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God & Governance
conversations at the intersection of faith and politics
Videos. Summaries, Vocabulary. Homework. Class information. And more!
God & Governance: Session 3
Faith and Politics: Navigating Christian Identity in American Civic Life
This teaching session explores the intersection of faith and politics, addressing how Christians can engage in civic discourse while maintaining unity in Christ. The pastors establish frameworks for communication and debate, distinguishing between issues worth dying for, dividing over, debating about, or simply deciding on. They challenge binary thinking that divides people into "us versus them" categories and examine controversial concepts like patriotism versus nationalism. The session emphasizes that Christians' primary identity is in Christ, transcending political affiliations, and warns against over-realized eschatology that attempts to force prophetic fulfillment through political action. The teaching encourages believers to communicate with clarity, define terms carefully, and resist the cultural pressure to choose political tribes over Christian unity.
This teaching session explores the intersection of faith and politics, addressing how Christians can engage in civic discourse while maintaining unity in Christ. The pastors establish frameworks for communication and debate, distinguishing between issues worth dying for, dividing over, debating about, or simply deciding on. They challenge binary thinking that divides people into "us versus them" categories and examine controversial concepts like patriotism versus nationalism. The session emphasizes that Christians' primary identity is in Christ, transcending political affiliations, and warns against over-realized eschatology that attempts to force prophetic fulfillment through political action. The teaching encourages believers to communicate with clarity, define terms carefully, and resist the cultural pressure to choose political tribes over Christian unity.
Your homework for Session 3:
Practicing Communication and Reflection - Complete a MINIMUM of 2 of the following sections...
Reflect and Categorize:
Think about a current news issue that matters to you. Using the "Four Ds" framework (Die for, Divide for, Debate for, Decide for), write a paragraph explaining where you believe this issue fits and why.
Think about a current news issue that matters to you. Using the "Four Ds" framework (Die for, Divide for, Debate for, Decide for), write a paragraph explaining where you believe this issue fits and why.
Conversation Practice:
Have a chat with a friend or family member about a topic both of you don't completely agree on. During your conversation, try to spot when the other person is talking about facts, giving an opinion, or sharing feelings. After your talk, jot down notes on how you handled the conversation differently with that awareness.
Have a chat with a friend or family member about a topic both of you don't completely agree on. During your conversation, try to spot when the other person is talking about facts, giving an opinion, or sharing feelings. After your talk, jot down notes on how you handled the conversation differently with that awareness.
Nationalism and Patriotism Reflection:
Find an article or video that talks about nationalism and patriotism. Note down one new thing you learned and one question you still have. Bring these notes to the next session to share.
Find an article or video that talks about nationalism and patriotism. Note down one new thing you learned and one question you still have. Bring these notes to the next session to share.
Community Engagement:
Identify an issue in your local community that you care about, like a recycling program or a public park initiative. Think of one small action you could take to support this cause. It could be as simple as a phone call to a local leader, attending a meeting, or posting something about it on social media.
Identify an issue in your local community that you care about, like a recycling program or a public park initiative. Think of one small action you could take to support this cause. It could be as simple as a phone call to a local leader, attending a meeting, or posting something about it on social media.
Eschatology Exploration:
In a few sentences, summarize how different beliefs about end times might change the way some people think about politics. How does this compare with your own views?
In a few sentences, summarize how different beliefs about end times might change the way some people think about politics. How does this compare with your own views?
God & Governance: Session 2
Defining Roles and Responsibilities at the Intersection of Faith and Politics
What does it truly mean to live as faithful Christians in a nation that was never intended to be a Christian theocracy? This session challenges us to examine the intersection of our faith and civic responsibilities with fresh eyes. We discover that America's founding fathers deliberately created a separation between church and state—not to diminish faith, but to protect both religious liberty and governmental integrity. The First Amendment wasn't designed to silence believers but to prevent the corruption that historically occurs when religious institutions and political power become entangled. We're reminded of the Johnson Amendment, which protects churches from becoming political pawns, ensuring that pulpits remain focused on the gospel rather than endorsing candidates for financial gain. The session calls us back to our primary biblical mandate found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2—to pray for those in authority over us. This isn't optional or occasional; it's a foundational responsibility. We're challenged to move beyond complaining about leaders to actually interceding for them by name, from the president to local commissioners. Beyond prayer, we're encouraged to vote thoughtfully, communicate with elected officials, and speak against immorality—but with crucial discernment. The example of John the Baptist confronting Herod reminds us that prophetic witness sometimes comes at great cost, yet Jesus himself didn't always confront political leaders directly. This calls us to prayerful discernment about when and how to engage, always maintaining consistency in our moral standards regardless of political affiliation.
What does it truly mean to live as faithful Christians in a nation that was never intended to be a Christian theocracy? This session challenges us to examine the intersection of our faith and civic responsibilities with fresh eyes. We discover that America's founding fathers deliberately created a separation between church and state—not to diminish faith, but to protect both religious liberty and governmental integrity. The First Amendment wasn't designed to silence believers but to prevent the corruption that historically occurs when religious institutions and political power become entangled. We're reminded of the Johnson Amendment, which protects churches from becoming political pawns, ensuring that pulpits remain focused on the gospel rather than endorsing candidates for financial gain. The session calls us back to our primary biblical mandate found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2—to pray for those in authority over us. This isn't optional or occasional; it's a foundational responsibility. We're challenged to move beyond complaining about leaders to actually interceding for them by name, from the president to local commissioners. Beyond prayer, we're encouraged to vote thoughtfully, communicate with elected officials, and speak against immorality—but with crucial discernment. The example of John the Baptist confronting Herod reminds us that prophetic witness sometimes comes at great cost, yet Jesus himself didn't always confront political leaders directly. This calls us to prayerful discernment about when and how to engage, always maintaining consistency in our moral standards regardless of political affiliation.
Your homework for Session 2:
Engaging with Civic Responsibility - Complete a MINIMUM of 2 of the following sections...
Watch Session 1: If you haven't already, watch Session 1 of "God and Governance" to ensure you have a complete understanding of the foundation laid in the first session. Access it through the church app or website as recommended.
Pray for Government Leaders: Dedicate time each day this week to pray for specific government officials at local, state, and national levels. Use the list mentioned in the session (e.g., President, Vice President, local mayor, senators) to guide your prayers, and ask for wisdom and integrity for these leaders.
Engage with Scripture: Reflect on and write a brief paragraph about what 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Romans 13:1-7 mean for Christians living in today's political climate. Consider how these passages might guide your interactions and attitudes toward governance and political engagement.
Reflect on Current Issues: Identify one current political or social issue that you feel is relevant to your community or country. Research this issue, noting different perspectives and potential solutions. Reflect on where this issue might fall in the "Die, Divide, Debate, Decide" framework discussed in the session, and write a paragraph on how you think the church could constructively engage with this issue.
Communicate with an Elected Official: Think of an issue you are passionate about or concerned with. Draft a letter or email to an elected official at the local, state, or national level, expressing your views respectfully and suggest any changes or actions you believe should be taken. If you choose not to send it, reflect on the reasons why and what might change your action in the future.
God & Governance: Session 1
At the heart of this transformative teaching lies a profound challenge: learning to navigate the turbulent waters of political and social disagreement without sacrificing the unity Christ calls us to embody. We're invited into a sacred space where difficult conversations become opportunities for spiritual growth rather than relationship destruction. The foundation rests on Colossians 3:1-17, which calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—the very qualities we desperately need when discussing controversial topics. What makes this approach revolutionary is the recognition that our opinions about earthly governance need not be inseparably tied to our relationship with Jesus Christ. We're challenged to develop three critical frameworks: understanding what Scripture says directly, discerning how to apply biblical principles to modern situations, and navigating areas where the Bible remains silent. The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians becomes our conduct standard—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We're reminded that reconciliation often requires walking through difficult conversations rather than avoiding them, and that God works in ways beyond anything we can imagine. The ultimate goal isn't to prove ourselves right or others wrong, but to seek first to understand, then to be understood, always remembering that loving God and loving people remains our primary calling above all political positions.