POLITICS NOT FOR CHURCH – PASTOR BAKHE

MBABANE – “It is not the church’s mandate to be involved in politics.”

This was said by Yonder Worship Centre founder Pastor Bakhe Dlamini in a statement issued to address the growing calls for the church to intervene in the political situation in the country. This follows previous reports where the church was regarded as ‘captured’ and silent on the political situation prevailing in the country.  The esteemed pastor highlighted in his statement that the church had a primary role to fulfill, which was the preaching of the gospel. According to Dlamini, as ministers of the gospel, they needed to allow politicians to do their work. He mentioned that their job was to preach the gospel and allow it to transform people. “The meaning of the word gospel is, ‘Good news’. We attack none, for our objective is to win all unto the Lord. Everyone belongs to God: kings, governors, politicians, the general public, preachers, etc.  When politicians and authorities clash, ours is to be the unifying factor, not dividing factor,” said the man of God.

Conflict

The pastor stated that part of their objectives as ministers of the Word was to restore unity where there was conflict and build those who were aggrieved. He further clarified that he worked hard and sought no favours from anyone and the grace of God had sustained him thus far. “In all the years I have spent as a church leader, I have welcomed all kinds of sinners into the church. Never have I ever made it my job to judge anyone,” read the statement. Dlamini further stated that as men of God, they needed to refrain from discussing politics at the pulpit but instead preach about grace.  He said the church should be a place where the gospel is prioritised and government should be the entity left to deal with politics and intervene in the fixing of political problems.
He highlighted that theirs was to advise authorities with caution and not expose and humiliate those who had done wrong.  The pastor continued to quote Titus 3:1-2 which says; “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander none, to be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone.”

Slander

According to the clergyman, the church was not a place of slander and judgment but that was a worldly thing. He mentioned that there had to be a difference between a Christian and a worldly individual and stated that Christianity did not mean being stupid or not speaking the truth, but meant that one should speak the truth in an appropriate manner and without antagonising the next person. He also condemned the use of certain scriptures and omission of others when pushing the notion that the church should have a political mandate. According to the pastor, activists who doubled as members of the clergy, like Martin Luther King, did get involved in politics, but they were not the canon (biblical standard). He stated that theirs was a unique assignment.  Dlamini continued to urge the public to refrain from comparing ministers or forcing ministers to address matters the same way as the likes of Martin Luther King Jr.

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