Should churches and pastors influence elections?

Pastors and Churches clearly have a desire to make the world a better place for believers and unbelievers alike. The scripture teaches that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2).  

So why aren’t Pastors and Churches more active in the political process and in ensuring that those who get elected are righteous and principled?

Most Common reasons for not being “Political”

1) UNITY - ”Our job is to shepherd people not drive them away by talking about divisive issues like politics.”

2) SURVIVAL – “Our Church is having a tough time surviving as it is, I don’t need the threat of an audit from the government on top of my other challenges.”

3) SUBJECTIVITY – “My political views would not line up with the views of many in my congregation so I keep them to myself and just stick to the Gospel.”

While I certainly can empathize with the plight of the modern pastor or church board, spiritual principles speak to these objections.

1) UNITY – Jesus regularly challenged people who wanted to follow him (no place to lay his head..) to “count the cost”. He didn’t modify his message or his shepherding style to get them to stay (will you leave too?).

2) SURVIVAL - Jesus knew nothing of any tax preferred 501c3 status and wasn’t worried about upsetting the authorities with his message. But on this point, there is so much room for legal activities that there is no reason to push the limits.  See graphic and PDF below.

3) SUBJECTIVITY – The issues of our day seem distinct from those of times past but we deceive ourselves that the Bible isn’t exactly clear on issues such as socialism, welfare, or gun control. Stealing is stealing even if the government endorses it by calling it socialism. On thet subject of welfare, Paul said ‘if you won’t work, don’t expect to eat‘.  Regarding gun control, Jesus told his disciples to arm themselves (sell your cloak and buy a sword…)  

Empowering Pastors and Churches to Maximize their Legal Influence

Churches and Pastors have an impressive amount of influence but many are not maximizing their influence for fear that they will arouse the anger of the government. When in fact, most of what they fear doing (for example: handing out voter guides or teaching what the Bible says about sanctity of life) is perfectly legal. See graphic for details or click on it to open an informative pdf -> political_legislative_guidelines_pastor_church_1pg.

They certainly CAN influence elections legally.

From 1992-2000 there was a 40% total decrease in Christians who voted. Christian involvement in voting is unsteady at best but Pastors and Churches can help to educate and encourage voter turnout.  When Pastors and Churches don’t address moral and societal issues from the pulpit, there is a direct impact on society.

Consider the words of some great ministers from American History:

President James A. Garfield (the 20th President, and a minister of the Gospel during the Second Great Awakening) in 1876:

“Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . . . [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.” ⁴⁴

The Rev. Charles Finney (1830s)

The Church must take right ground in regard to politics. . . . [T]he time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics. . . . Christians have been exceedingly guilty in this matter. But the time has come when they must act differently. . . . God cannot sustain this free and blessed country which we love and pray for unless the Church will take right ground. . . . It seems sometimes as if the foundations of the nation are becoming rotten, and Christians seem to act as if they think God does not see what they do in politics. But I tell you He does see it, and He will bless or curse this nation according to the course [Christians] take [in politics]. ⁷⁶

What can you do to maximize your impact?

Please encourage your Church and your Pastor to maximize their impact by doing what they are legally permitted to do.

- Email or Print out the PDF by clicking on the graphic above and provide it to your pastor or church board.

- Volunteer to stand in the church parking lot or foyer and hand out voter guides on October 31st.

- Attend the First Coast Tea-Party Pre-Election Prayer Rally and invite your friends & your Pastor to attend:

Oct 28. 7 pm, San Pablo Baptist Church, 3044 San Pablo Road South, JAX, FL 32224

Attorneys will explain the legal parameters for election activities of churches and pastors prior to the prayer rally. 

Printed voter guides will be available for free for those who will distribute them at their churches prior to the election.

- Pray for the upcoming election (to expose voter fraud efforts, for turn-out and victory of the righteous).