According to Lifeway Research, Pastors can help prepare their congregations for the upcoming presidential election in 2024 in a number of ways.
The article, published today, offers 11 ways pastors can prepare their church for the election. The first principle focuses on gratitude to God “for allowing us to live in freedom,” as it is easy to complain about politics and be divided amongst others.
Citing Scripture, pastors are to equip their churches to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) as the apostle Paul did with Timothy. When applied to the election, the church can be encouraged to “live on mission in the world around them”; otherwise, they will hear other voices “ throughout the week—some good, some bad.” Additionally, Christians living in the United States are to steward their citizenship in a manner that honors Christ.
While being political is unavoidable, pastors should be careful to come off as partisan. In other words, pastors should not overtly endorse a candidate, but they should be able to discuss the day’s political issues. When discussing such issues, pastors should distinguish which ones the Bible is clear about, such as the sanctity of human life, and others that are not as concrete. Ultimately, Christians should be political without compromising their calling as children of God.
Although there will be policies and candidates Christians will disagree with, Scripture encourages believers to honor those in authority (1 Peter 2:7). Pastors should also stress the hope Christians have in Christ amidst a fallen world with “destructive policies” and “failed leadership” from those in power. Jesus told his disciples, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
During election season, Christians should practice growing in sanctification rather than avoiding it due to being caught up in the current political climate.
“Our engagement in the world will only ever be as effective as we are connected to Christ through the power of the Spirit. Pastors must not only urge their people to do the right things but to pursue being the kind of people conforming to the image of Christ,” the article states.
Another thing Christians should do is maintain unity with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with whom they disagree on political matters. As stated by Lifeway, the final principle calls for pastors to set an example for their churches to follow when engaging this election season.
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/lawcain
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
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