There was a time in my youth when I was completely disengaged from anything political. I felt that almost everything in the political realm was tainted and full of deception, greed, and used God’s name in vain for personal power and influence. I justified my disengagement because Jesus warned against the “leaven of Herod,” which at the time I believed to clearly be pointing to the political spirit (Mark 8:15). I thought, “How else could this be applied today except to stay away from politicians and human government entirely?” I felt that my time and energy were best spent simply sharing the Good News about how to get to heaven. I don’t really know where that concept took root in the church in general, but possibly in part through some Anabaptist tradition and scriptural misapplication or ignorance. As I reflect upon that time, I really wonder whether I could have skipped that season of my life if I had simply possessed a better biblical foundational understanding of godly government and biblical directives concerning Christian engagement in the political sphere.

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1. Pray for National Religious Broadcasters v. Bessent to Prevail

Before we look more closely at biblical reasoning, I need to mention one of the largest stumbling blocks to most ministries. I am, however, going to largely skip past the discussion on the Johnson Amendment and only touch on the concept of the “Separation of Church and State” enough to highlight how both are misunderstood and misused. The main reason for this is that we don’t, as Christians, ultimately get our directives from tax code provisions. Neither do we follow a modernized, cultural understanding (even if it is American) that isn’t supported by Scripture. I will mention that Intercessors for America is a plaintiff in a major legal challenge (National Religious Broadcasters v. Bessent) to the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment that currently is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; the U.S. Justice Department has submitted a brief in favor of the original settlement that U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker too hastily threw out. IFA has a prayer guide that walks us through how to effectively pray about this decision, and David Kubal wrote a great article that outlines its importance. 

IFA reposted a writing from IFA’s good friend, Dutch Sheets – a commentary on the Myth of Church/State Separation. There is also a decent article on what the Founders Really Meant by “Separation of Church and State” by CBN, republished by IFA. Instead, I want to take you on a journey with me to examine more closely the biblical reasons why pulpits and churches should be more involved in politics and how many Christians are waking up to a fuller revelation of Scripture that moves them into greater political engagement in a way that is godly.

2. Pray that Pulpits Preach the Whole Counsel of God

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (the fraternal complement to the Women’s Aglow Fellowship) is an organization that saw the need to not only bring the message of the Gospel into the marketplace (later known as the 7 Mountains), but to not leave out the accompanying fruits of the Gospel and the supernatural work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in their message and practice: the “full” Gospel. This was a practical outworking of Christ’s command in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to perpetuate the observance of everything that Christ taught His disciples to do, which certainly carries the idea of doing the works of Jesus and “greater works” (John 14:12). Later, the Apostle Paul was clear to the Ephesian elders that he did not want to cherry pick verses and principles in Scripture that were convenient for him, that helped him maintain a larger following, maintained his donor base, or that were the most palatable for the congregation. Instead, he did not shrink from declaring to [them] the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27 ESV). This means that if pastors and teachers are studying faithfully and correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15 AMPC), then they won’t leave anything out. They will teach on more than just the cornerstone of faith: the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord (1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Peter 3:18,19) that delivers us who believe from the literal, eternal, and torturous fires of hell (2 Thess. 1:6-9; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:11; Rev. 20:10,15).

They will teach about Creationism and the diluvian flood (Gen. 7; 2 Peter 2:5); the purpose of the Mosaic Law (Rom. 3:20; 5:20; 1 Tim. 1:8) and how the Old Testament still has relevance to Christians when used lawfully (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:8); and God’s eternal, unbreakable promises to Israel (Ps. 105:8-11; Joel 3:2; Acts 17:26; Rom. 11:28; Rom. 9:4, 5; 1 Sam. 12:22; Ezek. 36:22; Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13).

They won’t shy away from social issues of our time, like sex/gender (which traditionally meant the same thing) and marriage (Gen. 1:27, reemphasized by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-5). They will emphasize how Life begins at conception (Ps. 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5; Ps. 127:3) and the modern relevance, historical accuracy, and inerrancy of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 12:6; Prov. 30:5; John 10:35; Matt. 5:18; Isa. 40:8). They certainly will cover the end times that we are currently living in. Those in the pulpit have a divine directive to assist their listeners with understanding the times and seasons that we are living in (Eccl. 3:1; 1 Chron. 12:32; Dan. 11:32).

All of these certainly necessitate a thorough survey and deep investigation of the Sacred Text like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). The only reason I’ve witnessed well-meaning preachers dismiss portions of Scripture from having relevance today is because they either don’t know how to properly apply what has been written, or else they lack individual, personal experience with the revelation of the text and so they wrongfully relegate it to only being applied in a different time in history. They end up nullifying the principle stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 due to their own, limited personal human tradition or experiences (Mark 7:13).

Maybe it goes without saying, but I feel the need to pause and to specify that, when I say ”pastors” and “churches” should be more involved in politics, I mean that Bible-preaching and Bible-practicing pastors and churches should be more involved in the government realm. I do not at all mean to indicate woke pastors, progressive theologians, or those teachers who intentionally distort or twist the Word of God to mean something other than what the text clearly means (2 Peter 3:16; 2 Cor. 4:2; 2 Cor. 2:17; Prov. 30:5-6). May these false teachers cut off their own influence and capacity to reproduce their own vile teachings as their folly becomes clear to everyone (Gal. 5:12; 2 Tim. 3:9).

Along with the previously mentioned doctrinal list (and many other sometimes-overlooked topics), preachers need to engage their congregants in complete-Bible teaching (Heb. 5:12; Heb. 6:1-2). This most certainly includes a biblical understanding of government, civil service, and civic duty. This was what could have prevented a detour in my life: the whole counsel of God. If you have a pastor or Bible teacher who already does this, thank them for me!

3. Pray that (Men Especially) Get Involved in Politics 

David Kubal has been canvassing, traveling the country with his book and this core message: how to impact generations and influence the future of nations through strategic prayer, fasting, and biblical civic engagement. He highlights the promise of Genesis 22:17: that Abraham’s descendants would “possess the gates of the enemy.” This is most certainly not only a promise to us today, but a directive to occupy seats of decision-making in our communities, states, and nation. Proverbs 31 is famous for outlining the characteristics of a virtuous woman (which I believe demonstrates what is possible through grace and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, rather than a divine checklist). But there is one nugget in there for men: Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land (Prov. 31:23 NIV). He takes his place among those who make important decisions for his city and region. He sits among them and makes his perspective known, so that just decisions are made, his city and region are safe, and his community can thrive and prosper. The virtuous man possesses the gates of his enemies — the places currently occupied by those with anti-Christian values and agendas. I would not at all presume to indicate that women should not be involved in politics (God knows there is plenty in Scripture to support that as well), but I do believe in our time that godly men need to step up and be more engaged with decision-making for themselves, their family, and their communities. Being a virtuous woman or man means that we take our light into the realms of political and social influence.

And if that isn’t personal enough for some, note this:

Seek peace [shalom] and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace (Jer. 29:7 AMP).

Consider the inverse of this promise: if you don’t seek the shalom of your city, then you live in the lack of peace that you failed to bring: you sleep in the bed that you made. He has called us to not only make disciples and be fishers of men, but to disciple nations (Matt. 28:19).

Politics is messy, difficult, and unwelcoming. It requires keen discernment and the Spirit’s filling. It’s not easy. Anyone who has stepped foot into a political race understands this. It is not for the faint of heart. A friend of mine (who is also a Montana legislator) said he believes, “It is the only game that’s made for adults,” which is a quote he may have appropriated from the 1982 play The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard. Most people don’t want to touch it with a ten-foot pole. Christians, who are often overly concerned about their public appearance and scared to make mistakes for fear of “ruining their testimony” or what they mistakenly believe to be an “appearance of evil,” find excuses to be uninvolved. And don’t get me started with the atrocious numbers of Christians who don’t even vote. It’s an arena where a verse like this needs to be fully grasped and applied: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong (1 Cor. 16:13). What I would also say is that it is worth it. I see and hear about more people stepping out of their roles as businessmen/women, radio talk show hosts, farmers, teachers, soldiers, lawyers, and even pastors to run for office. Not because it is convenient, not because the world is celebrating that decision, not because of the alleged fame or fortune (which is dubious anyways), but because they felt a tug in their spirit that they needed to do something to bring shalom to their town for a future generation (1 Peter 1:12; Ps. 78:4-7) and they intuitively (or directly) had some kind of revelation about possessing a gate.

4. Pray for a Revelation about the Purpose of Government

One of the misunderstandings I had was how the purpose of civil government (and its enforcement) is different from how the Gospel (“Good News”) functions. I was told by some that the Kingdom is “upside down,” and it was overemphasized to me how the “kingdom is not of this world” (Jesus’ words in John 18:36). Certainly, the core of the Gospel is about grace and how Christ paid it all for our complete forgiveness for all of our wrongdoings. But if we stop there in our biblical exegesis, does that mean we should advocate for no civil order? That would also imply that a Christian should never be a cop or a soldier. Should we otherwise relegate the message of the Gospel and the sovereign hand of God to take care of everything on their own, and that everything that precipitates is the “sovereign will of God,” predestined toward however “fate” may direct? I believe that Isaiah prophesied about following this line of foolish, idolatrous fatalism:

What will I, the Lord, do if any of you reject me and my holy mountain? What will happen to you for offering food and wine to the gods you call “Good Luck” and “Fate”? Your luck will end! I will see to it that you are slaughtered with swords. You refused to answer when I called out; you paid no attention to my instructions. (Isaiah 65:11-12)

How then does the Gospel relate to the government? As Everett expressed to Delmar in O Brother, Where Art Thou? when Delmar insisted that he was completely redeemed and baptized (despite being a fugitive from the law), “That’s not the issue, Delmar. Even if that did put you square with the Lord, the State of Mississippi’s a little more hard-nosed.” 

I didn’t see the other hand of God at work through civil order, nor my role in affecting it. Human government is an extension of the law — a necessary law that works as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24). In a similar way (but with some important distinctions), parents in a household provide a “micro-government” that disciplines and corrects their children in hopes that they will embrace the power and grace of Jesus for their lives (Prov. 13:24; Heb. 12:7-11). The divine institution of government was established after the Flood (although some might argue that self-government was established from the beginning in the Garden) as a deterrent to evil, to put a restraint on wickedness in order to protect the innocent (Gen. 9:6; 2 Thess. 2:6-7) and to direct every evil heart to the one place they could find rescue from the curse: the future Messiah (promised in Gen. 3:15). Among other things, human government also allows us to distinguish killing (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4) from murder (Exod. 20:13) through a potential divine gateway of justice. It functions differently from the work of the Cross. 

5. Pray for Godly Government

Not only is government a divine necessity, but government also needs to be godly. If you were part of the passengers on a ship carrying you and your family to the New World, and you were granted the opportunity to have a say in who captains the ship, wouldn’t you want to? Even more so, if you had some experience in sailing and felt up to the task, wouldn’t you volunteer your skills and ability to ensure a safe journey? Would you delegate the safety and security of your loved ones to the unknown or fatalistically allow a cruel, abusive, unskilled person to man the ship you were on? How much more should those who are godly desire sound, righteous leadership at the helm of the “American Ship” that we are all sailing on, or even our state or local community? 

The ancient Israeli King David’s last words included a charge for government rulers to uphold justice and to fear the Lord (2 Samuel 23:3). We know, as intercessors, it is the will of God and our duty to pray for godly government to prevail in every society. The evidence of this kind of government is clearly laid out in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: It brings civil order, stability, and prosperity: peace (shalom) and quiet for the innocent (those leading godly and holy lives). It opens doors of freedom for the Gospel to advance (that all may come to a “knowledge of the truth”). According to Romans 13:1-6, this kind of government maintains clear governing authority that commands respect not only to collect tax revenue, but to put down rebellion, lawlessness, and injustice. It also adequately and fairly maintains a sword of wrath against evildoers (both individuals and nations) in order to protect the innocent. First Peter 2:13-15 also undergirds this by emphasizing our duty to demonstrate respect and honor to those in political positions, rather than washing our hands of politics while wrongfully demonizing the entire political field. In all the discussion about how to be “heavenly-minded” when I was younger, I had lost sight of how to be “of earthly good.” I needed a refresher on the ideas of being salt and light (Matt. 5:13-15) to help preserve culture and keep it from rotting morally and spiritually. 

The godly are called “salt” for a reason — to help preserve culture, in order to keep it from rotting and going bad. We help to add flavor and make life on Earth more palatable. We are also light — called to stand up bravely and shine brightly. But if we isolate ourselves from certain spheres of influence (like Hollywood or Capitol Hill), then we are not helping to bring a Kingdom culture that preserves society from breaking down and falling into chaos. Like Daniel, Esther, and Joseph, God has placed key individuals in our time throughout our cities, states, and countries in order to save people alive. They carry a general grace and spiritual gift of administration that helps oversee large spheres of people and their physical and spiritual well-being, so they can (at least) survive long enough to merely hear about Jesus and His Good News and have the opportunity to accept Him. That’s the key that I was missing — the connection between things that seem temporal, but really can affect eternity significantly. He rains upon the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:45) and brings food to every creature (Ps. 136:25). If He cares about the physical needs of individuals, certainly He cares about the well-being of a nation.

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Prov. 14:34 NLT)

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is destroyed (Prov. 11:10,11 NIV)

The Lord makes a similar point here — that godliness will bring blessing and prosperity to a nation, or even a city/region. But sin will bring shame and disgrace. If God only cared about godliness in individuals (and not government), then why would He make this statement at all? The point is that godliness in individuals (due to their faith in Christ) naturally results in a better community and society. The overall health and well-being of the nation improve simply because there are Christians who choose to live out their faith in practical ways in the spheres of culture and intentionally bless (instead of curse) their cities and nations. Jesus’ righteousness in them causes them to live fruitful lives that bless the world around them, making the nation great again.

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. (Psalm 125:3 NIV)

Just like the ship analogy, it is also God’s will for righteousness to hold the helm of governing authority in the land, rather than for wicked rulers to oppress the populace. He takes down rulers and puts others up (Dan. 2:21), so that His sovereign plan will be fulfilled, and so that righteous people are not forced to or are otherwise inadvertently partaking in decisions that are evil. For instance, God doesn’t want our tax dollars being spent to kill innocent unborn babies. We stand upon this declaration as a promise for Him to exalt righteousness in the land and to remove wickedness from holding a scepter over it.

6. Pray for Wisdom and Ask God How He Wants Your Church or You Individually to be Involved in Civil Service

It’s one thing to pray for such a government to prevail in your city. And we certainly should. First Timothy 2 emphasizes intercession for government as of primary importance. We can be involved in praying for our cities with local prayer groups, state-wide prayer calls, national prayer calls, and even daily personal prayer times or devotions that highlight specific people to pray for who are involved in political races or positions.

It is quite another to put feet to your prayers and do something that God is calling you to do to bring about the fulfillment of your own prayers. There are many great organizations that are praying for transformation in America at this time. But I guarantee, in some form or fashion, you are the answer to your own prayers to see your city or region ultimately changed. 

Without question, the Lord maintains a political dominance over all the nations (Ps. 96:10; Ps. 2), but that doesn’t give us permission to abdicate our personal responsibility to see God’s will fulfilled by co-laboring with Him (1 Cor. 3:9). There are times when even ungodly, secular kings and those in authority have bowed their knee to His sovereign reign, while prohibiting their subjects from speaking against the God of Israel (Dan. 3:28-29; 6:26-27), because God demonstrated His power and wisdom through those who had been brought into places of political authority and influence: (Joseph, Daniel, Esther) for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Some of them served, not of their own will and choice, but because God had called them. There are many facets to civil service; the most obvious one is to vote. But maybe God is calling you (or someone in your congregation) to run for school board, central committee, state legislature, a township position, city council, mayor, governor, or even Congress. Even if you don’t personally feel called to run, maybe you are called to assist someone else who is — donating time, energy, resources to help them win and follow through with them to help them execute the duties of their office well. Those who run can’t do it alone and really could often use a church community backing them, or at least encouraging them. Maybe your church can host a day that helps voters register to vote. The Muslims are already doing it by the thousands in Houston in mosques. Maybe you or other church members can be poll workers. Maybe you are great at writing letters to the editor in support of a candidate or speaking out about issues in your community or state. You can contact elected officials (on both sides of the aisle) and let them know you’re praying for them. You could start or sign petitions or initiatives that help bring about real change that is needed. 

Prayer for Our Cities:

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isa. 58:12 NIV)

Sacred Father, we welcome You and Holy Spirit into this place. Let Your shalom rest here. We ask for Your favor and full blessing to settle permanently upon the Mayor, the City Council, the city of __________[insert your city here], all its departments, and the whole of this region and the surrounding Native American nations. 

We ask You, LORD Jesus Christ, the God of glory, to make them intelligent and discerning in knowing You personally and intimately, their eyes focused and clear, so that they can see exactly what it is You are calling them to do, to grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life You have for those who trust You! Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous. Make this city a place of Your habitation and of Your dwelling. 

We ask You to father this city, to bring creative knowledge, wisdom, revelation, and understanding. Bless the work of every hand to do good and be productive. We pray for a return to sound thinking, trust, and honor toward You. So, we pray for You to bless its agriculture, livestock, and industry; entertainment, business, education, government, and media. Bless the population to be healthy, strong, and whole in mind, body, soul, and spirit–free from addictions and all sicknesses, cancers, disease, and every disabling element. We want to be known as a community of strong families.

You have made it special and unique. Redeem it and cause it to arise to its destiny and calling, and reach its fullest potential. Carry unto completion every single good intent that You have conceived here. Bring loving correction and freedom from every hindrance. We plead the blood of Jesus over it and ask You to purge every dark and devious element. Break poverty and release generosity. Restore fathers to their families; heal marriages, stop abuse, abandonment, and divorce. Break down fruitless and dead traditions, corrupt ideas, over-competition, and fear-based paradigms. End vicious rumors, libel, and slander. Uproot illicit, dishonorable, and immoral practices, lawlessness, theft, greed, mammon, abuse, and exploitation. Place Your shield of protection over this community from every violation and danger, torment, disease, fire, and other natural disasters, accidents, calamities, social upheaval, terrorism, and every evil. Instead, plant honorable, forward-thinking commerce, and a healthy economy that is fair, productive, generous, decent, vibrant, community-minded, caring, full of tenacious faith and hope, creativity, and ingenuity. Cause it to thrive and prosper; bring health and wholeness to this area in every way. May Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. For to You alone is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

How is God calling you to put your faith into action in your community? Share your thoughts and prayers in the comments!

Brian M. Friess is an educator, small business owner, and Montana State Prayer Leader for IFA. He grew up in northwest Montana, completed college studies in the Midwest, East Coast, and Jerusalem, Israel, and later earned a Master’s degree in Secondary Science Education in 2020. Brian and his wife have four daughters and serve their local community through education, prayer, worship, and family life. He enjoys music, the outdoors, hunting, skiing, and exploring God’s creation. Photo Credit: liveslow/Getty Images.