For Pastors & Church Leaders
Barna found that 5 million more Christians would vote if their pastor simply asked them to. This is your permission slip — and your playbook.
Under IRS rules (Publication 1828, Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations), 501(c)(3) organizations — including churches — face real limits on partisan political activity. But far more is permitted than many pastors realize. The most common mistake is over-silencing the pulpit out of an abundance of caution. Here is what is actually allowed.
Pastors as individuals may endorse candidates on their personal time, on personal social media, or in their private capacity — but must make clear they are not speaking for the church.
Source: IRS — Political Campaign Intervention by 501(c)(3) Organizations. This is general information, not legal advice; consult counsel for your specific situation.
Sermon One
Text: Jeremiah 29:7
Hook: The Israelites did not want to be in Babylon. God told them to build, plant, marry — and, strikingly, to seek the welfare of the city that had conquered them. What does it look like to seek the welfare of our city today?
Point 1 — God cares about cities, not just souls. Cross-references: Jonah 4:11; Revelation 21:2. The gospel is cosmic; it touches neighborhoods, schools, laws, and leaders.
Point 2 — We are sent here. Jeremiah 29:7 says "the city where I have sent you." Not "where you ended up." Our civic life is an assignment, not an accident.
Point 3 — Our welfare and theirs are bound together. The text ties our flourishing to the city's flourishing. That dismantles the false choice between preaching the gospel and doing justice. We do both.
Application: Voting is one concrete way we seek the welfare of the city. So is praying for leaders (1 Tim 2:1–4), running for local office, showing up to a school board meeting, and knowing our neighbors' names.
Closing prayer: Lord, we live in exile from our true home, but you have sent us here to be a blessing. Teach us to seek the welfare of our city, to pray for its leaders, to participate in its life, and to trust that our welfare is bound up with the welfare of our neighbors. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Sermon Two
Text: Matthew 5:13–16
Hook: Salt and light don't do their work by staying in the jar or hiding under a basket. They do their work by being present where they're needed. What happens when Christians withdraw from the public square?
Point 1 — Salt preserves and seasons. It slows decay and adds flavor. Christians in civic life preserve what is good and add something distinctive — conviction tempered with compassion.
Point 2 — Light exposes and guides. It doesn't shout; it shines. Our public witness should be truthful about what is broken and about what is possible by grace.
Point 3 — The goal is God's glory, not our tribe's victory. "That they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Not: "that your side may win."
Application: Be present. Vote. Engage civilly. Speak truth. Love your neighbor across political lines — including people in your own pew who vote differently than you.
Closing prayer: Lord, make us salt and light — not loud, not bitter, not afraid. Let our engagement in public life point back to you. Amen.
Our church doesn't tell you how to vote. But we do believe voting is one way you seek the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:7) and love your neighbor (Luke 10).
Are you registered? Has your address changed? Has it been a while since you checked?
Scan the QR code or visit votersvoice.info/vote to check your registration in under two minutes. Then invite a friend to do the same.
Pray for our leaders. Seek the welfare of our city. Vote faithfully.
Father, we thank you that you are not surprised by elections. Before we cast our ballots, teach us to pray.
We pray for candidates — that they would govern with wisdom, justice, humility, and mercy.
We pray for voters — that we would seek your kingdom first, weigh issues prayerfully, and vote with a clear conscience.
We pray for our neighbors — especially those who will vote differently than we will — that we would love them as Christ has loved us.
We pray for our country — that we would pursue the common good above partisan victory.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Six open-ended, scripture-anchored questions to use with your small group, Sunday school, or family around the table.
Drop these into Instagram, Facebook, or your church's email. Keep the message consistent; keep the tone gracious.
"Your vote is one way you love your neighbor."
#ChurchVote · Luke 10
"We don't tell you how to vote. We ask that you show up."
#SeekTheWelfare · Jeremiah 29:7
"5 million more Christians would vote if a pastor asked. Consider this your ask."
#ChurchVote · Barna 2024
"An open door doesn't stay empty. Someone walks through. Make sure it's us."
#ChurchVote
Print this for your congregation. Sign it in service. Hang it on the refrigerator. A public commitment is a powerful act.
As a follower of Jesus, I commit to:
A short checklist to keep the message unifying, faithful, and legally safe.
Your flock is waiting for permission to care. Give it to them.