The election season is in full
swing and our nation is divided morally and philosophically. As we embrace the values of scripture we find
ourselves seeking to discern an appropriate pastoral response to the upcoming
election. Here are some thoughts for
pastors.
First of all, guard your
relationship with God and your ministry.
Seek to disciple as many as possible to the Lord Jesus Christ. Remain intent on biblical truth and the Holy
Spirit’s wisdom in the presentation of that truth. In our pluralistic society pastors are under
pressure to bend, twist, and edit the scriptures to embrace popular moral and
spiritual perceptions. In our civic life
democracy is a valued system, but eternal truth is not subject to alteration
depending on the whims of the majority, focus groups, or celebrated cultural
icons.
I have often encountered the idea
that if pastors were doing their job the world would not be in the bad shape it
is in today. I reject that theory. Sure pastors sometimes fail in their
responsibilities, but most are faithfully proclaiming biblical truth in word
and deed. The fact is people decide what
they will do with the gospel and we are in a season when many in our nation are
willfully rejecting the claims of Jesus Christ.
Thankfully many others will repent and believe the gospel. So, remain faithful to the main thing –
proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, influence the world with
biblical principles. Do so in a manner that is in harmony with God’s call on
your life and the opportunities you have.
As a pastor I often experienced internal tension when trying to
determine an appropriate response to political pressure exerted against
biblical truth in society. At one point
I wrote a personal position paper on the matter to establish a guiding
influence on my actions and inactions as a pastor. Probably like you I had some congregants who
wanted to turn the church into a political machine that would obscure our
primary message. There were others who
wanted no mention of the state of our social-political world from the
pulpit. Then there were non-Christian
voices who demanded the church remain silent on social-political issues. Defining a biblical way forward is important.
We are here first of all to make
disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. However,
there is more to the story. In addition,
our influence should make the world a better place in general. “And now you know what is holding him (the
man of lawlessness) back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is
already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till
he is taken out of the way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). When the church is taken out of this world
evil will be unrestrained.
The presence of Christ-followers
in and of itself influences the world in positive ways. In addition, appropriate actions Christians
take can have a godly influence on society.
One thing all God’s people in America can do to restrain evil that is
perpetuated by misguided political policies is to vote. I encourage all our pastors to urge congregants
to vote and consider making voter registration available in their churches.
Also, I think it is important for
pastors to preach biblical messages related to the moral and spiritual issues
of the day. While you in the role of
pastor cannot legally endorse candidates, you can arm people with biblical
truth related to moral and spiritual issues.
A candidate’s stand on abortion, sexual morality, helping the powerless,
and financial stewardship of public funds are among the moral concerns bible
believing people should have when they go to the polls. There will never be perfect candidates but we
can make wise choices that reflect biblical principles.
Powerful voices are redefining
good and evil. “Woe to those who call
evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who
put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20). But, the church is “the pillar and foundation
of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15b) and our voice should reflect God’s word. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness how can
it be made salty again? It is no longer
good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it
under a bowl. Instead they put it on its
stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before
men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:13-15).
In broad terms bringing God’s kingdom
to bear on the kingdoms of this world is our task. Jesus taught us to pray “your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.
Leading our churches in prayer for our political leaders (1 Timothy
2:1-4), and our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) is essential. Some are setting aside a few moments each day
at 7:14 a.m. or p.m. to pray for our nation.
Also, followers of Christ being
salt and light throughout our culture (in business, the arts, politics, the
judicial system, education, the military, etc.) is part of God’s plan of
penetrating the kingdoms of this world with the kingdom of God and the life
giving message of Jesus Christ. As pastors
may we disciple people in Christ and prepare them to be the Christ-like
influence God wants them to be in this suffering world.
God bless you in your vital work
for Jesus Christ.
RECENT CONNECTIONS:
On July 29nd Loretta
and I visited Bethel Assembly of God in Grand Junction, CO pastored by David
and Carolyn Huslig. This is a strong
church making an impact in Grand Junction.
God bless you David and Carolyn.
The evening of the 29th
I chaired the business meeting at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO in which
Bob Cook was elected the Lead Pastor with a 98%
vote. Welcome back to the RMDC
Bob and Sherilyn!
August 3rd I traveled
to Louisville, KY for Superintendents and General Presbyter meetings. The meetings were marked by a significant
season of prayer. It was exciting to
witness the thousands of young people there for the Fine Arts Convention as
well.
On August 12th Loretta
and I worshipped with the wonderful people of Living Hope Church in Colorado
Springs.
On August 13th I met
with a minister who confessed a moral failure and turned in his credentials. I normally don’t mention the difficulties we
deal with in these connection updates, but this is a dramatic reminder of how
important it is to maintain integrity in our personal lives. We are working to help him going forward, but
his ministry is suspended because of this.
May each of us carefully guard our hearts.
August 19th it was my
privilege to speak at First Assembly of God in Cortez, CO. Pastor Paul Houston resigned from the Cortez
church and will be starting a new cowboy church in Mancos, CO. We closed our church in Mancos a couple years
ago with the desire to see a new work start in the future. Cortez First AG is in transition and Ted
Britain will be serving as the interim pastor.
God bless Cortez First AG and the emerging Mancos Cowboy Church. And, may God bless the ministries of Paul and
Rebekah Houston, and Ted and La Dell Britain.
On August 21st I had
lunch with Glen and Nancy Garrison, missionaries to the Philippines. It was so good to hear what God is doing
through their strategic ministries. I
thank God for our missionaries.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
