Politics, Pastors, and the Pursuit of Truth

The word “politics” has become a dirty word today, and it is now a sensitive topic within the church, often carrying a negative connotation. A simple definition is: the science of government (usually in the regulation and government of a nation or state). My goal of this article is to encourage critical thinking, prayerful consideration, and responsible civic engagement, as well in the family and church.

General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army, once said: “The chief danger in the twentieth century will be religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.”

Christians are Duel Citizens

As Christians, we are dual citizens, having citizenship here on earth (the nation we dwell in) and also in heaven (Mark 12:13-17). First, let me say that it is true that a Christian’s hope is in Christ and not the civic government. We must remember that our King is Jesus, God is our authority and so is the Word of God, and we are “ambassadors for Christ” and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The gospel of Jesus is what saves people, not the civic government (nor in the family or church government). Our primary citizenship is the heavenly one, because only that Kingdom will last forever (Philippians 3:20-21).

Secondly, as Christians, we live under multiple governments, each with its own sphere of authority. There are three spheres of authority or jurisdictions we see in the Bible. So let’s see what the Bible says on submitting to these governments, recognizing their distinct roles and limitations.

The Government of the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, was created and is governed by Jesus Himself. Its authority structure is:

• 1. Jesus Christ (Head; Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23)
• 2. Elders/Pastors (Under-Shepherds; 1 Peter 5:1-5)
• 3. Congregational participation (1 Corinthians 14:26)

The church’s role is to:

• – Preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15)
• – Disciple believers (Matthew 28:19-20)
• – Exercise spiritual discipline (Matthew 18:15-20)

The Government of the State

The state, or civil government, is ordained by God and should maintain order and promote justice. Its authority structure is:

• 1. God (Ultimate Authority; Romans 13:1, Acts 5:29)
• 2. Government leaders (Romans 13:2-7, Titus 3:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17)
• 3. Citizens (1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Jeremiah 29:7)

The state’s role is to:

• – Protect citizens (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• – Punish evil, reward good (Romans 13:3-4)
• – Promote justice and order (Proverbs 29:4)

The Government of the Family

The family, as a divine institution, is created by God and should operate by biblical principles. Its authority structure is:

• 1. God (Ultimate Authority; Genesis 1-3, Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:31-32)
• 2. Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4)
• 3. Mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21)
• 4. Children (Colossians 3:20)

The family’s role is to:

• – Nurture and educate children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
• – Demonstrate love and respect (Ephesians 5:22-33)
• – Model biblical values (Proverbs 22:6)

Interactions Between Governments

While each government has its sphere (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 22:15-22), they interact and influence one another:

• – The church should pray for the family and state (and honor) if aligned with God’s Word
• – The state should protect and promote the church’s and families governance and freedoms
• – The family should model biblical values, influencing both church and state governance

Understanding the governments of the church, state, and family from a biblical perspective helps us navigate our relationships with these institutions. The goal for every Christian should be to honor God’s design for these governments, striving to be faithful citizens of both heaven and earth.

A Biblical Perspective on Politics

As Christians, we need to recognize that God ordains governments and institutions to maintain order and promote justice. We should engage in politics not because it’s the way to evangelize, but because we care about people. God loves people, and we love people too. We know political decisions greatly impact our neighbors. I hope this helps a little bit to redeem the concept of politics from a Christian perspective.

Encouraging Civic Engagement

Biblical pastors like myself are working to promote responsible citizenship within their congregations. We are not telling people who to vote for, but how to think when voting in a way that honors God. Which includes:

• – Praying for the Nation and Its Leaders: Encouraging prayerful consideration for those in authority, as guided by biblical teachings. Pray for their salvation, and God to give them wisdom.
• – Making a Plan to Vote: Urging Christians to participate in the process of the representative democracy, as nearly half of eligible voters don’t cast their ballots.
• – Standing for Biblical Worldview Values: Promoting a values-driven approach to civic engagement, rather than partisan allegiance. Get involved in local boards, committees, and civic positions as a missionary for Jesus.

As citizens, we do not choose to have political responsibility; we already have it. The only choice we have is: “what to do with it” (Matthew 25:18)? We can be involved in politics, but we should not be obsessed with politics (Matthew 6:19–20). Ultimately, we are to be heavenly minded, and as good citizens fulfill our civic duties, as much as we can in alignment with God’s Word (Matthew 22:21). No matter which presidential party or candidate wins, God is still in control and Jesus Christ is our leader. May we be lights in a dark world, preach the gospel, and perform good works (Ephesians 2:10) that glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14–16).

Pastor Chuck Smith once said, “Look around at the world today. Look at how much we are being harassed, smothered by the bureaucracy set up by the politicians. Look at all of the corruption among the bureaucrats. As someone once said, the Democrats are a bunch of robbers stealing us blind. The Republicans are also a bunch of robbers, but they do it with more finesse. Look at the oppression that always follows when man seeks to rule over man. Those in power seem always to become corrupt. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The good news of the kingdom of God is that man’s corrupt governments are coming to an end. The kingdoms of this world shall become, the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and he shall reign forever and ever. It will be a reign of righteousness.” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/SermonNotes_Act/Act_171.cfm)

Election – Pray, Vote, Stand

• We want to encourage you to pray for the upcoming election, make a plan to vote, and stand for Biblical values. The Minnesota Family Council has resources to help you find voting information at: https://www.mfc.org/vote
• If you live outside of Minnesota, you can find your state non-partisan voter resources at: https://frcaction.org/voterguides