In light of the historic events yesterday, with the attempted assassination of former President Trump, I wanted to share a short pastoral word. 

First, such violence against any public official must be denounced by the church in the strongest possible terms.  There is no place for violence in political discourse.  And there is no place for violent responses to this aggression.  Now is the time for soberminded strength, just responses and wise restraint.  

Secondly, yesterday’s events calls the church to prayer.  We must pray for candidate Trump and for his recovery, for the families of those who were harmed and killed in yesterday’s events, and we must pray for President Biden, who is responsible to lead the country through this tumultuous historical moment.   

Thirdly, I was deeply saddened to discover that the would-be assassin was a resident and recent graduate of Bethel Park High School.  He was also the same age as my daughter. Our family was a resident of Bethel Park until 2014, and she may very well have been his classmate.  I personally struggle to understand how a community like the South Hills of Pittsburgh could produce such a lost young man.  

Bethel Park is well within the influence of Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church where I pastor. After events such as yesterday I am convicted about the local church’s responsibility to evangelize its community and renewed in my zeal to be the kind of church that couragously calls sinners to repentance, and brings transformation to the lost in our neighborhoods.  

It is not an exaggeration to say that a local church has the power to change the course of the world. And when the local church fails in its mission, it bears the responsibility of all downstream, even protentially national consequences. 

The South Hills of Pittsburgh needs Jesus, and it needs a church that will clearly and unabashidly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the face of increasing cultural opposition and violence. May Beverly Heights be such a church.

Below is a prayer from the 1906 Presbyterian Book of Common Worship.  I encourage you to use it as we all pray for our country.

ALMIGHTY God, King of kings,
and Lord of lords, from whom proceed
all power and dominion in heaven and earth; 
Most heartily we beseech Thee to look with
favour upon Thy servants, the President of the UnitedStates
[and candidates for President], the Governor of this State, 
and all others in authority.

Imbue them with the spirit of wisdom, goodness, and
truth; and so rule their hearts, and bless their endeavours,
that law and order, justice and peace may everywhere 
prevail.

Preserve us from public calamities; from pestilence
and famine; from war, privy conspiracy, and rebellion;
but especially from national sins and corruption.
Make us strong and great in the fear of God, 
and in the love of righteousness; so that being blessed of Thee, 
we may become a blessing to all nations, 
to the praise of the glory of Thy grace; 
through Jesus Christ. Amen.