After a Virginia pastor unveiled the church signal’s new message, the congregation bought up and walked out to protest what some are calling an “offensive” message.
Nevertheless, as an alternative of fixing the signal, the pastor has doubled down, standing by the controversial announcement.
For years, Pastor E W Lucas of Friendship Baptist Church has quietly helped his humble congregation spiritually navigate by means of the occasions.
He has shunned shaking up the group an excessive amount of together with his biblical sermons. Sadly, all that modified when he determined to ship a clear-cut message with the church’s signal.
As politics invade the Church, the Church is realizing that it may well both undergo political correctness or maintain steadfast to biblical values.
After all, the latter has apparent penalties, particularly if the Church emboldens itself to actively converse out about such points in a means that contradicts the trendy worldview.
The Appomattox pastor unveiled his newest declaration on the message board, which learn “America: adore it or depart it” in daring letters. The unmistakable message was posted straight outdoors the church constructing for all to see. After all, Lucas’ daring stance didn’t come with out swift penalties.
As a substitute of standing by their pastor, Lucas confirmed that a lot of his congregation has deserted the church as a result of strain from a handful of members who started sowing seeds of discontent.
In an interview with ABC 13, Lucas defined that, throughout Sunday morning service, a few of his flock staged a walkout in protest of the signal’s message.
Regardless of his congregation’s penchant for political correctness, Pastor Lucas isn’t backing down. The truth is, he sees the protests as a revelation in who is decided to face agency in uncomfortable conditions.
Moreover, Lucas instructed his critics that in the event that they hate America a lot, they “must go over there and reside in these different nations for a short time.”
“I’ve tried to be trustworthy,” Lucas mentioned. “I’ve tried to do what’s proper. However I consider in my nation. I like my nation. And I don’t thoughts standing up for the nation.”
Regardless of the signal making no reference to race or nationality, opponents of the signal known as the message “racist.” Shannon Watts, founding father of pro-gun management group Mothers Demand Motion, and Jon Cooper, chairman of the Democratic Coalition, in contrast the signal to a picture of a KKK billboard, which learn, “That is Klan Nation, ‘adore it or depart it,’” FOX Information stories.
The next Sunday, Pastor Lucas arrived on the church to seek out an empty sanctuary. Though some members did arrive to attend the sermon, they have been rapidly pressured to depart by the few who had staged the protest. Nonetheless, Lucas vows to by no means kowtow to the mob even when it means a smaller congregation.
“Preachers, by and enormous, at this time, are afraid they’re gonna damage any individual’s emotions,” Lucas mentioned. “After I get within the pulpit, I’m afraid I received’t damage any individual’s emotions.”
Regardless of the backlash, Lucas has obtained main help for his efforts. The pastor promised to maintain the enroll longer, citing the constructive responses he’s gotten.
Moreover, he rejected the notion that the message had something to do with pores and skin coloration, reiterating that the message means simply what it says.
Pastor Lucas is experiencing what each particular person in America encounters after they stray from the politically appropriate narrative.
Disturbingly, the retribution isn’t even coming from the federal government or political enemies however his personal congregation.
Whereas a lot of his congregants need their pastor to maintain politics out of the Church, it’s unattainable since politics envelop each side of life, together with faith and the Church.
Sadly, there’ll doubtless be no blissful ending for Lucas’ church or his preaching profession. The truth is, it’s nearly inevitable that the handful of offended members in his flock have efficiently divided his congregation completely.
Nevertheless, Pastor Lucas can take satisfaction in realizing that he stood robust in accordance together with his values.
