This November, our nation faces a major decision as we have opportunity to vote for the man or woman whom we believe to be the better option to serve as president of the United States.
Every four years, the weeks leading up to the first Tuesday in November are always politically charged, causing our nation, our state, our families, and even our churches to feel more divided than ever. This divisiveness is perceived not only by adults in our congregations but also by our students and teenagers.
As a pastor or minister over students in local churches, there is an expectation to lead and aid young people not only in matters of Biblical understanding and application but also in matters of personal relationships and personal responsibilities as students develop into young adults.
Although seminary may not have included a class on how to rightly address American politics in the local church setting, it does seem somewhat inconsistent for student leaders to provide wisdom and guidance to students in every area of their lives and culture (spiritual, social, school, family, etc.) but never give wisdom and direction into the one area of culture that will ultimately affect them for the rest of their lives: politics.
Students may show no interest in politics, but rest assured – politics and politicians are very interested in them. For many of our students, this year’s election will be the first time they’ve ever been able to cast a vote in an election. For most of our remaining students, their journey into the political landscape will officially begin in the next election cycle.
So what can we as student pastors and leaders do to inform and prepare students to better engage the political landscape in order to critically discern what platforms and politicians best serve the purposes of Christ? Consider these concepts as you continue to disciple young men and women from adolescence into adulthood in America today:
1. KINGDOM OVER COUNTRY
The Apostle Paul reminds us that, as followers of Christ, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, ESV). As Americans, we rightly take pride in our nation, and we ought to honor those who fought for and continue to provide and defend the freedoms we experience in our lives. But we must remember, just as Paul had to remind the early Church, that our primary allegiance belongs to Christ and His Kingdom. And it is Christ alone who is our ultimate Savior. When we neglect this reality, we set ourselves up for calamity as a nation and as believers. But when we keep the mission of Christ and the Gospel as primary, then we give our temporary dwelling places (this nation) its greatest chance of survival and prosperity.
2. GOD IS STILL SOVEREIGN
There are countless examples in Scripture where God proved His sovereignty in the midst of situations and political environments where godlessness appeared to have the upper hand. God saved Israel from slavery in Egypt. God delivered His people repeatedly from pagan leaders throughout the period of the Judges. God never abdicated His throne even when He allowed empires like Babylon, Persia and Rome to hold political dominance over the land and lives of His people, Israel. Since that is so, we can trust that God is still on His throne. His sovereignty has not weakened regardless of the directions our nation and our states may choose. Again, the apostle Paul reminded believers: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1, ESV). He has been and still is in control, so live boldly with Gospel conviction that God will ultimately prove His sovereignty.
3. ENGAGEMENT OVER SEPARATION
Students are taught in civics class that the United States of America is founded upon several key principles. One of these is often described as “the separation of Church and state.” This simple phrase has been interpreted in a number of ways throughout the generations since its establishment. Here recently, the phrase has been regularly interpreted to suggest that Christian morality and spirituality has no place in government affairs, laws or candidates. This line of thinking has crept into the minds of many students as they are influenced by modern celebrities and social media influencers who are given a more prominent voice in modern culture. If this way of thought continues, it will give rise to complacency in the minds of young Christians regarding their role in society and government. Our nation needs young Christians. Make no mistake: Our nation ascended to greatness due to the Biblical principles upon which it was founded. As we encountered injustices, they were corrected by Bible-believing men and women who felt the call of Christ to be active in addressing the political environment of their day. These Christian men and women ran for office. They called others to action. The church has always been a catalyst in shaping our federal and local governments, and that must not change in future generations. Students need to recognize the privilege we have in voting for our leaders and our laws. Rather than wringing our hands in apathetic consternation, we should fold our hands as we pray for our nation and its leaders. Then, we should engage the political process by seeking to understand the stances and character of each candidate and vote based upon our convictions as shaped by the teachings of Scripture.
4. DISCIPLESHIP OVER DICTATORSHIP
The most challenging (and rewarding) call we each receive as a follower Christ is the call to make disciples who make disciples. Jesus modeled discipleship as He called ordinary men and women to follow Him. In the Gospels, we see Him personally invested in 12 men. He taught them. He trained them. He watched them as they succeeded at
times and as they stumbled at others. But even with their flaws, He still charged His disciples to make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). He knew they would not be perfect, but His Spirit would be with them. Likewise, as we disciple students, we must not only tell them to trust in Christ, but we must demonstrate that same trust as we allow them to process information and make judgments based upon their convictions. As pastors and ministers, there is a fine line between demanding our students support one particular candidate and pointing students toward the truth of God’s Word and discussing godly principles as they play out in our modern world. As their student leader, you will not always be there for them when they have to make major life decisions. But during the time you are there and still have a platform of spiritual influence in their lives, do not neglect the opportunities you have been given to ask questions and inspire thought. Point them to Scripture. Disciple them, do not dictate! Trust in God’s Holy Spirit to transform their lives and convictions the same way He has done in your life and mind.
On a personal note, I am convinced this 2024 election cycle is the most critical election cycle in my life. I certainly have my own opinions on how our government ought to act on matters of taxation, immigration, defense and more. I desire to see this nation prosper not for the sake of the nation but for the sake of the world, because I truly believe this world to be a better place when our nation is strongest. But the hope of the world is not in the United States. The hope of the world is in Jesus Christ, and it is Christians who are His representatives in this land until we are called home to our eternal dwelling place.
Knowing this, let’s inspire one another to seek to advance the Kingdom and its values (justice, love, peace, humility, righteousness and more) through how we vote and how we fill the vacancies in our nation, state and local governments.
Cleve Mallory serves as pastor of discipleship and student ministries at Eastmont Baptist Church, Montgomery.
