Inform congregants in regard to candidates’ positions and important
local, state and national policy issues.

One of the great frustrations of the responsible Christians who do vote – or at least wish to – is the often confusing and contradictory information available about candidates vying for public office at the local, state and federal levels. An oft spoken – albeit poor - reason for not voting is a lack of credible information about the values and beliefs of candidates. Another critical service the local church can provide is to approve and authorize the distribution of credible, non-partisan voter education materials that provide congregants sound information about candidates’ positions on key issues of concern.

A number of Christian organizations research and produce voter guides that comply with IRS guidelines for 501 (c) (3) corporations. The Community Impact Coordinator and ministry team can use the information in this section to help develop a plan for acquiring and/or producing voter education materials for each election. Also in this section is information about such issues as:

• Scriptural qualifications for leaders – including those seeking public office
• How to inform the congregation without being “used” by opportunistic candidates
• Encouraging those who are called to this area of ministry as workers and candidates
• Discerning “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who speak “Christianese” well

Also addressed is the effort of liberal interest groups who use threats and intimidation to pressure churches to avoid participation. The threats are groundless and must be faced squarely with legal and Scriptural facts. Throughout history the church has served as the prophetic voice of righteousness to the Kings and governing authorities – until 20th and 21st century America.

The process of gathering credible and sufficient scope of information can be time consuming – particularly for city, county and non-partisan races. The question is however, can we afford the alternative of being ignorant of the character, moral values and core philosophy of candidates who will make decisions that directly affect the lives of your congregation? We are all too familiar with the consequences of such ignorance.

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