Expert No More

I have been challenged on my sabbatical by the notion of expertise. Is it wise for a person with no background and little training to portray themselves on social media as an expert on pandemic response, mask mandates, or politics? Even more specifically, is it wise for pastors and spiritual leaders to portray themselves as an expert in such matters?

This is hard for me because I have opinions….SO MANY OPINIONS!

I convince myself that those opinions are well informed. I do my research. I watch YouTube videos. I know how to use google. Ha! But c’mon, compared to someone who has truly researched, studied, received education, or given their life to a topic, my expertise is, well…. lacking.

For spiritual leaders there is an additional concern: spoken or written expertise in these “lesser areas” becomes a distraction from what/who is most important. Our influence, authority, and spoken/written word should be leveraged toward the most important. The most important drives our mission and our life.

The Apostle Paul had an interesting take on this when he wrote to the Corinthian Church: “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I promised to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  2 Corinthians 2: 1-2

Should I wear a mask?

What are your thoughts on American politics?

Should I be vaccinated?

What do you think about the Presidents tax plan?

Do you think our country’s pandemic response has been good?

Ugh…I have so many thoughts!

But, here is my new advice: find an expert in the field that you trust and read everything they’ve written on the subject. Find an expert in the field that you generally disagree with and read everything they’ve written on the subject. In other words…research well!

Develop an opinion.

Be humble enough to know you might be right or wrong.

Walk in grace.

I never want to portray myself as an expert in any of these areas because I’m not. In the big scheme…. I know nothing! I know enough to be dangerous and that is indeed dangerous.

What I do know is this: God loves you and sent His son Jesus to die for you. Because of that truth: your sins are forgiven, your future is secured, and His Holy Spirit is with you every single day. You are not alone.

I’d like to become an expert in that!