Pastor Shane Idleman has written an open letter to all church leaders, urging them to stand up against same-sex marriage and other sinful activities, since doing nothing about these issues "speaks volumes" against the integrity of God's church.
"Over the last few decades, Americans have seen the destruction of the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, the removal of God's Word in several areas, and the blatant murdering of millions of babies. This is an indictment against America and the pulpit is partially responsible," he wrote in the letter.
Idleman stressed that the pulpit regulates the spiritual condition of God's people, and their stance affects the whole nation. "A lukewarm, sex-saturated culture (and church) simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew," he said.
Many pastors have sadly chosen to remain passive about what is happening around the world, he lamented, and have exchanged boldness for cowardliness and conviction for comfort. They are more motivational speakers rather than preachers of righteousness, he said, and that should not be the case.
"Pastors—and Christian leaders alike—must take responsibility for the spiritual health of today's church, and the nation. We don't need more marketing plans, demographic studies, or giving campaigns; we need men filled with the Spirit of God," he said.
Idleman further said that pastors are not just cheerleaders; rather, they are game changers. They have been called by God to stir and convict so that positive change takes place.
He said he admires many pastors and churches that have wonderful ministries. However, Idleman said they need to do more. "I appreciate their ministry, but, as a whole, the church has drifted off course. They have lost the compass of truth," he said.
