I was going to publish the second half of my solo paddle around Drummond Island this week. However, a governmental ruling on the role of the pulpit made me decide to put that hold. Here are my thoughts on the slippery issue of politics and the pulpit. God willing, I’ll be back to paddling around Drummond next week.
The Pulpit and Politics
Last week an Internal Revenue Service decision allowed clergy and churches to endorse candidates for elected office.[1] I do not plan to make such endorsements. I think this is a bad idea. The pulpit should not be used for political purposes. Jesus himself refused to allow his earthly ministry to become political, telling Peter to put away his sword. Why should we think we’re any different than Peter?
The purpose of the pulpit is to proclaim God’s word and to point to Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Some politicians run on platforms suggesting they have what it takes to save their community or country. But all politicians, like all people, fall short of God’s glory. Christians should scrutinize politicians’ words, for we proclaim a different Savior.
Politicians may do good work, but none, not even the best, are without sin. When seeking power, it’s easy to justify doing whatever. Winning becomes everything. He or she can no longer articulate personal shortcomings. The allure to succeed at all costs is great. Few can withstand the temptation. Once a politician believes they have all the right answers and sees their opponent as wrong or evil, they’ve gone against the teachings of Christ.
Inside many pulpits, for the preacher and no one else to see, to see, is a quote. “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” It comes from John 12:21, where a group of Gentiles approach the disciples about meeting Jesus. This quote reminds the preacher of his or her purpose, to make Jesus known. We weaken our message when we conflate Jesus’ teachings with political rhetoric. Endorsing candidates will not serve the gospel. It will only serve those seeking political office.
However, this does not mean political discourse has no place in the pulpit. There are times in which preachers must challenge what’s happening in the world. I felt this was necessary a few times in my ministry, which made some people mad. However, the church must stand up for the integrity of the gospel and insist all people be treated fairly and compassionately.
Anytime those in or wanting to be in power co-opt the gospel, the church should push back. I have seen this recently in a social media Homeland Security commercial in which they show armed men in tactical gear on a helicopter. A voice quotes from Isaiah 8, “Here I am, send me.” By plagiarizing the prophet, the ad attempt to sanitize the behavior of Custom and Border Patrol and ICE by making it seem they’re doing God’s work.[2] The Biblical passage, in which Isaiah speaks to God, is totally taken out of context. Both Testaments of Scripture attest to our need to care for the alien and the friendless in our midst.
The pulpit should discourage Christians from dividing people into “us” and “them” groups. This is especially true when we demonize the “thems.” While the church shouldn’t be involved in partisan politics, we should push back against blasphemy (using God’s name and word for human intentions), and intentional cruelty. Our purpose is to hold up a vision that all people are created in God’s image and to seek God’s will on earth. We acknowledge our own sinfulness and accept the sinfulness of others as we strive to lead them to experience the love of Jesus.
As followers of Jesus, the church has a longer view of history than election cycles. Furthermore, we recognize our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom. Here on earth, to borrow a phrase coined by theologians Stanley Hauerwas and Will Willimon, Christians live as “resident aliens.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care what happens in politics. Instead, as the Prophet Jeremiah implored the people of Israel when heading into exile in Babylon, we’re to seek the welfare of the city (or country) in which we’re exiled (Jeremiah 29:7).
While the church should shun partisan politics, we should be concerned about the society in which we live. We are to be especially concerned about those unable to help themselves. We should be a conscience for society, offering up a vision of a peaceful and more just world.
One of the best documents the church has produced in opposition to what was happening politically around them was the Barmen Declaration.[3] In 1933, the Nazi Party co-opted many of the German Churches. But a group of German pastors and theologians, longing to be faithful to Jesus Christ, challenge the direction of the nation. The document avoids discussing Nazism or Hitler. Instead, it makes a clear statement. Jesus is Lord and we’re to place our trust in him and no one else. That’s the message needing to be heard from the pulpit.
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/11/irs-churches-johnson-amendment-politics-endorsements/84537752007/
[2] https://x.com/i/status/1942362217795510273
[3] https://creedsandconfessions.org/barmen-declaration.html
I agree! The only thing our previous pastor (before moving here) would say about politics is “Pray about who to vote for”. I was OK with that, but I do feel like politics needs to stay out of the pulpit.
Yes, pray for who you vote for and then pray for the winner even if you didn’t support him or her.
I think this is an excellent post, Jeff. I plan to link to it from my faith blog.
Thanks, Kelly
I think it’s a bad idea too. The two should be staying separate.
Agreed!
Amen. The Catholic Church’s insistence on involving itself locally and internationally in political matters is what makes me a lapsed member, finding my guidance from people like you instead.
I feel humbled that you find your religious guidance from what I write, but I am glad to have you as a follower and making good insights.
Thank you for tackling this subject with both conviction and humility. I look forward to the next chapter of your Drummond Island journey, and in the meantime, your words give much to ponder and discuss.
Thanks, Matt.
Pollitics don’t play fair…
You’re right. The goal of politics is winning, not fairness.
Good evening Jeff: as you know, I do not usually respond to your letters, and Lord knows I am not a Christian. I understand your view that “The purpose of the pulpit is to proclaim God’s word and to point to Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. ” Surely, the purpose of the pulpit extends beyond that, as you have sometimes indicated, and I would insist, to “Peace on earth and goodwill to all.” Such an invocation must surely apply to current events and situations .Since I grew up in Los Angeles, this imperative is in significant danger. Peace be with you.
Good to see you on here, Michael. I would agree there is more to what should be heard in the pulpit, but proclaiming an understanding of Scripture and seeking to do God’s will opens up a whole world that includes peace and goodwill.