As we conclude another primary season here in Pennsylvania, I’ve been reflecting on how the church should engage with politics. This is a massive conversation, yet one that many churches have grown strangely silent about. I believe political topics should be addressed from the pulpit when they are Kingdom issues. At the same time, I do not believe political parties or specific candidates should be endorsed from the pulpit. I’ve watched too many people walk away from the faith because the church sounded more like a campaign rally than the house of God. That said, we cannot control the fact that culture often attaches certain moral issues to political parties. Our job is to stay faithful to Scripture, not to a party.

What Does “Politics” Even Mean?

The word comes from the ancient Greek polis (city or city-state) and politikos (of the citizens). Politika therefore means “the affairs of the city” or public/civic matters. In other words, politics is simply about how we live together in society.

“When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.” Proverbs 29:2 AMP

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people,  for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMP

Kingdom Issues are NOT Optional

There are things that we should address from the pulpit. These are not topics for a particular party but topics for Christians. This is not an exhaustive list but key topics we need to be aware of:

• Abortion
• Transgenderism, Gender Disphoria
• Homosexuality
• Marriage and Family
• Racism
• Economic Stewardship
• Caring for the Poor, Elderly, and Homeless
• Religious Liberty
• Education
• Stewardship of the Earth

Each of these have scriptural bases on why we should care and within this country we are able to express that with voting. We are blessed to live in a nation where this can be openly discussed and debated. We can talk about taxation, elected offices doing or not doing what they were promising to do, and even peaceful protests.

Why I Address These Topics

When I speak of these topics in church, I do so because it would be a disservice to the people to keep my head in the sand. It also and more importantly be dishonoring to God to avoid things He instructs to be taught. My heart is to strengthen people in the Lord so they can hear the Creator for themselves. I desire to train and equip people for the mission field and that mission field we all his is the lost and broken.

I do not desire to purposely offend and make people feel unwanted or unloved. John 3:16 is widely spoken of and people find great peace from, but let’s continue those verses:

Verse 17 says, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.” Jesus was not sent to judge and condemn and since we are suppose to be Christ-like we shouldn’t either. Jesus will however, bring judgement upon His return.

Yet verse 18 reminds us that a day of judgment is coming. Those who have believed in Jesus are not condemned. Those who reject Him stand condemned already. That is why we must lovingly share the Good News — even when it convicts. The gospel is comforting to the broken and convicting to sin. We should love people enough to have honest, grace-filled conversations about the things that are keeping them from Jesus.

An Open Invitation

If I ever say something you disagree with or don’t understand, please come talk to me. Set up a meeting. Let’s reason together. I may have been unclear, or you may have information I don’t have. That’s how iron sharpens iron.
Rock Church has a legacy of boldly bringing Jesus to people and we continue that legacy here in Lancaster County. The greatest way we can impact our nation is by first welcoming God back into His Church and into our lives.