Election season is more than a storm of opinions — it can feel like a spiritual battleground. As a pastor, your congregation looks to you for wisdom that rises above the noise. How do you shepherd your church through this tumultuous time, keeping them focused on Christ while the world around them is consumed by politics? 

Leading a church through election season is no small task. The political climate can bring out both the best and worst in people. As a pastor, you play a unique role in guiding your congregation with wisdom, grace and a Kingdom-first perspective. 

Here are six key principles to help you pastor well in the midst of political chaos: 

Remind Your Church: Christ is the True King 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." – Luke 10:27a 

First and foremost, remind your congregation that their primary allegiance is to Christ, not to any political party or candidate. Politics matter, but they are not the ultimate priority. As Christians, our identity is rooted in Jesus and His Kingdom, which transcends any earthly government. 

NT Wright once said, "Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project, not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven." This is the Kingdom we belong to — a Kingdom where Christ reigns supreme. Encourage your members to seek God’s guidance in their political decisions, but to always stay focused on living out the Gospel in their daily lives. 

Foster Unity Over Political Uniformity 

"But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body ... so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." – 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, 25 

Election season can easily divide a congregation if political views overshadow the unity we have in Christ. It’s essential to foster an environment where different opinions are respected and where the love of Christ binds us together. 

Tim Keller captures this beautifully: "The gospel creates a bond of peace, across every possible barrier. If you understand the gospel deeply, you’ll love those who are different from you.” Remind your church that unity in the body of Christ is more important than uniformity in political opinions. Create space for open, respectful dialogue while steering clear of conversations that lead to division or hostility. Even Jesus’ disciples represented a broad spectrum of political opinions, from Simon the Zealot to Matthew the tax collector —yet they were united in following Christ. 

Be a Model Grace and Humility 

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." – Micah 6:8 

Your congregation will look to you as a model for navigating this season. Demonstrate grace, humility and a Christ-like attitude in all your interactions. Avoid endorsing political candidates from the pulpit, as this can alienate members who may not share the same views. Instead, focus on teaching biblical principles that guide political engagement — such as justice, mercy and love for our neighbors. 

As Martin Luther wisely noted, "God created the world out of nothing, and so long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us." Lead by example, showing your church that humility, not pride, is the path to true leadership. 

Address Relevant Issues With Wisdom 

"Love your neighbor as yourself." – Luke 10:27b 

While it’s wise to avoid direct political endorsements, there is a place for addressing issues that align with biblical teachings. Speak boldly on matters that intersect with faith, but do so in a way that invites reflection and action rather than alienating those with differing viewpoints. 

Your goal should be to encourage your congregation to think biblically about their civic duties, while maintaining their commitment to Christ’s teachings. Offer biblical perspectives on issues like justice, mercy and care for the vulnerable without letting the conversation devolve into partisan debates. As Ted Lasso quoted from Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgmental.” 

Call for Prayer and Discernment 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea ... Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." – Psalm 46:1-3, 10 

Lead your church in prayer during this season — not just for the election’s outcome, but for wisdom, discernment and peace. Encourage your congregation to pray for leaders across the political spectrum, remembering that God is sovereign over all. 

As 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Create opportunities for your church to come together in prayer, seeking God’s will for the nation and trusting His plan, regardless of the political landscape. 

Provide Pastoral Care for the Anxious 

"When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset." – Exodus 17:12 

Election season can stir up anxiety for many. Some may fear for the future, while others may feel overwhelmed by their civic responsibilities. Be sensitive to these feelings and offer pastoral care to those who are struggling. 

Remind them that regardless of the election’s outcome, God is in control, and His purposes will prevail. Encourage your congregation to find peace in His sovereignty and to trust in His ultimate plan. Connect them to community and resources for support. The division of this political climate can make people feel more isolated than ever. Provide opportunities for them to connect in authentic, grace-filled community. 

Guide with a Kingdom-First Perspective 

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." – Psalm 73:25-26 

As you guide your church through this election season, remember that your role is to lead with a Kingdom-first perspective. Help your congregation be salt and light in the world, engaging in the political process with integrity and faithfulness while keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus. 

Election season is an opportunity to demonstrate that our hope is not in earthly leaders, but in the King of Kings. Lead your church well by keeping Christ at the center and fostering a spirit of unity, prayer and love. 

In a time when everyone wants clear answers, it's okay to say, “I don't know, but I do know the One who holds it all.”