The election is over. Now what?
On November 5, 2024, in the United States, millions of people took to the polls and elected Donald Trump to serve again as its president. As ministry leaders, we are called to engage with our people in and through the challenges they are facing. You may not feel it is wise to declare who you voted for or how to vote – and I would agree. However, on a matter of such significance it feels unwise to pretend as though nothing of importance is happening around our people.
I am writing this article on the morning after the election was decided and the results declared. I am keenly aware that our nation is politically divided, a common occurrence during a presidential election. However, as Christians we have someone greater to unite us. As a pastor, take time to remind your people of this truth and provide them with a greater understanding of our responsibilities as Christians in this earthly citizenship. Call on them to rise above demeaning or hurtful rhetoric.
“Jesus is King” has been my mantra throughout this election cycle. Not because I am ignoring the political situation, but precisely because I am paying close attention to it.
Jesus is King whether or not you voted for Donald Trump. I woke up this morning believing there is hope for the people of America, even before hearing the results. Because my hope for America is not in any elected office. The only hope for America is Jesus Christ – the one who reigns as King.
In light of all this, here are some ways you can engage with your congregation in this post-election season.
- Pray for your church members. Ask God to comfort those who are hurting and displeased with the vote. Ask God to calm and encourage those who are pleased with the vote. Ask God to give your church members a bold witness.
- Pray for the governmental leaders. See the list below for specific requests.
- Speak the truth in love. Use your platform of influence to lovingly correct and genuinely console those who need both during this season.
- Call your church to action. Below you will see a list of things I encouraged our church to do in recent days. You can use this same list or provide a list of your own for your church. Either way, call them to this kind of work as they engage with their neighbors.
Here are some practical reminders for our church members:
- Do not boast in anyone but Jesus. Even if you are pleased with the election results, our confidence comes from our one true King. (As a side note: be careful of rhetoric that gives savior-like qualities to a person other than Jesus.)
- Do not fear. Even if you are disappointed in the election results, our security is not found in the Oval Office but in the throne of Heaven.
- Be respectful. If the election went your way, take the win with grace and show kindness to those who hoped for something different – they are not your enemy. If the election did not go your way, respect the democratic process and show kindness to those who are pleased – they are not your enemy.
- Preach Jesus more than you preach presidents. It is certainly not a sin to speak of governmental matters or other topics, but if all your friends know who you voted for but don’t know that you follow Jesus, you are guilty of out of balance speech.
- Pray for the president. We are called to pray for our leaders and to respect them. Remember, Paul reminds us in Romans 13 that all leaders are placed there by God. As such, we should honor them and pray for them. Below is a list of 5 ways to pray for President Trump often.
- Pray that he will trust in Jesus. (John 14:1)
- Pray that the Lord will grant him wisdom. (James 1:5)
- Pray that he will do justice. (Micah 6:8)
- Pray that he will love mercy. (Micah 6:8)
- Pray that he will walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
May we, as Christians, be a unifying force in our nation. Let us display the mighty power of God to bring together those in disagreement for we serve a King who is greater than any other earthly ruler.
