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I had the opportunity to present two workshops at this year's Church Ministries Conference. Workshop Session 2's title was "Let's Talk About Politics."
Here is the description: "As we think about politics, we must remember that God is sovereign and holy, and man is limited and sinful. An election does not change these facts at all. How do we have conversations in our community and even in our churches that show these truths? This workshop will NOT fix politics, but it will show you ways to have political conversations that show where your hope is."
Four Important Words to Remember on this topic are:
- Prayerful
- Biblical
- Humble
- Loving
Was this past election the biggest election ever?
Yes, because it was the most recent election and dealt with the most recent issues.
No, because our hope for eternity is not in an elected official.
It is not surprising that non-Christians and Christians with improper priorities view the next election as the most important one ever.
They have no real, future, eternal HOPE.
We must look into God's Word to gain a proper perspective on politics.
The Old Testament we looked at was Jeremiah 29:4—11.
Go read those verses right now, in your Bible or HERE
God commanded Israel, while they were in Babylonian Exile, to
- build houses and live in them
- plant gardens and eat their produce
- marry and have children
- seek the welfare of the city where God sent them
- pray to the Lord on the city's behalf
In verse 10, God says this captivity will be for 70 years.The bottom line is to be completely where you are, along as God has you there, for God's glory.
Romans 13:1—7
Read and study these verses.
HERE is a link to Trinity's Romans series. LIsten to the sermons on Romans 13:1 - 4 and 5 - 10.
Remember,
God is sovereign.
Man is sinful and dependent on God.
Government is an institution authorized by God.
The purpose of government is to ensure the common good.
Christians are to be good citizens.
The solution to political apathy is not political idolatry
The solution to political
In their book, How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? Andy Naselli and Jonathan Leeman give the following helps in
- Adjust expectations. Remember church unity is found in Christ.
- Recognize what unites a church and what belongs to the domain of Christian freedom.
- Understand the difference between straight-line & jagged-line issues.
- Respect those who have a different conscience on jagged-line issues.
- Remember what is most important.
Some helpful resources to help you and your church:
- PDF resources: tinyurl.com/grcmc2025-politics
- Tough Questions class posts. Adapt as needed for your setting: drodgersjr.blogspot.com/search/label/Tough%20Questions
- Books
- Caring for One Another by Ed Welch. This book is not specifically about politics but it is a great resource on caring for other people for God's glory.
- Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli and J.D Crowley.
- God vs. Government: Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide by Nathan Busenitz and James Coates
- Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker
- What Do You Say When...? A Parent's Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Childern and Teens by Andrew Walker and Christian Walker. Specifically the chapters about political engagement and abortion.
- What Every Christian Needs to Know About Social Justice by Jeffrey Johnston.
