How to Witness Through Civic Engagement

Should Christians concentrate on evangelizing the lost or advocating for justice? Should we focus on building houses of worship or homes for the poor? Should we lobby for laws protecting marriage or work on preventing divorce among Christians?

These are false choices, of course. Christians are called to bear witness to the kingdom of God and the new life that is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is good news that transforms every aspect of life.

Christians who are guided by biblical principles will form godly families, healthy churches, productive businesses and just governments. Our witness derives from the totality of our engagement — including, but not limited to our verbal proclamation of the gospel.

Evangelical political engagement has sometimes turned people away from Jesus. We have at times been known more for what we are against than what we are for. An aggressive, angry or dismissive tone is rarely effective either politically or evangelistically.

When we offer a positive, hopeful vision for the rich human flourishing that God intends for all, undergirded by biblical insight and careful analysis, couched in civil discourse, we attract people not only to our ideas, but more importantly to our Lord.

What is your agenda for the next administration? How can you be a part of the solution to the many challenges facing our nation? The contributors to this issue of NAE Insight offer their ideas. Now it’s up to you.

This article originally appeared in the NAE Insight.

National Association of Evangelicals