America does not need more Christians in politics. It needs Christians who carry the character of Christ into politics.
As a pastor in California and an elected city councilman serving my third term, I’ve lived in two worlds that many people assume should never overlap.
For the last 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to not only pastor a local church, but also sit in city council meetings, work through national disasters, engage difficult community issues, and build relationships with people from very different backgrounds and beliefs.
Over the last several months, while traveling during the release of my book, “The Watchman’s Call,” I’ve had conversations with pastors and church leaders from across America.
One of the things that has stood out to me the most is how many ministers quietly feel drawn toward greater engagement in their communities and the public square. Many are deeply concerned by the direction they see parts of the culture heading and feel a growing conviction that the church cannot afford to remain distant, disconnected, or silent in the middle of it.
At the same time, almost every one of those conversations carries tension with it.
Many pastors are hesitant because they have seen political engagement done poorly. They’ve watched Christians become consumed by outrage, hostility, and fear. They’ve seen believers slowly begin reflecting the same spirit that has overtaken so much of the culture around them.
Some have even watched pastors become so politically entangled that they lost sight of their primary commission and the people they were called to shepherd.
Honestly, I understand those concerns.
There has been a lot of discussion lately surrounding America being “rededicated to God.” Depending on who you talk to, that statement either stirs excitement or skepticism. I understand both reactions because symbolic moments alone cannot heal a nation.
Source: VidNews » Feed
