About 18 years ago, in an Ethics class in seminary, we were required to develop an extensive, written Code of Ethics for our personal ministry! This was a major undertaking and an eye opener. Through the years, I have fine tuned that code - but it still stands mostly as it did 18 years ago. I have sent it in advance of moving to two churches and one Baptist association that I served as Executive Director of Missions. The Code of Ethics outline my basic ethical approaches to many areas of life - including politics!
We are now entering into a full blown time of political discourse for candidates in local elections. Staying true to my Code of Ethics, I do not - and cannot - endorse anyone for politicial office. It is one of the first statements in my Code of Ethics in the area of politics. For the most part, I try not to even discuss candidates, especially local ones, with anyone! Occasionally I am asked if I know much about a candidate - and I will answer questions truthfully - but sometimes I have to decline the conversation if it goes too far towards publicly supporting someone!
There is an excellent reason for this! The Lord has called me, first and foremost, to be a part of building the Kingdom of God! Don't know if you noticed, but in the unreached world, every political party is represented. I am not nearly so interested in getting a candidate elected as I am getting people to receive Jesus as their Savior!
Secondly, the Lord has called me to shepherd His church! Don't know if you noticed, but just about every political party is represented in the church! In our county - we likely have people who are some "kin" to every candidate running for office! It is not my job and certainly not my desire to divide my church over politics. I want everyone in the church to vote - and vote with Christian viewpoints! But who the membership votes for is their business. I have members who are candidates for office! Yet, I cannot and do not publicly endorse any of them! It is hard sometimes to be in this position because I am friends with many candidates. Yet, my goal is to "get Jesus elected" in the hearts of people.
So, if someone tells you that I am "endorsing" someone for any office, you heard it from me personally - I am not! But I am endorsing Jesus - and I encourage you to do the one thing that IS your civic duty - VOTE when you have the opportunity!
Now, some folks confuse friendship with candidates as openly supporting a candidate. Sorry! That is simply not true! I just flat out don't endorse candidates! Especially publicly. I have, like everyone, a close circle of friends with whom I might discuss some elements of political candidates, but it usually within the context of issues and reminding them that while I have my preferences, people still need to make their own decision.
Now being a minister does not mean that I have to forego my personal preferences in politics. And I have no problem endorsing publicly certain moral issues! For example, I think our President is on the wrong track on a number of moral issues, like marriage being between a man and a woman. Our President has chosen to abandon the Defense of Marriage Act. I have no problem discussing these type of moral issues. Yet, I would never endorse a particular candidate for President publicly.
Politics are fascinating to me! But, Christ being in every heart is more important than being aligned politically. As the Pastor of a church, the minute I start working for the election of any candidate is the second that ailenate someone with a different viewpoint - and it has nothing to do with Christ. So, I have stayed with my Code of Ethics and it has served me well.
Be in prayer for all the candidates this year! Pray that God will give them all wisdom! And VOTE whenever you have the opportunity! God bless!
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