Christians Engaging in Politics: A Community Group Discussion Guide

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Christians should not be afraid to engage in politics. Throughout history, God’s people have led, submitted to, prayed for, and occasionally rebelled against the governments of their day. Their goal should be the same as our goal today – which is to glorify God by seeking the welfare of the society we live in by bringing a biblical worldview to laws, policies, justice systems, and administrations. Since we live in a time and place where our government leaders are elected, we believe voting (and voting wisely) is one way to “love your neighbor” (Mark 12:31) by choosing candidates who best promote peace and prosperity in our city, state, and nation.

Believers should not only engage in politics, but we should also engage with each other in thinking through important voting decisions. Far from being an “off-limits” topic that is too divisive to talk about, politics is something that we should be able to discuss in community, providing each other with wise counsel from God’s Word. This discussion guide is meant to help your community group honestly and graciously dialogue about politics in advance of an election.

Discussion Questions:

• Do you feel comfortable discussing political issues or sharing your voting choices? What fears do you have? What past experiences contribute to those fears?
• Are you able to understand the perspectives of those who you disagree with politically? Why or why not?
• What biblical principles inform your political opinions? How might the Mosaic Law, or God’s instructions to Israel through Moses, be helpful for understanding His will regarding our nation’s laws?
• Divide up the following passages among members of the group. Have each person read their passage(s) and summarize what each one means regarding the role, limitations, and implications of government.
  • Deuteronomy 1:13
  • Deuteronomy 17:14-20
  • 1 Samuel 8:1-22
  • Jeremiah 22:15-16
  • Romans 13:1-14:5
  • 1 Peter 2:13-17
  • What are the most critical issues influencing your political views and voting decisions? (For example: pro-life vs. pro-choice, the economy, caring for the vulnerable, immigration, racial equality, political party platforms, candidate personalities, etc.) What does God’s Word say about those specific issues? Where is the Bible flexible on those issues, and where is it definitive?
• What issues or stances would disqualify a candidate from your consideration?
• How informed are you on local election candidates and issues? Why might local elections be just as important (or sometimes even more important) than national elections?
• Considering the two-party system in the United States, does a vote for either party mean that you have to fully support that party’s policies on every issue?
• Are there any stereotypes regarding either Republicans or Democrats you find to be unhelpful or inaccurate?
• How are you wrestling with your decision of which candidates to vote for? Are you fully convinced that your decision is the right one (Romans 14:5)?

As you work through the questions above with your community group and discuss politics with others, seek to maintain unity. Political views largely fall in the category of “opinions” or “convictions.” Recognize that other godly people can differ from your perspective without necessarily being wrong. In areas of personal conviction, being “one” needs to be more important than being “right” (John 17:20-23). Thankfully, Romans 14 and 15 give us a model for how to interact with each other when this is the case:

• Do not “quarrel over opinions,” but rather welcome those who disagree with you, just as Christ has welcomed us (Romans 14:1-4).
• Pray that every believer would be fully convinced in their own mind (Romans 14:5).
• Assume the best of other believers and trust that they are making decisions for the glory of God (Romans 14:6-9).
• Remember that each of us will be held accountable for our own actions (Romans 14:10-12).
• Prevent your freedom of conscience from negatively impacting the faith of weaker believers (Romans 14:13-15).
• Do not “destroy the work of God” for matters of conscience. Rather, “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:16-21).
• Following Christ’s example, put others first, and “bear with the failings of the weak” (Romans 15:1-6).

It is true that a Christian’s hope is in Christ and not the government; however, it is entirely biblical for Christians to engage in politics. Remember that our King is Jesus, our platform is the Word of God, and we are “ambassadors for Christ” and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

For more information, including voter guides and other resources, visit watermark.org/vote.