How to Guide Your Church through the Coming Election Season without Losing Your Mind

Published: July 2, 2024, 10 a.m.

https://youtu.be/G4TY1mcLBh0
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\nPresidential election years can be especially contentious, and this year will be no exception. Thom and Sam discuss how church leaders can manage the tension in ways that are helpful to the church body.
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\nFour prevailing views of politics and the church:
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\n \tChurches should embrace politics.
\n \tChurches should use politics.
\n \tChurches should avoid politics.
\n \tChurches should condemn politics.
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\nYou likely have a wide spectrum of views in your church. Remember, you always represent your church.
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\n \t* Avoid endorsing individual candidates from the pulpit.
\n \t* Avoid debates on social media.
\n \t* Avoid being co-opted into polarizing political movements.
\n \t* Don\u2019t fear being patriotic and using political examples in sermons.
\n \t* Use cultural events like July 4th to unite rather than divide.
\n \t* Use biblical language rather than political rhetoric.
\n \t* People can tell when you are genuinely convicted and sincere.
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\nResources:
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\n \t* California Baptist University
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\n \t* Upward Sports
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\n \tKnow My Community Politics Report - Coming soon!
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\n \t* Church Answers Central
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\n \tThe Everything Church Resource Directory
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\n \t* The Hope Initiative
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\n \t* Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
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\nEpisode Sponsors:
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\n \tDid you know that fewer than 20% of Southern Baptists have a bachelor\u2019s degree? That is according to a past Pew Research study. How can this be combated and how can we prepare our churches for the future? California Baptist University has a solution. CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs.
\n \tWhether you\u2019re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare leaders in your church for advancement opportunities, CBU\u2019s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment. Classes start every eight weeks, so you can begin any time.
\n \tAn online degree can:
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\n \tHelp you gain a better understanding of your life\u2019s purpose;
\n \tSymbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
\n \tProvide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
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\n \tYour team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online degrees available to you! The online Bachelor\u2019s degree in Christian Ministries develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths. This degree prepares students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch and Christian organizations.
\n \tFinancial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
\n \tVisit calbaptist.edu to learn more.
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\nUpward Sports equips churches to run self-sustaining sports ministries in their communities.\xa0 Whether you are a sports fanatic, or on staff at a church, Upward Sports will give you all the tools you need to run a first-class sports ministry that allows you to reach families in your community.