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Christians in America today struggle to make sense of the relationship between politics and their faith. For some, these two issues are best kept at arms length. Faith isn't political and the church ought to stay out of politics. Nothing but trouble awaits us when Christians try to enter the political arena. For others, Christian faith means "getting involved," being informed about important issues, fulfilling our civic duty of voting, and using the political process for righteous ends. But all too often, the available options for such involvement are extremely limited—being a devout listener to this or that talk show, voting faithfully along party lines or according to this or that issue, and taking a stand on social media.

Are these the only ways we as Christians can be political? Is there a third way our discipleship to Jesus might be embodied when it comes to our citizenship? During this volatile election season, we invite you to seize this moment as an opportunity to cut through all the noise and rethink our politics in light of Jesus and his gospel. Here are some ways we plan to assit:

Sermon Series: Rethinking My Politics

Possible Book Clubs and Recommended Reading

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  • Fr. Brian Larsen Wells plans to host a book club on Reading While Black on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. via Zoom starting October 4. New Testament scholar and ACNA priest Esau McCaulley argues that reading Scripture from the perspective of Black church tradition is invaluable for connecting with a rich faith history and addressing the urgent issues of our times. Email Fr. Brian if you're interested.
  • Jonathan Stewart plans to host a book club on I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom starting October 12. The co-authors of this book, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, are two friends on opposite sides of the aisle who provide a practical guide to grace-filled political conversation while challenging readers to put relationship before policy and understanding before argument. Email him if you're interested.
  • Scott Huelin's book club will discuss the nature of the Church and its relationship to surrounding culture by reading Resident Aliens, a pivotal book that argues that churches should focus on developing Christian life and community rather than attempt to reform secular culture. The group will meet at Scott's backyard patio for three consecutive Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning October 18. Email Scott if you’re interested.

  • Who we are as a person is shaped by a number of things—our families, our backgrounds, our beliefs, and our daily routines. But when it comes to our political views, what are the things that shape us most? And what are the practices that we have assumed when it comes to thinking about our politics? This book group will explore the practices that we have consciously and unconsciously assumed when it comes to thinking about our politics. As we read The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, we’ll consider how the Church has historically thought about this topic and will be challenged to adopt disciplines that will inform our views on politics from a Kingdom-oriented perspective. Landon Preston will be hosting this book club on on Thursdays at noon over Zoom or lunch (if possible) staring October 22. Email him if you're interested.