Our Posture of Political Engagement

PLifecentre will remain focused on keeping the gospel our main thing. As Canadians this does not mean we are apolitical, it means Lifecentre is not partisan – we do not affiliate with any political party.

Our conviction is that the church is at its best when it is both personal and prophetic (holding Biblical absolutes) in our nation. As this is a conviction and not an absolute, there can be kind disagreement or discussion surrounding our posture. Unity is learning how to be loving toward one another, especially in disagreement. How we disagree matters. It affects our testimony.

We do encourage personal and prophetic engagement regarding decisions, bills, or amendments with whomever holds office; whether it be at the municipal, provincial or federal levels of government. 

If you also choose to engage politically, below are what Scriptures teach us and a three helpful guidelines. Outside of participating in our democracy, which includes voting in municipal, provincial, or federal elections, we do encourage personal and prophetic political engagement.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.  (2 Tim. 4:2)

It is reasonable, fair and appropriate to disagree with comments from others, including political leaders. This includes disagreement regarding policies, bills, laws, worldviews, and visional direction for cities, provinces, and our country. Also, you may express deep concern all this and more. Ugliness, threats, insults, or slurs are not effective, nor the way of the gospel.

We are called to live out the fullness of Scripture – which has much to say about how we communicate, and our responsibility as followers of Jesus in this regard. Our words matter. What we engage is vital; how affects our testimony, in our nation.

The Bible tells us, as Ambassadors of Jesus, we shouldn’t let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph. 4:29) That we should be humble and gentle. (Eph. 4:2) That we are to be subject to rulers and authorities and not to slander anyone, but to be peaceable, considerate and gentle (Titus 3:1-2). Finally, it also instructs us to let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4: 6)

Here are a few helpful guidelines:

1. Pray prior to engagement. Ask the Lord for His heart towards both the policy and the person with whom you are engaging.
2. Engage respectfully and with understanding. You do not have to become an expert on everything, but a clear understanding of what you are engaging is essential. Respectful engagement includes online as well as in person. Do not demonize others with whom you disagree, even if you hold passionate disagreement. Remember how we communicate publicly matters.
3. Keep your hope rooted in Jesus. Whether your engagement leads to change, conversations, or it fails, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He reigns. Above all. In all, keep your hope in Jesus. His love never fails.