Purple Church Expectations
by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader
"Purple churches" is a term referring to faith communities with a mix of politically liberal ("blue") and conservative ("red") members, aiming to foster unity and love across diverse perspectives rather than succumbing to partisan division. These congregations are viewed as vital institutions where people with differing political beliefs can find common ground and build relationships, though they also face challenges of potential conflict and require careful leadership to maintain unity.—AI Overview, Google
What can we, what should we, expect from one another and our churches when we are part of purple churches? If we thought there was a shared understanding of the answers to this question, the Charlie Kirk assassination revealed another reality.
Evidently, we at Pinnacle are engaged with many purple clergy and churches, given the stories rising from our coaching and consulting. To summarize, clergy who did not mention Charlie Kirk’s name in prayers or sermons were vehemently criticized by some in their churches. These same clergy were sincerely thanked by others for not mentioning his name. Same churches, with very different reactions. Some clergy have a policy of not mentioning people by name, concerned they cannot include everyone experiencing tragedy and will likely miss naming others along the way. Other clergy practice the policy of mentioning every name, knowing they will mistakenly leave some out along the way. Either way, worship leaders have experienced extreme reactions to whatever approach they have taken in recent weeks.
What do we make of this? Clearly, self-definition and identity clarification is ongoing work in purple churches. What does it mean to be part of THIS expression of church? Then, what might we expect from each other and our church experience? I hope churches are addressing these questions all the time, constantly clarifying their WHO and WHY. Yet, this incident, along with the extreme polarization in our culture, call us toward identity clarification in these moments.
To that end, please consider the belief, recognition, and expectation in high functioning purple churches described below.
Purple churches believe their commitment to unity in Christ is primary, far greater than their engagement with political parties. What? Yes, it’s true. Some purple churches actually believe unity in Christ is more powerful than the political divisions surrounding us. Some purple churches believe their common commitment to Christ can lift them out of vitriol, angst, and accusations enough to be in ongoing relationship with people across the political divide. Audacious and bold, yes! And, those churches who can do this, not perfectly but often…they will be like a shining city on a hill. This is a very strong witness to the transformative power found in Christ. These churches have to surrender their wills to God’s will, loving like Jesus loves. This is Holy Spirit territory for sure. Purple churches are actually very bold expressions of church, believing their common commitment to Christ overcomes humanly constructed political differences. Amazing indeed!
Purple churches recognize the Way of Jesus influences their politics, but cannot be contained or controlled by any political party. Fortunately, the Way of Jesus is bigger and better than we can truly comprehend. “For God so loved the world, that God gave his only begotten son…” The Father sent the Son into the world to love and save the entire world, rather than certain segments. Regardless of political affiliation, Jesus is for all people. Also, no political party can contain or control Jesus the Christ. No political party has a corner on the Way of Jesus. The Way of Jesus is bigger and better, exceeding partisan politics.
Purple churches expect to be uncomfortable during church participation, since being transformed into a disciple of Jesus includes discomfort. Wow. Were I a pastor, I would certainly ask the leadership of the church to discuss this statement, eventually endorsing and communicating its message with the congregation. When we can get ourselves there, this understanding of church prevents so much conflict while guiding us toward our primary spiritual aspiration… to become conformed to the image of Christ.
It’s like disciples in purple churches say to themselves, “Being conformed to the image of Christ, growing in discipleship, includes peeling off the layers of belief and practice on how to live in this world that are not Christ-shaped. Becoming a Christ-follower means laying down my will (surrender), discerning Christ’s calling, and aligning my beliefs, actions, and relationships therewith. This process of transformation will include many spiritual highs and deeply satisfying spiritual growth. At the same time, there is pain involved in life transformation. I have counted the cost, and I’m on board with pursuing the Way of Jesus with this church community. So, when my politics are challenged by my church, I’m not so reactive, since that’s normal Christian experience for those who want to follow Jesus.”
Of course this doesn’t suggest that preachers, teachers, and worship leaders are always spiritually aligned. Sometimes they go off the rails, railing on their soap boxes rather than staying with the gospel. Those with some level of spiritual awareness and maturity take these moments as opportunities for conversation, engaging each other in dialogue. Mature clergy and lay leaders appreciate honest and constructive critical dialogue.
How about your church? The longer I walk this planet, the more clear it becomes that every situation is a spiritual growth opportunity. Sometimes we fail, requiring us to take responsibility, apologize, give and receive grace, and grow again. Other times, we are spiritually aligned throughout difficult experiences. Either way, every life experience is a spiritual growth opportunity for those pursuing transformation toward the Way of Jesus.