One Sunday morning, I attended church virtually. The pastor delivered a powerful message that pointed to Christ. After that, another church service started. That pastor presented a powerful message, too, but powerful in a different way. I listened for a while, but I could hardly believe what I heard coming from the pulpit. It sounded more like a political rally than a church service.
I think we should carefully consider whether the local church should take a political stand. The United States is very divided right now along political lines.
The political preacher I referenced above really got under my skin because his beliefs were the opposite of mine. I know of another case where a Sunday School teacher took a political stance, but not everyone in this adult class agreed. This caused conflict between class members.
The temperature of political talk in the U.S. right now is hot! You can easily get into an argument, even with people in your own party! Emotions are high, and people are opinionated and outspoken.
So the question arises: Is the local church the place for political discussion and persuasion?
The U.S. is pretty much divided 50/50 politically. The way I figure it, a politically opinionated church will turn off all visitors of the opposite side. Do we really want to do that? Is our purpose political persuasion or sharing Christ? Does political persuasion turn people of differing opinions away? You bet it does!
I would suggest that preaching politics only encourages people who agree, and does nothing to change anyone’s mind.
The local church should be open to people of all political persuasions in an effort to lead people to Christ, disciple them, and teach the Word of God.
The point is this: If a church takes a political position, it shuts the door to about half of the people who might potentially attend and be led to Christ. Wouldn’t that slam the door in the face of many lost souls?
Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus preach politics, nor does He command His disciples to do so. He is our example. His purpose was to save the lost, not to change the government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was brutal and cruel, yet Jesus did not set out to change it. He was changing hearts.
We are commanded to love: Love our neighbor, love the Body of Christ, and even love our enemies. Our assignment is clear.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
The only hope for our nation is Jesus Christ. And not Jesus Christ dictated from Congress or the White House, but Jesus alive in us and our neighbors. And the only way for that to happen is for you and me to focus on making disciples by loving and reaching to people of all walks of life and background, regardless of their lifestyle, choices or political opinions. And, in order to do that, we have to tone down our politics and turn up our Jesus.”
Daryl Fulp, Missionary
Let us strive to obey the commands that Jesus has given us, and put our trust in Him alone.
In His Love, Cindy
“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker
To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB
Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash
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When a pastor preaches against abortion isn’t that preaching politics since one of the parties is so adamant in their support of it. The same could be said for preaching against homosexuality etc.
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It is never wrong to preach truth from God’s Word. The Bible clearly states that abortion and homosexuality is sin.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV
Sin brings pain and heartache. It always does. That’s why God warns us against it.
Pastor David Jeremiah says, “This is the way sin works: it comes covered in an attractive veneer that hides its evil and hideous consequences.”
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I wholeheartedly agree, Cindy. Jesus wasn’t, and still isn’t a political leader. The only division he makes is a spiritual one—we either accept Him as the way, truth, and life (and only means of reconciliation with God), or we do not. Politicizing religion is both a dangerous and slippery slope.
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Amen! Thank you for adding to the post. Blessings, David!
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Politics no, Issues yes. You’re right, Jesus never preached Politics or tried to change the government, but had a lot to say about the ills of our world. Christians must stand on the truth of God’s Word. When issues arise contrary to Scripture we can not shy away from them.
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A good example is that the Bible teaches us to stand up for the helpless. (Proverbs 31:8-9) So I fight against abortion. Is that what you’re talking about by “issues”?
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Exactly
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This is a challenging post Cindy – in my opinion, politics and the church are like chalk and cheese. Our first loyalty in this world is to God, then our family, then obeying our government. We clearly may not support all that our politicians do, and must pray for them. I personally don’t have any political allegiance. Your post reminded me of Matthew 22 where Jesus was challenged regarding paying taxes; I think we are often in a similar predicament with those who oppose us and are looking for an argument. God bless you today my friend and sister 🙏
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Alan, I agree that our first loyalty is to God. Amen! I had to look up “like chalk and cheese”. In America, we say “like apples and oranges”. I don’t know much about politics in Scotland. But here, politics is divisive; and people believe what they hear from media.
God bless you today, Brother! 🙏
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I agree, Alan, but emphasize that in America and Europe, we have an all – out war on families. Thus, I’m for finding that spot between chalk and cheese. That line of unchanging truth that crosses political divides by focusing on what God said about these issues.
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Interesting, for me it is a matter of what is being delivered from the pulpit is based on the word, it is ok. But if it is based on a person’s personal belief’s then it is not. If it is based on the word and some people get offended, are they offended or being convicted by the Holy Spirit? I like what Alan Kearns posted in his reply as far as there are some people who are looking for an argument.
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Everything delivered from the pulpit must be based on God’s Word, and no topic (in His Word) should be avoided. Blessings, Bill!
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Preach and teach God’s Word and let God do the rest. Spiritual issues have become political and sometimes we can’t avoid that. For instance, if a pastor preaches from Romans 1 then some uncomfortable topics will be presented. I think biblical principles need to be preached and people need to be taught to be discerning based on scripture, not the culture, so that their decisions inside the voting booth will be based on what God says. It gets complicated today because of the intersection between politics and culture, but stick to scripture and teach those principles for people to follow as we live in this sinful world.
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I couldn’t have said it better myself! I’m with you đź’Ż percent! Thank you for sharing your views! Blessings, Patty!
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A couple of comments below hinted at the need to focus on the Bible—biblical truth, not politics. I agree, but also suggest we need to look at the issue from a different viewpoint.
We have a challenge because we allowed the world to teach its version of truth instead of the unchanging Word of God. We see people steeped in the world calling evil good. After decades of allowing non-biblical lies to invade schools, entertainment, and government, it’s no wonder we have such a problem.
Outside of politics, here’s another example. The Barna Group’s most recent survey of practicing Christians showed that about half thought it was okay to seek spiritual growth by using artificial intelligence (AI). Unfortunately, the survey showed that most pastors were unprepared to answer their congregations’ questions about AI.
Should a pastor guide the people on the ethics of using today’s technology? I’d say yes, and here’s why. According to the Barna Group’s research, people are turning to AI instead of the Bible for their spiritual truth. That raises the question: who will help them develop biblical discernment? BTW: AI is wrong a lot, draws answers based on probability, and that often produces falsehoods apart from the Bible.
Dr. Ben Carson’s 2024 book, The Perilous Fight, dives headlong into the problem of we need to protect families and battle lies with truth. Today, we have practicing Christians from both political parties calling evil good. Many times, they’ve openly redefined apples as oranges. They can’t even count, saying binary is something greater than two.
Bottom line, if we as practicing Christians don’t talk about these problems—actually get a dialogue going within churches—I’m not sure how we will get out of this pickle.
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If Christians are calling evil good (and I know exactly what you’re talking about), that means either they don’t know what the Bible says or they don’t care. I believe the church services should teach what God’s Word says without holding back. Then people will know how to vote. I think blogs and podcasts are a great way for believers to explain these issues (like both of us attempt to do.) I just don’t want our church services to close the door to anyone seeking the Lord. Thank you, Grant, for adding such good thoughts to this conversation. God bless you, Brother, as you serve our Savior!
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I wondered where you were going at first, but reading your responses, makes me mostly agree. If we get too concerned about not offending, we will be doing the word of God a disservice. Yes, we preach or teach Christ alone first, and Christ alone last. However; there are some places in the country where political candidates have crossed the line in religion and are proposing things so radical that it is becoming impossible to ignore. What do you think?
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I agree that there are some (many) places in the country where political candidates have crossed the line, and I am deeply concerned. I have strong opinions in politics. However, I don”t think a church service is the place to rally voters. That doesn’t mean we can’t teach every Biblical truth including the ones that upset some people. We must! If the church teaches the whole will of God according to His Word, people can figure out how they should vote. Thank you, Pastor Pete, for adding to this conversation. Please share any other thoughts you have. God bless you as you serve our Savior! Thank you for all you do!
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