Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Major
J.D./M.Div.
Abstract
We live in a politically divided time. Long-standing questions about the political role of the church have taken on a renewed interest for American Christians who see this political divide widening and have trouble reconciling their beliefs with the platforms of either major party. How ought Church leaders, seeking to lead missional congregations, speak to our current political context?
This paper lays out a framework for political engagement by missional Church leaders. It first offers a definition of a missional church and a missional church leader. Second, it surveys some of the various approaches to Church and State relations in the Christian tradition and evaluates them. Third, the paper overviews some of the pragmatic risks of political engagement for churches, specifically regarding the maintenance of tax-exempt status. Lastly, the paper concludes with a theological reflection on the appropriateness of pastors advocating for political stances from the pulpit.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Rodriguez
Presentation Session
Session A
Location
Plaza Classroom 188
Start Date
29-3-2019 3:30 PM
End Date
29-3-2019 3:45 PM
Included in
Christianity Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
Pastors and Politics: Considerations for Missional Church Leaders Addressing Political Matters
Plaza Classroom 188
We live in a politically divided time. Long-standing questions about the political role of the church have taken on a renewed interest for American Christians who see this political divide widening and have trouble reconciling their beliefs with the platforms of either major party. How ought Church leaders, seeking to lead missional congregations, speak to our current political context?
This paper lays out a framework for political engagement by missional Church leaders. It first offers a definition of a missional church and a missional church leader. Second, it surveys some of the various approaches to Church and State relations in the Christian tradition and evaluates them. Third, the paper overviews some of the pragmatic risks of political engagement for churches, specifically regarding the maintenance of tax-exempt status. Lastly, the paper concludes with a theological reflection on the appropriateness of pastors advocating for political stances from the pulpit.