Navigating the Tension

Pastoring Today (PT): How do you pastor a congregation that is politically divided?

Pastor James Whitfield, Senior Pastor of Greater Hope Baptist Church: I preach the Word, not the party. My job is to form disciples, not delegates. I teach our people to think biblically about justice, mercy, and the common good—and then I trust them to vote their conscience. When you form people well, you do not have to tell them how to vote.

PT: What practical steps do you take during election season?

Pastor Cynthia Bradley, Lead Pastor of Community of Faith Church: We do three things. We register voters. We distribute nonpartisan guides. And we pray—for our leaders, our nation, and our members as they vote. We never endorse candidates from the pulpit. The pulpit is for the Gospel, not a campaign rally.

PT: What about members who feel their vote does not matter?

Pastor Robert Gaines, Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Fellowship: I remind them that Esther was placed in the palace for such a time as this. God places His people in positions of influence—even the influence of a single vote—for redemptive purposes. Your vote is a seed. You may not see the harvest, but you plant it in faith.