Why You Won’t Hear Me Preach on Politics

So it is getting even hotter!  I’m not talking about the weather (although it has been a tad warmer this week here in VA) but the national political scene that is!  And of course we will hear more and more about the election as time goes on.  As a news junkie and loyal American I follow this process every time.  I try and listen to debates.  I read and attempt to get the information I need to make an educated vote.   As a Christian I know that all Christians are shaped by their faith values and who you vote for tends to be a result of many factors and hopefully your faith is a vital part of your decision.  Some Christians are concerned about various moral hot button issues and vote regarding those (abortion, homosexuality, etc).  Others Christians are worried about poverty and other social justice issues and vote regarding those topics.  Any given church will have Democrat, Republican, and Independent voters sitting in the pews this season.

 So how am I going to address this season as a minister?

Well…….I am not going to stand in the pulpit and tell people who to vote for and I will not turn the church into a political machine.  Jesus talked about a better kingdom even though there were those who wanted to see him ‘run for office.’  My job is to deal with bigger issues and yet those bigger issues will impact our everyday decisions including voting.  I am a strong Baptist and practice the separation of church and state.  So I will not tell you who to vote for this year.  I will not declare one party to be God’s party.  I will encourage you to live your faith and to be involved in your community and that includes your citizenship in this country.

 So who do I endorse?  I hear ministers endorsing different candidates.  I heard a mega church pastor say he is not sure yet who he will endorse.  You’ll just have to guess when it comes to me.  I will not say because if I do because I have public role then I’ve crossed a line that I will not cross.  I will vote in November.  But I will not be sharing from the pulpit who gets my vote.  Some of my friends might know or guess, but in the end that’s between me and God.

Pray this season for peace during this process.  Some countries face bloodshed over voting.  Others can’t vote.  Thank God we live in a country where we can vote and where we may have nasty words but we will not have bloodshed from the various parties.

Blessings,

Derik