Thread by @sheilagregoire

I would like to say something to evangelical Christians who have platforms.

Be brave. Have courage. Speak up.

It is all too easy, once we have platforms, to put our effort into maintaining those platforms.

They took time to build! Often our livelihood depends on them.

And the evangelical world is a small one. If we want endorsements for our books; invitations to conferences; speaking opportunities--then we can't afford to tick people off.

We need to keep everyone happy so that we can keep what we have.

When one of our colleagues or friends with a platform does something wrong--teaches something harmful; ignores abuse; or even perpetrates abuse--we stay silent.

We may speak up "behind the scenes", telling ourselves, "this is the kingdom way." But that's it.

But change usually only comes with public pressure. And who is in the best place to exert public pressure? Those of us who already have platforms.

When we abdicate our responsibility out of fear or self-preservation, then we put that responsibility on those without platforms.

They will have to work so much harder to be heard. They will be exhausted. Discouraged.

They will see that the big names don't stand with them. They will feel alone. Abandoned.

And they are abandoned. By us.

If God has given you a platform, you have a responsibility to use it to further His kingdom. That means no favouritism. That means no self-preservation, but seeking first His kingdom.

That means standing up for the widow and the orphan in their distress.

Don't kid yourself that you are being "more Christian" by not naming names and not getting down in the mud.

You are merely shifting that job to other people for whom it will be so much harder. And you are discouraging them in the process.

If you can't use your platform to help those who need help, then it shouldn't surprise you if God takes that platform from you--or leaves you only with empty, meaningless fame.

Stand up. Be brave. Use your voice.

#churchtoo #sbctoo #sbc22