The Politics of Church Government

Recently I was discussing the issue of politics in church with a friend. This is something that has always bugged me. I'm not necessarily talking about politics in the local church, but that can be a problem. I thinking more on the denomination level.

Politics exists there as much as anywhere. For all the talk of praying and seeking the "guidance of the Holy Spirit," there is as much deal-making and arm-twisting. I want to roll on the floor and laugh every time "prayer" is mentioned in connection with "elected" offices of the church.

Most of the time there is no election. Someone either runs unopposed or is just appointed by the powers that be. That is a fine method, so long as we are honest about it.