it's just social media like the this the stakes here um media like the this the stakes here um media like the this the stakes here um can be really really high um and you can be really really high um and you can be really really high um and you don't know when the next thing is going don't know when the next thing is going don't know when the next thing is going to arise that where you have to decide to arise that where you have to decide to arise that where you have to decide are we going to talk about this or not. are we going to talk about this or not. are we going to talk about this or not. So, um, you know, good good to consider So, um, you know, good good to consider So, um, you know, good good to consider this if you're listening to this podcast this if you're listening to this podcast this if you're listening to this podcast today. today. today. >> We've tried to make this policy pretty >> We've tried to make this policy pretty >> We've tried to make this policy pretty broad, too. Like, it's it's it's not broad, too. Like, it's it's it's not broad, too. Like, it's it's it's not going to put you into a corner. Like, going to put you into a corner. Like, going to put you into a corner. Like, there is a lot of latitude for there is a lot of latitude for there is a lot of latitude for interpretation. Let's talk about a interpretation. Let's talk about a interpretation. Let's talk about a couple more examples. Uh, war. Okay.

couple more examples. Uh, war. Okay. couple more examples. Uh, war. Okay. Your church decided to make a post Your church decided to make a post Your church decided to make a post because the violence is taking place in because the violence is taking place in because the violence is taking place in your backyard. That might be foreign for your backyard. That might be foreign for your backyard. That might be foreign for a lot of us in the West. It's not a lot of us in the West. It's not a lot of us in the West. It's not foreign in a lot of countries. Um, and foreign in a lot of countries. Um, and foreign in a lot of countries. Um, and social is used by everyone in every social is used by everyone in every social is used by everyone in every country. um more than half of all humans country. um more than half of all humans country. um more than half of all humans are active on social media. Or we'll use are active on social media. Or we'll use are active on social media. Or we'll use the war in Ukraine as the specific the war in Ukraine as the specific the war in Ukraine as the specific example here. After the war in Ukraine example here. After the war in Ukraine example here. After the war in Ukraine rises to a level of nationwide interest, rises to a level of nationwide interest, rises to a level of nationwide interest, your church decides to make a post your church decides to make a post your church decides to make a post because you have historically supported because you have historically supported because you have historically supported missionaries there. In Canada at least, missionaries there. In Canada at least, missionaries there. In Canada at least, I don't know if this is true. I know of I don't know if this is true. I know of I don't know if this is true. I know of a lot of churches that have missionaries a lot of churches that have missionaries a lot of churches that have missionaries in Ukraine. So those churches would have in Ukraine. So those churches would have in Ukraine. So those churches would have of course a reason to say yeah for you of course a reason to say yeah for you of course a reason to say yeah for you know before this was something that we know before this was something that we know before this was something that we all were aware of we have cared about all were aware of we have cared about all were aware of we have cared about ministry and the life of the Ukrainian ministry and the life of the Ukrainian ministry and the life of the Ukrainian people people people >> or have have are currently settling >> or have have are currently settling >> or have have are currently settling refugees from Ukraine here refugees from Ukraine here refugees from Ukraine here >> right exactly uh but if your church is >> right exactly uh but if your church is >> right exactly uh but if your church is not linked to ministry in Ukraine and not linked to ministry in Ukraine and not linked to ministry in Ukraine and the violence is happening beyond your the violence is happening beyond your the violence is happening beyond your borders hey perhaps you sit this one out borders hey perhaps you sit this one out borders hey perhaps you sit this one out another example let's use uh racism as another example let's use uh racism as another example let's use uh racism as the example here decides to make a post the example here decides to make a post the example here decides to make a post because the protest let's say these are because the protest let's say these are because the protest let's say these are racist uh protest about racism or racist uh protest about racism or racist uh protest about racism or inequity inequity inequity remember remember remember these protests are taking place in your these protests are taking place in your these protests are taking place in your backyard when the I'm not receded backyard when the I'm not receded backyard when the I'm not receded this this this >> was an event and then it led to like >> was an event and then it led to like >> was an event and then it led to like protests taking place like protests taking place like protests taking place like >> in all around North America not >> in all around North America not >> in all around North America not specifically where that was. So like specifically where that was. So like specifically where that was. So like that was a specific moment where it that was a specific moment where it that was a specific moment where it reached a boiling point where even reached a boiling point where even reached a boiling point where even though let's say the first event that though let's say the first event that though let's say the first event that triggered it happened a thousand miles triggered it happened a thousand miles triggered it happened a thousand miles away away away >> now there were protests different

>> now there were protests different >> now there were protests different countries. There were Black Lives Matter countries. There were Black Lives Matter countries. There were Black Lives Matter marches here in Niagara. marches here in Niagara. marches here in Niagara. >> It was like, "Oh, okay." Exactly. So now >> It was like, "Oh, okay." Exactly. So now >> It was like, "Oh, okay." Exactly. So now it's like, "Come home." Okay, great. Now it's like, "Come home." Okay, great. Now it's like, "Come home." Okay, great. Now it's risen to that level. Or after the it's risen to that level. Or after the it's risen to that level. Or after the discussion on racism in the country discussion on racism in the country discussion on racism in the country reaches nationwide volume, your church reaches nationwide volume, your church reaches nationwide volume, your church decides to make a post because you're a decides to make a post because you're a decides to make a post because you're a church that supports refugees and new church that supports refugees and new church that supports refugees and new immigrants in your country. immigrants in your country. immigrants in your country. >> But if your church is not local to the >> But if your church is not local to the >> But if your church is not local to the protests, nor do you have a related protests, nor do you have a related protests, nor do you have a related ministry, perhaps you sit this one out. ministry, perhaps you sit this one out. ministry, perhaps you sit this one out. Here's an easy question to ask yourself. Here's an easy question to ask yourself. Here's an easy question to ask yourself. Will you feel embarrassed about posting Will you feel embarrassed about posting Will you feel embarrassed about posting about this in a year or two? about this in a year or two? about this in a year or two? >> Go back and see how many churches >> Go back and see how many churches >> Go back and see how many churches archive their black squares from archive their black squares from archive their black squares from >> the black square, right? A lot of >> the black square, right? A lot of >> the black square, right? A lot of churches look back on that and they're churches look back on that and they're churches look back on that and they're like, "We were swept up in something and like, "We were swept up in something and like, "We were swept up in something and we posted because everyone was and I we posted because everyone was and I we posted because everyone was and I don't think that was us." don't think that was us." don't think that was us." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And like that that that's fine. >> And like that that that's fine. >> And like that that that's fine. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And now hopefully we don't go through >> And now hopefully we don't go through >> And now hopefully we don't go through that again. that again. that again. >> You know, to use this specific example, >> You know, to use this specific example, >> You know, to use this specific example, like my church is very active in helping like my church is very active in helping like my church is very active in helping refugees get settled. A lot of refugees refugees get settled. A lot of refugees refugees get settled. A lot of refugees come to our to Canada and then they come come to our to Canada and then they come come to our to Canada and then they come to Niagara and they come and like they to Niagara and they come and like they to Niagara and they come and like they don't speak English and they don't have don't speak English and they don't have don't speak English and they don't have like bank cards and and our church is like bank cards and and our church is like bank cards and and our church is like, "Okay, we're going to help you like, "Okay, we're going to help you like, "Okay, we're going to help you like actually like get a bank card so like actually like get a bank card so like actually like get a bank card so you can like go and like buy groceries you can like go and like buy groceries you can like go and like buy groceries and we're going to help you like go to and we're going to help you like go to and we're going to help you like go to the bank cuz you can't speak English.

the bank cuz you can't speak English. the bank cuz you can't speak English. So, I don't know how you're going to get So, I don't know how you're going to get So, I don't know how you're going to get a bank card when you can't even speak a bank card when you can't even speak a bank card when you can't even speak English and you have to like show all English and you have to like show all English and you have to like show all this paperwork and the bank says, "Hey, this paperwork and the bank says, "Hey, this paperwork and the bank says, "Hey, have you ever given a bank paperwork?" have you ever given a bank paperwork?" have you ever given a bank paperwork?" It's hard enough when you can speak the It's hard enough when you can speak the It's hard enough when you can speak the language. And so like as a church that's language. And so like as a church that's language. And so like as a church that's actively involved in that and we actively involved in that and we actively involved in that and we actively have ministries for actively have ministries for actively have ministries for non-English-speaking people. We have non-English-speaking people. We have non-English-speaking people. We have small groups for like oh you speak this small groups for like oh you speak this small groups for like oh you speak this language and you're new you know you're language and you're new you know you're language and you're new you know you're Spanish speaking you came from Colombia Spanish speaking you came from Colombia Spanish speaking you came from Colombia let's say like hey we have a ministry let's say like hey we have a ministry let's say like hey we have a ministry just for you to help like you be in just for you to help like you be in just for you to help like you be in community. Okay. So then maybe if now community. Okay. So then maybe if now community. Okay. So then maybe if now we're talking about like all these we're talking about like all these we're talking about like all these immigrants that are coming to our immigrants that are coming to our immigrants that are coming to our country and there's like this nationwide country and there's like this nationwide country and there's like this nationwide or countywide regionwide conversation. or countywide regionwide conversation. or countywide regionwide conversation. Our church can speak to that because Our church can speak to that because Our church can speak to that because we're actively involved in these we're actively involved in these we're actively involved in these people's lives. We're not looking from people's lives. We're not looking from people's lives. We're not looking from afar and just saying like, well, these afar and just saying like, well, these afar and just saying like, well, these people X, these people Y, and not like people X, these people Y, and not like people X, these people Y, and not like rubbing shoulders with them whatsoever. rubbing shoulders with them whatsoever. rubbing shoulders with them whatsoever. >> Let's use a light-hearted example, >> Let's use a light-hearted example, >> Let's use a light-hearted example, >> okay? Cuz I have a bone to pick with >> okay? Cuz I have a bone to pick with >> okay? Cuz I have a bone to pick with people that are doing something a lot people that are doing something a lot people that are doing something a lot because it is like, because it is like, because it is like, >> it has reached a fever pitch. It's >> it has reached a fever pitch. It's >> it has reached a fever pitch. It's performative matcha. performative matcha. performative matcha. >> You're a matcha hater. >> You're a matcha hater. >> You're a matcha hater. >> No, no. I I I grizzle. I grizzle. Okay.

>> No, no. I I I grizzle. I grizzle. Okay. >> No, no. I I I grizzle. I grizzle. Okay. when something reaches like a fever when something reaches like a fever when something reaches like a fever pitch of popularity and everyone's like pitch of popularity and everyone's like pitch of popularity and everyone's like now on board with it. I'm not saying now on board with it. I'm not saying now on board with it. I'm not saying this is I'm in the right tier. I'm just this is I'm in the right tier. I'm just this is I'm in the right tier. I'm just saying saying saying >> I get the ick when something gets so >> I get the ick when something gets so >> I get the ick when something gets so popular that everyone is like, "Oh yeah, popular that everyone is like, "Oh yeah, popular that everyone is like, "Oh yeah, have have you had matcha lately?" No. have have you had matcha lately?" No. have have you had matcha lately?" No. When Where were you a year ago? Okay. When Where were you a year ago? Okay. When Where were you a year ago? Okay. You never even heard of matcha and now You never even heard of matcha and now You never even heard of matcha and now you can't go into a cafe until they're you can't go into a cafe until they're you can't go into a cafe until they're like, "Oh, we have matcha foam. You want like, "Oh, we have matcha foam. You want like, "Oh, we have matcha foam. You want matcha foam on this? What the heck's matcha foam on this? What the heck's matcha foam on this? What the heck's matcha foam?" matcha foam?" matcha foam?" >> And now there's a matcha shortage. Have >> And now there's a matcha shortage. Have >> And now there's a matcha shortage. Have you heard of this? Boom. Look at that. I you heard of this? Boom. Look at that. I you heard of this? Boom. Look at that. I knew it. I I was in the right. I take it knew it. I I was in the right. I take it knew it. I I was in the right. I take it back. See, this is what happens when all back. See, this is what happens when all back. See, this is what happens when all the whites Okay, that Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. the whites Okay, that Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. the whites Okay, that Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All the whites decide to get on board All the whites decide to get on board All the whites decide to get on board with something that's not theirs and with something that's not theirs and with something that's not theirs and then they take it all away. And now the then they take it all away. And now the then they take it all away. And now the people that actually have been drinking people that actually have been drinking people that actually have been drinking matcha for centuries, they don't have matcha for centuries, they don't have matcha for centuries, they don't have it. it. it. >> Why? Performative matcha is the cause. >> Why? Performative matcha is the cause. >> Why? Performative matcha is the cause. So many iced strawberry matchas on my So many iced strawberry matchas on my So many iced strawberry matchas on my Instagram stories this summer. Did you Instagram stories this summer. Did you Instagram stories this summer. Did you even have a white girl summer if you even have a white girl summer if you even have a white girl summer if you weren't posting your weekly iced weren't posting your weekly iced weren't posting your weekly iced strawberry matcha?

strawberry matcha? strawberry matcha? >> Boycott matcha. >> Boycott matcha. >> Boycott matcha. >> It might be great. I refuse to have it. >> It might be great. I refuse to have it. >> It might be great. I refuse to have it. Have never had it out of principle. Why? Have never had it out of principle. Why? Have never had it out of principle. Why? I stand with the non-whites that came up I stand with the non-whites that came up I stand with the non-whites that came up with matcha. It's theirs. It's not mine. with matcha. It's theirs. It's not mine. with matcha. It's theirs. It's not mine. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> It's not your tea. >> It's not your tea. >> It's not your tea. >> Hey. Exactly. Oh, it's tea. >> Hey. Exactly. Oh, it's tea. >> Hey. Exactly. Oh, it's tea. >> Didn't even know. Didn't even know. Two questions to ask. You got to say yes Two questions to ask. You got to say yes to one of them. Are you Asian? No, you to one of them. Are you Asian? No, you to one of them. Are you Asian? No, you can't have matcha. can't have matcha. can't have matcha. >> The matcha down. >> The matcha down. >> The matcha down. >> Okay. I was just in Asia. They can't >> Okay. I was just in Asia. They can't >> Okay. I was just in Asia. They can't have it anymore. The Singaporeans, the have it anymore. The Singaporeans, the have it anymore. The Singaporeans, the Chinese, they can't have it anymore Chinese, they can't have it anymore Chinese, they can't have it anymore because we drank it all. How do you feel because we drank it all. How do you feel because we drank it all. How do you feel now? Is this current event related to an now? Is this current event related to an now? Is this current event related to an existing ministry in your church? Is existing ministry in your church? Is existing ministry in your church? Is this current event locally relevant? Can this current event locally relevant? Can this current event locally relevant? Can you say yes to one of those two things? you say yes to one of those two things? you say yes to one of those two things? If so, then perhaps you might want to If so, then perhaps you might want to If so, then perhaps you might want to make a post. don't have to, but perhaps make a post. don't have to, but perhaps make a post. don't have to, but perhaps you might want to consider installing you might want to consider installing you might want to consider installing that now for the next time it becomes that now for the next time it becomes that now for the next time it becomes >> important. And uh join us next week for >> important. And uh join us next week for >> important. And uh join us next week for more insensitive takes.

more insensitive takes. more insensitive takes. >> Thank you for your time, attention, and >> Thank you for your time, attention, and >> Thank you for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next Wednesday. trust. We'll talk to you next Wednesday. trust. We'll talk to you next Wednesday. I was on the front lines and they have I was on the front lines and they have I was on the front lines and they have no matcha. I can say Asian. I was just no matcha. I can say Asian. I was just no matcha. I can say Asian. I was just there. Okay. My mom is Chinese. She there. Okay. My mom is Chinese. She there. Okay. My mom is Chinese. She can't have my mom. can't have my mom. can't have my mom. >> My mom is Chinese. My sister is Chinese. >> My mom is Chinese. My sister is Chinese. >> My mom is Chinese. My sister is Chinese. Stepsister. Stepmom. Oh, sorry. Oh, I'm Stepsister. Stepmom. Oh, sorry. Oh, I'm Stepsister. Stepmom. Oh, sorry. Oh, I'm trying to embrace them.