While there are many pastors making headlines with spirited Election Day sermons (echoing pastors of the 18th and 17th centuries), far too many pastors hide their voices under a bushel by taking a passive role in politics.

Pray for your fellow intercessor.

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But could there be a wave of transformation coming? Two intercessors from Missouri and Texas share testimonies of how God moved their pastors from a spirit of timidity to a spirit of power (2 Tim. 1:7).

Report from Missouri Intercessor

I talked and prayed about asking my pastor to boldly encourage people to vote NO on Amendment 3. I previously felt God urging me to write to our pastor. I had done that once and he sent me the church policies on not supporting a candidate. So, this time I pointed out that there were other things on the ballot, namely Amendment 3, and provided some verses. Here is what I wrote:  

Earlier today I was on a prayer call with several other Missouri residents. We were praying about Amendment 3, which is on the ballot in Missouri on Nov. 5. I understand our church has policies on voting and I reread the policies, which you sent to me on August 1, 2024. The language in these policies is directed toward voting for a presidential candidate.

This year in addition to voting for a president, senator and representative, there are several amendments on the ballot. One amendment in particular weighs heavily on the hearts of many Christian citizens. Amendment 3 addresses abortion and has some vague language about reproductive rights. If Amendment 3 is passed, abortion would be enshrined in the Missouri Constitution. It would also open the door to permit sex-change surgeries, even for minors.

Once something is changed in our constitution it is very hard to undo it. I heard the comment recently, “Not to vote against something is a vote for it.” That’s scary but true, I think. I was listening to a message today about this issue and the pastor mentioned Proverbs 6:16-19. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil…” This might be the strongest argument I have heard against abortion. 

During our prayer time, I felt the Lord pushing me toward being more vocal about this issue. Sometimes [we are] faced with saying things that are true but not easy to hear … one day we will stand before God, and we will answer for what we did and did not do during our lives. I feel it is important to stand up for life. I pray you do too. Thanks for listening.  

This past Sunday, our pastor addressed the congregation before his sermon. He asked that the QR codes for sample ballots for the election be put up on the screens. He encouraged us to pray, to vote and to love our neighbors. After the initial encouragement, he specifically addressed Amendment 3 and our responsibility to support life. I was thrilled. On Monday, I sent him an email thanking him. He responded by thanking me for the nudge.  

I thank God and the Holy Spirit for their influence.

Report from Texas Intercessor

About nine years ago, I began attending my current church. As the elections of 2016 approached, the pastor revealed his extreme dislike for Donald Trump. He declared from the pulpit that it did not matter who you voted for and invited people from the LGBTQ community to attend. They came. I did not want to attend the church. I often cried on the way home. I asked the Lord if I could leave. He forbade me and told me this was an assignment in intercession. Eight years of intercession were centered on Ephesians 1:17-22, Ephesians 2:4-6, and praying in the Spirit. It was very hard, and I fought mountains of unbelief through the years, but the Holy Spirit sustained me as I obeyed Him.   

In the spring of this year, my pastor got behind the pulpit as a changed man. He began to preach about voting for the platform that aligns with God’s Word. He put the platforms side by side on the big screen and exposed all the wickedness of the left. He amplified the godliness of the right. He set up tables to make sure no one in his church was unregistered to vote, provided the forms, and paid the postage himself. The transformation of this precious man is astounding.

He has preached God’s word again and again about the LGBTQ community and they have all left our church. He was never unkind; he just preached God’s Word without compromise. When he stands at the door after service, both of our eyes fill with tears as I hug him. No words are necessary. God has transformed him, and our church is growing as always happens when God is glorified. There are no words to express how grateful I am to God for what He has done in my pastor and church.

Are you sharing with your pastor what you receive in prayer? How are you praying for your spiritual leaders?

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