When someone shows up to church in the weeks surrounding the election, here’s what they’re likely to be seeking concerning politics.
By Aaron Earls
Facing contentious and divisive elections, some pastors may be wondering how to lead their flocks toward faithfulness and unity.
There are landmines to avoid, for sure. Most churchgoers want to attend a church where they feel most people share their political views. Because of this, some churchgoers leave congregations over political issues. They may feel those in the pew or those behind the pulpit disagree with them.
For pastors wanting to make it to the Christmas season with their church intact, it would be wise to consider what churchgoers want from their leaders right now. The personal preferences of those in the congregation shouldn’t dictate how a pastor leads, but it can help them consider the best way to lead.
When someone shows up to your church in the weeks leading up to the election and in the immediate aftermath, here’s what they’re likely to be seeking concerning politics.
No candidate endorsements
Before we establish what churchgoers want, it would be good to make clear what they don’t want. They don’t want to hear their pastor endorse a politician.
Most pastors and churchgoers agree on this issue. Few Protestant pastors (2%) say they have endorsed a political candidate during a church service this year. Only around a third of Christian churchgoers (35%) believe it is appropriate for a pastor to offer an in-church endorsement.
Most pastors, churchgoers, and Americans in general believe the weekly worship service is the wrong time for a church leader to throw their support behind a political candidate. Direct candidate endorsements would likely discourage or disappoint many in the pews, even if the pastor endorsed the churchgoer’s preferred candidate.
“Most pastors, churchgoers, and Americans in general believe the weekly worship service is the wrong time for a church leader to throw their support behind a political candidate.” — @wardrobedoor Share on XBiblical perspective
Statistically, the primary reason a person chooses to attend church services in person is their connections and relationships with the other people in the pews. However, one reason they chose your church is because they want to hear you explain what the Bible says and how they can apply it to their lives.
Nine in 10 churchgoers with a pastor at their church (92%) say they completely trust their pastor. For the most part, you aren’t having to work to earn their trust; you have it. But they want to hear you explain Scripture and its relevance.
When Lifeway Research studied church switchers, those who have changed congregations as adults, the two most important factors for someone choosing a new church were the beliefs and doctrine of the church (86%) and the preaching (86%). Additionally, 3 in 4 (74%) say they’re looking for opportunities to learn biblical truth.
Churchgoers aren’t looking for your political opinions and thoughts on the candidates. They want to hear you communicate the eternal truth from God’s Word.
Cultural application
While they want biblical truth and aren’t looking for endorsement, most churchgoers want to hear from their pastors on the important topics of the day. Four in 5 Protestant churchgoers (80%) say a pastor must address current issues to be doing their job.
Just like with endorsements, churchgoers feel their pastors agree with them. Around 3 in 5 (62%) say their pastor addresses current issues within a sermon every week or almost every week. Another 23% say it happens at least once a month. Few churchgoers say their pastor only brings up current issues several times a year (7%) or rarely (6%). Just 1% say it never happens.
Churchgoers want to understand how the Bible remains relevant to the issues they regularly face. Don’t assume that because your congregation doesn’t want to hear an endorsement they also expect you to stay silent on the important events and causes of our day. They trust you and want to hear from you on how they can apply eternal biblical truth to current issues.
Peace and hope
As political debates rage around them, most churchgoers come each week for a break. Amid countless hyperbolic political ads, they should hear your voice calmly, clearly, and confidently deliver the unchanging truth of the gospel. They should recognize that the Bible speaks to current issues and politics, but its message also transcends those.
“Amid countless hyperbolic political ads, churchgoers should hear their pastor's voice calmly, clearly, and confidently deliver the unchanging truth of the gospel.” — @wardrobedoor Share on XLeading up to and in the aftermath of the election, many in the country will be consumed by fear. The results will cause many to dismay and worry about the future. This provides a perfect opportunity for the church to communicate the stability and sovereignty of God.
Remind your churchgoers before, during, and after the election of what they have in Christ. Encourage them to stay rooted in Him. Help them live out the fruit of the Spirit as some neighbors panic and others party.
They need to see you exemplify those traits. Churchgoers will benefit from seeing you embody the peace and hope found in Christ. They can be encouraged to live that out as well and serve as a witness to those around them. That should be the case all year long but especially during a chaotic election season.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
