31 Dec Should Christians Run for Political Office?

What Christians Need to Know About Running for Political Office

Many Christians disagree on the place of politics in the life of a believer. While some people may assume that the Bible says little about the role of politics and government in a Christians’ life, this is simply not the case. In fact, the Bible actually says a lot about government! Although many Christians agree that we are to use our rights to vote for political leaders, there is confusion surrounding the topic of whether Christians should run for political office themselves. 

Should Christians run for political office? Yes! Not every Christian is given the gifts or abilities needed for this role. However, those that are equipped in this way can make an incredible impact for Christ through the platform of political office. As Christians, we should encourage those around us to run for political office and support them while they are in positions of leadership. 

If we believe that Christians are called to vote, and we believe that we should vote for candidates that support our convictions, it only makes sense that Christians should run for political office! In this post, we will share many of the reasons why qualified Christians should consider running for political office. We will also share some important things to consider before you make this life-altering decision. 

Reasons Christians Should Run for Political Office

Although some Christians may argue that politics are not the place for a believer, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, as our country continues to stray from our strong Christian foundation, we need believers in positions of leadership more than ever!

Here are just a few of the reasons why we believe qualified Christians are called to run for political office and hold positions of leadership:

Our Country Needs High-Quality Leaders of Character

If there is one thing our country is lacking today it is qualified leaders of character. We need men and women of character and strong morals to direct our country. Leaders of integrity not only influence important legislation and rules but also act as a “light on the hill”, pointing unbelievers towards Christ.

Christians Can Influence Change From Political Office

As Christians, we are called to defend the oppressed and stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves. While there are ways that we can accomplish this in our everyday lives, the most impactful position in which to influence this change is from political office.

The leaders who hold positions in political office are responsible for passing laws and legislation. These will guide the future trajectory of our country. There is no better way to use your influence as a believer who has this unique gifting.

Serving in Political Office is Serving the Lord

Unfortunately, many Christians are under the false impression that the only way to directly serve the Lord is by working in ministry. This is not the case! Each of us has special skills, talents, and giftings. We have a calling to use those giftings through whatever platform we can make the most impact.

While a man or woman who has the ability to lead in a political capacity can serve effectively in the church, this is not where they will be able to have the greatest impact. 

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Christians can use their positions in public office to serve the Lord just as believers can use their giftings to minister to lost souls in the church. It is important to realize that we can use our giftings to serve the Lord in any capacity or position. In everything, our intentions and motives must work towards that goal.

Political Office Provides a Large Platform for Ministry

Any position of leadership in political office immediately provides a large platform for ministry. From city council to state senate, and everything in between, people will be watching everything you say and do. While this may be intimidating for some, Christians should view it as an opportunity to witness to the people around them.

Christians in political office can use their platform for ministry through the way that they interact with others, through how they conduct themselves, and for the stand up for their convictions. 

Christians Are Called to Use Their Giftings & Talents

Romans 12:6-7 reads as follows, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation.”

From this verse, we clearly see our calling to use the unique gifts God has given us. Not every believer has the giftings to succeed in the role of political leadership. However, some Christians do have this unique gifting! It is important to steward your gifts well, using them as God intended.

If you have the giftings and desire to serve in political office, it is your calling and ministry to do so. By serving the Lord in this way, you will be able to impact the world for Him.

Things to Consider Before Running for Political Office

If you believe you have been called to run for political office, there are several things you must first consider. While you may have the desire for this role, you may not have the skills or qualifications. Likewise, you may have the giftings but do not believe God is calling you to run in this particular election.

As with any decision we make, we must weigh our personal preferences, thoughts, and opinions against wise counsel. However, more importantly, we must weigh them against the word of God. Here are a few things you should ask yourself before you decide to run for political office:

Are You Gifted & Called to a Position of Leadership?

To be effective in a position of leadership in political office, you must have the skills and talents necessary to effectively perform the role. Additionally, you must feel that you have a calling to that particular position at that time. Without both of these aspects in place, you will not be able to be as effective as you may wish in your position.

Perhaps God is calling you to a position in political office. However, you realize there are additional things you need to learn or achieve before you can successfully fill this role. It is important to be sensitive to the calling and will of God as you make this important decision.

Will You Stand Firm in Your Beliefs Amidst Challenge?

Holding a position of leadership in political office is challenging, regardless of your religious beliefs. In a society that continues to challenge and stray from traditional Christian beliefs, you must be ready to face adversity.

Unfortunately, too many leaders who claimed to be “Christian” have fallen to the wayside in the public eye. If you are going to run for political office, you must be ready to stand up to adversity with a strong conviction of what you believe and the policies for which you will stand.

Can You Influence Change From Political Office?

The primary role of a Christian in political office is to influence change in our society. Do you believe you will be able to successfully influence change from the position for which you are running? Do you have a plan on how to change your city, state, or country for good? These are questions that you must consider before you take on this heavy responsibility.

Do You Have the Support & Encouragement of Wise Counsel?

Finally, as with every decision we make, especially big decisions such as this, we must seek wise counsel. Have you asked those closest to you if they believe you are called to run for political office? Consider asking a handful of trusted individuals, including your pastor, if they believe you have a calling for this role. 

Be open to questioning and challenges, taking every opportunity to examine your motives and the heart behind your decision. With the support of those closest to you, you can fully pursue your calling to run for political office.

Supporting Those Who Are Running for Political Office

As we mentioned, not every Christian has the giftings or calling to run for political office. However, we are all called to support those in positions of leadership, whether Christian or not. 

Pray & Encourage Fellow Christians to Run for Office

As Christians, we must pray for and encourage fellow Christians as they run for political office. We have a calling to vote for representatives who share our beliefs and convictions. When we learn of a candidate that fits that qualification, we must support them in every way possible.

In doing so, we can continue to influence change in our society, working towards a country that values equality, liberty, and justice for all.