Pastors, pundits and needless schism II
Your pastor's job is not to be an online "influencer." His job is to address the specific needs of his congregation.
It is good when pastors - and Christians generally - speak prophetically to the culture. By this I do not mean predicting the future, but calling the nation, state or city to repentance for some grievous sin. We saw this when John the Baptist confronted Herod over his adultery, and when the Prophet Nathan confronted King David over his adultery and murder. Christians serve God by being "salt and light" in the broader culture and it is often edifying to people in their circle of friends or in their respective churches.
However, there is a difference between a pastor and an online "influencer." A pastor serves a particular congregation in a particular city, and tailors his ministry for that congregation. That congregation has specific sins, specific needs for doctrinal instruction, and specific areas where they need encouragement. That's why one pastor I know would watch the faces of his congregation as he preached to know what points he needs to hone in on. That pastor, and his board of elders, are far more qualified to know what needs to be addressed in the sermon than an online "influencer" who has never stepped foot in the church, or even been to the city where that church is located.
There have been a number of events where various online personalities have demanded that local churches address a specific event. So with the previous two paragraphs in mind: If a man tells you to leave your church if your pastor does not address "Topic X" in his sermon, you should disregard that schismatic man. He is a fool. Your pastor's job is not to be an online "influencer." His job is to address the specific needs of his congregation, who sees him in person and knows his family, his strengths, his weaknesses and his failures. Do not leave a good church because some "super apostle" is trying to draw followers to himself - followers he will never see in person, much less care about.
There are innumerable places online where one can read a Christian perspective on various national or world events. Much of this teaching is solid. You do not need your pastor to always address national or world events. You need your pastor to care for you personally. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with suggesting a specific topic be addressed, and most pastors will take that seriously. But do not be schismatic or leave your church over the pastor not addressing something in the news, especially a few days after an event. Do not allow yourself to be led away from your church family by an online "super apostle." Trust those who know your personally and watch over your soul.
Previously: Pastors, pundits and needless schism.