Whatever the outcome of the 2024 presidential race, Americans will be talking about it for quite a while. This election season has been a source of anxiety for many, including pastors.

Political disagreements add stress to pastoral work. Yet church leaders have a responsibility to help congregants navigate the times with a Christian mindset.

When tensions rise, we can point people to God’s kingdom priorities, helping them grow in faith rather than cynicism.

In a divided and often combative culture, the Church should model unity and moral clarity, upholding faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Even as we encourage people to engage as citizens, we must maintain our Christian witness and stay laser focused on the Great Commission.

Remember Your Calling

As pastors, God calls us to shepherd Christian communities. That includes maintaining a Kingdom perspective, speaking clearly on moral issues, and teaching believers to exercise their citizenship in heaven and on earth.

The New Testament Church — which operated faithfully under a harsh, undemocratic government — provided an example for Christians through the ages.

The Early Church was Christ centered, Spirit dependent, people oriented, love driven, and Kingdom focused.

The apostles understood their calling as Spirit-empowered witnesses to the reign of Christ (Acts 1:8). Jesus sent them into all the world to make disciples of all peoples (Matthew 28:19–20). Ultimately, the mark of discipleship was the Christian community’s love (John 13:34–35).

Jesus taught His followers to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

The Christian’s first allegiance is to God’s kingdom. As Peter told the Sanhedrin, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).

Our calling as pastors includes speaking out on ethical and moral issues. Congregants often look to church leaders for guidance on a range of topics.

While we need to practice wisdom in addressing politics, we should be bold and forthright about what Scripture teaches on issues such as neighbor love, divine intention for gender, integrity of the family, and care for the poor.

For example, one moral issue that has political implications, yet transcends politics, is abortion.

The Bible teaches that God is the Author of life. Passages like Psalm 139:13–16 emphasize God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life.

Genesis 1:27 reveals all humanity is created in God’s image, while Genesis 9:6 commands respect for human life because of its status. This explains the prohibition against murder in Exodus 20:13. Together, these passages indicate human life uniquely reflects God’s image and must be protected accordingly.

Christ’s teachings often emphasized the value and dignity of every person. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The commandment in both testaments to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31) reflects a deep respect for the lives of others, promoting a culture of care, compassion and protection.

This biblical grid can be applied to many of the political issues that bring about division. We cannot sacrifice biblical principles for the sake of partisanship.

Remember Your Citizenship

The Bible teaches that we are dual citizens of God’s kingdom and our current cultural realities (John 17:11–18; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:2).

Believers should engage in the democratic process. But above all, we must speak and act as citizens of heaven, throwing off whatever hinders our witness and fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2).

The more diverse we become, the more our church membership
will include a wide range of perspectives.

Christ followers should view exercising influence in democracy through voting as an act of loving our neighbor, good stewardship, pursuing justice, and investing in the next generation.

Discipling congregants in a biblical worldview and an understanding of their heavenly citizenship equips them with the tools to make God-honoring decisions in their daily lives, including at the polls.

The apostles taught that believers were to be responsible citizens. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).

Similarly, Peter wrote, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–14).

Yet allegiance to Christ was the primary commitment of New Testament believers — and it should be ours as well.

Jesus said to give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). The government receives our taxes, but God alone deserves our worship and unswerving loyalty.

As citizens of a democracy, we have the privilege of choosing leaders and playing a role in government. We should encourage believers to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as citizens, so long as those things do not hinder obedience to God (Acts 5:29).

There are five things we can encourage believers to do during this election season and beyond:

1. Stay well-informed. As citizens with a voice and vote, we have a responsibility to know what is happening in our country. That means seeking trustworthy sources of information, exercising critical thinking skills, and taking the time to separate truth from falsehoods.

Like the men of Issachar during the time of David, we can understand the times and proceed with wisdom (1 Chronicles 12:32).

2. Respect governing authorities. The government is responsible for maintaining order, supporting the common good, and enacting justice.

We do not have to agree with every government decision to respect the authority of those in charge.

Paul said, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:1–2).

3. Accept civic responsibilities. Christians may participate in government through a number of ways, including voting, running for office, performing jury duty, enlisting in the military, or working in civil service.

Churches can partner with government authorities by serving as voting centers or providing shelter during times of crisis.

Titus 3:14 says, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good.” That includes being a good neighbor and citizen.

Imagine the power of our witness if every Christian related to nonbelievers with grace, gentleness and respect. Rather than seeing partisanship, people would see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

4. Maintain peace. Paul told the Colossians, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15). This applies to political differences as well.

Whether interacting in person or online, Christians should “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

5. Protect religious freedom. No platform is worthy of the prioritization we should give to the advancement of Kingdom principles. When Paul said “give to everyone what you owe them,” he mentioned taxes, revenue, respect, and honor, but not worship (Romans 13:7). Obeying God first is the line in the sand for believers (Luke 4:8).

Good citizenship on earth matters. However, the much greater priority is our citizenship in heaven — which is not just a future reality, but a present one as well.

This is not to minimize the importance of earthly government, but to maximize what matters most, both now and for eternity.

Our earthly citizenship is secondary and temporary. However, that does not make it inconsequential. While Paul knew his citizenship was in heaven, he also acknowledged and claimed his Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37–40; 22:25).

The Bible doesn’t ask us to choose between evangelism and civic engagement. Jesus calls us to follow Him in a life of discipleship, obedience, and service. That calling affects everything we do as believers, from witnessing to voting.

Prioritize Relationships

As we navigate a highly charged political climate, safeguarding relationships might be our single greatest challenge.

The Early Church included all kinds of people. Rich and poor believers, Jews and Gentiles, men and women, and slaves and free persons all came together as one Body (Acts 2:44–45; Romans 15:26; 16:1–17; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11–22; 6:8; Colossians 3:11; 1 Timothy 6:17–19).

Jesus’ brother James, leader of the church in Jerusalem, specifically forbade seating arrangements that distinguished between different classes of people, and warned that showing favoritism is a grievous sin (James 2:2–4,9).

Across the U.S., Assemblies of God congregations are increasingly multicultural and multigenerational. Racial and ethnic minorities and young people account for much of the growth in our Movement today.

The more diverse we become, the more our church membership will include a wide range of perspectives. This can present challenges in a politically charged and divided society. But for the sake of the Kingdom, we must make it our highest priority to safeguard relationships.

In the secular world, “diversity” is a lightning-rod word with political implications. But in the Church, diversity relates to God’s desire to redeem people from “every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9).

Certainly, no one in the Early Church more boldly declared the truth than the apostle Paul. But he always did so in a way that prioritized people and relationships.

Paul exhorted the Ephesians, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3).

In addition to seeking church unity, we must also maintain our testimony with nonbelievers. In their teaching on this topic, Paul and Peter both emphasized gracious communication.

Paul told the Colossians, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5–6).

Peter gave a similar charge: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15–16).

Imagine the power of our witness if every Christian related to nonbelievers with grace, gentleness and respect. Rather than seeing partisanship, people would see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

Stay Christ-Centered

Church leaders should regularly ask themselves two questions: Are we maintaining unity in the body of believers? Are we remaining effective in our testimony to nonbelievers in the love and Spirit of Christ?

Pastors are responsible to God for the welfare of the congregations they lead. Therefore, we must remain biblically grounded, people conscious, mission focused, and hope driven.

Some families in your congregation are likely divided over political issues. They need a pastor — not a political ally or opponent.

Align your words and actions with Christ, keeping your speech bathed in biblical truth instead of political rhetoric.

Fostering respectful and constructive dialogue within the body of Christ requires active listening, empathy, and intentional love — even amid disagreements.

Political conversations become more sensitive during an election year. Stay mindful of your timing and context when engaging in such dialogue, always seasoning these conversations with scriptural truths.

Our hope is not in a political party, presidential candidate, or government leader. The hope we have is eternal, while the things of this world are temporary.

Some families in your congregation are likely divided over political issues. They need a pastor — not a political ally or opponent.

It is easy to develop tunnel vision during an election season, but keeping our eyes on Christ allows us to maintain hope even in difficult circumstances. And sharing this message of hope is a pastor’s job.

People do not need more loud, angry voices. They need the good news of Jesus.

One day, Christ will return to reign over a new earth. He will cast out all sin, sickness, hatred, rancor and violence. Focusing on this Kingdom to come helps us prioritize eternal values over political agendas.

Christ’s plans transcend any human political system, and He will continue to be God no matter what this election brings. My rallying cry this political season is, “Jesus Christ is King!”

Following are seven ways to keep this truth at the center of your ministry and lead with wisdom, compassion and faithfulness:

1. Stay uncompromisingly grounded in Scripture. Offer biblical principles and teachings rather than political opinions. Don’t shy away from topics of concern to your congregation, but always use these conversations in pointing people to God’s Word.

2. Promote love and unity. Emphasize what binds you together as a church family, regardless of political differences.

Encourage congregants to showcase Christ’s character in the community by modeling kindness, humility, and active listening. They don’t have to agree with their neighbors to practice neighborliness.

3. Focus on the mission. Remind your church of its primary reasons for being — worshipping God, spreading the gospel, making disciples, and serving others. Keep activities and messages aligned with these core purposes.

4. Model civility. Demonstrate grace and respect in your preaching and conversations. Christlike behavior and tone set a powerful example for your congregation.

5. Offer pastoral care. Be available to shepherd individuals struggling with anxiety or division caused by political tensions.

6. Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. Especially in the arena of social media, make sure each post demonstrates love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

7. Pray for leaders and the nation. Lead your congregation in praying for the nation and its leaders, regardless of party affiliation. This fosters a spirit of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Lead Prayerfully

If every person you vote for in November wins and every ballot initiative goes the way you hoped, it is not enough. Our nation desperately needs a sovereign move of God to turn people to Jesus. The Lord can change our nation by transforming hearts.

God is in control of governments, candidates and political parties. Nothing happens that can frustrate His plans (Genesis 50:20).

Amid a time of national distress for the people of Judah, the prophet Jeremiah sent this message to exiles living in Babylon:

Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper (Jeremiah 29:5–7).

God called His people to seek the common good of the place in which they found themselves. Even as strangers in a foreign land, they were to pursue peace and pray for the city.

We do not know how the election will turn out. Nor do we know what direction America will take in the coming years, whether toward repentance or hardening of the heart.

Whatever the future holds, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control.

Let us remember God’s promise to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This article will appear in the Fall 2024 issue of Influence magazine.