Father May I… 2 (of 3)

Posted by Scott Williams
14 Comments
May 21, 2008
Controversy | Leadership | Ministry

Should Pastors be involved in the political process to the level of endorsing candidates, financially supporting campaigns, volunteering with candidate campaigns, identifying with a particular political party… 

  • http://www.kevinbussey.com Kevin Bussey

    no!

  • http://patricksievert.wordpress.com Patrick Sievert

    negatory ghost rider

  • http://www.abeautifulimageblog.com ~abi~

    this is an interesting thought to me. pastors are expected to provide advice and guidance about everything EXCEPT one of the most important decisions we, as Americans, can make? hmmm. maybe just on a one-on-one basis it would be acceptable. as in: i call up my pastor and ask his opinion on the candidates…like i said, interesting thought.

  • ostate17

    i definitely think God calls followers of Christ to be political leaders? if actors can use their position why shouldn’t preachers? having said that, I probably wouldn’t support one publicly. just for the mere fact that by supporting them from the pulpit (if you will) shuts people’s heart off to the specific message of the Word. good question.

  • http://rollmentalcamera.blogspot.com roger

    As long as they are endorsing them as an individual and not in the name of the church, I think it is OK. Escpecially if they believe that the candidate can advance the faith. If they used financial resources from the church or any other resource of the church I think that would be a bad thing

  • http://www.michaelandrewjones.com Mike Jones

    I agree with Roger, I think it’s fine, maybe not a good leadership idea, but morally sound to support political candidates with their personal finances and personal representation.

    Using the church’s name and finances, however, is inappropriate.

  • http://dturn.wordpress.com david

    Pastors should guide us on making good decisions in ALL areas.
    I don’t think that they should publicly endorse a candidate anymore than suggesting what stock broker to invest or money with.

  • Heady

    If I was a pastor, I would probably stay away from any of the things listed in today’s question. I would give best I can a type of process of determining the best way to decide on which candidate to vote for concerning any election. And maybe, I would share who I would vote for and why but maybe not. Good question.

  • http://www.floatingaxhead.com michael

    the cross and the flag…faith and nationalism…have nothing to do with one another…i want him to participate in the process and pray for our leaders but not wear a sticker.

    let’s be honest…if you’re looking to vote faith in the election, you should abstain.

  • http://solshine7.blogspot.com SolShine7

    I should be able to talk to my pastor and ask him who he thinks is the best candidate and not get a “politically correct” answer that seems like he’s walking on thin ice. If I want a PR shaped answer I’ll go to a politician but I should get an honest answer from my pastor. With that said, I don’t have to agree with everything my pastor says.

  • http://ichilly.typepad.com Chilly

    I simply remind voters to pray, know what the Bible says, and VOTE. Don’t follow ‘party lines,’ know & honor your convictions.

  • http://www.floatingaxhead.com Scott

    The problem here is that many Pastors are ignorant and uneducated in the political process – like most Americans. In most cases, you’d be better served to seek advice elsewhere.

    But every American has the right to be involved and voice their own opinion. But doing so from the pulpit is not a good idea.

  • http://solshine7.blogspot.com SolShine7

    Back in Biblical times, it was good politics to stone an adulterous woman, shun the tax collectors, ignore the sick and not talk to Samaritans but I’m sure glad that Jesus went against the grain.

  • http://rejectedreality.wordpress.com John

    Only from the standpoint that any citizen can. But there is a hard/dark line that separates his private opinions from his influence over a congregation.
    I believe that the moment a church enters the political process (Rev. Wright, Rev. Hagee, Rev. Parsley…), they should have their tax exemption yanked. Think of all the bridges and highways that can be funded with Joel Osteen’s “business” alone.

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