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In today’s world, the church’s role isn’t limited to
spiritual nurturing; it also encompasses our responsibility to promote justice,
compassion, and peace within society. Civic engagement—our active participation
in the welfare of our communities—is an essential extension of our faith. The
church is not called to be an isolated sanctuary but a vibrant, involved
community committed to the well-being of all people.
Why Civic Engagement
Matters to the Church
Scripture repeatedly calls us to pursue justice, defend the vulnerable, and
work for peace. Passages like Micah 6:8 remind us to "act justly, love
mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Civic engagement is how we put this
into practice. Whether it’s advocating for fair laws, supporting leaders who
prioritize justice, or promoting policies that care for the marginalized, civic
engagement is one way we fulfill our call to love our neighbors.
The issues impacting our communities—such as education, poverty, healthcare,
housing, and criminal justice—aren't just political issues; they’re deeply
moral ones that reflect our commitment to loving others as Christ loves us.
When the church actively participates in these matters, we bear witness to a
God who cares for every aspect of human life.
The Role of the Church in Civic Life
1. Education and Awareness: Churches can provide a space for education
on civic responsibilities and pressing social issues. By hosting forums,
workshops, and discussions, church members can be empowered to engage with
wisdom and insight.
As followers of Christ, we’re called not only to worship but also to serve and
uplift our communities. Civic engagement is an expression of our faith—seeking
justice, peace, and dignity for all people. This means voting with purpose,
advocating for fair policies, and standing in solidarity with those in need.
2. Encouraging Voting and Advocacy: Voting is a foundational way to
influence society for good, and the church can help by encouraging its members
to vote thoughtfully and prayerfully. Additionally, the church can support
advocacy efforts around issues that impact the community, particularly those
related to justice and human dignity.
3. Modeling Unity and Reconciliation: The church has the unique
opportunity to model unity amid division. By embracing diverse perspectives
within the body of Christ, we show the world what it looks like to pursue
common good above partisan divides.
4. Serving Vulnerable Communities: Engaging civically also means being
involved on a local level. Volunteering in shelters, supporting local
businesses, or partnering with schools and nonprofits are tangible ways to
engage with our communities. When the church serves, we reflect the hands and
feet of Christ to a world in need.
Embracing Faith in Action
For the church, civic engagement isn't just about policies or politics; it's
about embodying the gospel in real, transformative ways. Every act of service,
every vote, and every stance we take for justice reflects our commitment to a
faith that doesn’t just reside in our hearts but also manifests in our
communities. Our faith calls us to be present, active, and engaged.
Church-to the body of believers-the called out ones, if we don't have a Civic
Engagement Ministry then what are we doing. The Greek word for church is
"ekklesia," a word that is widely misunderstood. Ekklesia is a
governmental term. It means" called-out-ones", or "selected
ones". In the first century, the word was not a religious word. In fact,
it was a political word referring to those called out of the general populace
to serve as a civil body or an executive arm. In ancient Greece (as early as
621 BC), the ekklesia was a group of selected individuals who would assemble
regularly to deliberate and decide on matters of civil policy. Thus, the word
spoke of an executive body whose function was to govern.
Sacred Civic Action is Institute for Glowing In Grace's Civic Engagement Arm of
the ministry. For some of us, ministry is expanded beyond the four walls of a
traditional church. I believe every church should engage in civic life whether
it be a traditional church or a para church whose ministry is focused on a
specific mission. We are the called out ones and we have been called to govern
in a way that our traditional and secular form of government is not equipped
for. Government was God's idea, and Christians should think about it and engage
with it in a way that is consistent with its God-ordained purpose.
Practical Steps for Churches
1. Organize Non-Partisan Voter Registration Drives: Helping people
register to vote is a powerful way to empower individuals without aligning the
church with any particular party.
2. Offer Educational Resources on Social Issues: Share resources, host
guest speakers, or create small groups focused on understanding issues like
criminal justice reform, housing, and poverty from a biblical perspective.
3. Engage in Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local nonprofits,
schools, or service organizations to support ongoing community initiatives,
showing the church's commitment to sustained, meaningful change.
4. Create Spaces for Reflection and Dialogue: Encourage thoughtful,
prayerful discussions about the role of Christians in civic life. This allows
people to explore their values and understand how their faith can guide their
civic responsibilities.
The call to love our neighbors is a call to be civically engaged—to advocate
for policies that promote justice, to support the vulnerable, and to speak out
against injustice. The church has a unique voice and a profound opportunity to
impact the world by participating in civic life with integrity, love, and
purpose. Civic engagement is not just an obligation; it’s a privilege and a
reflection of the kingdom work we’re called to do.
Let’s rise to this call with boldness, bringing our faith into the heart of our
communities. In so doing, we make the church a vital force for transformation,
answering Jesus’ call to be a light in the world.
Reflection Questions:
1. How can the church equip its members to advocate for issues that reflect
biblical justice and mercy?
2. How can I pray and act to support the church’s efforts in promoting justice
and reconciliation in society?
Join us for Sacred ✝️ Civic Conversations
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Cynthia Young
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