What Politicians Can Teach the Church

Everyone knows that you should keep politics out of the pulpit. Separation of Church and State, right? However, in observing the 2020 campaign season, there is much the church can learn from successful politicians about how to reach Generation Z and Millennial young adults. While there are often many things about politics and politicians the church should not emulate, here are few things that rising politicians can actually teach the church: 

Meet young generations where there are.

This campaign season, you could find some of the most well-known politicians all over the internet in some of the most surprising places: playing the sabotage video game “Among Us” over Twitch and Discord, hosting live chats and Q&A sessions on Facebook and Instagram, tweeting pictures of their dogs on Twitter, and even taking part in popular TikTok dances and memes. While your church probably doesn’t have a social media team of several dozen people to utilize every platform available, consider moving into one of the more prominent social media sites for younger generations. YouTube is good for video content and streaming, and Instagram is currently best for overall social engagement. 

Own your story.

Historically, many noted politicians have tried to gloss-over or even cover-up a part of their past that may not have been picture perfect. But a new era of politics has led to a more authentic and candid breed of politicians. For instance, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not shy away from the fact that her most recent job before becoming a member of Congress was as a waitress and bartender. In fact, she believes through her story, she connects with her constituents on a more personal level. As another example, in 2020 Mayor Pete Buttegieg was the first openly gay man to run as a Presidential candidate on a major party ticket. Whether it’s with politicians or with the church, Millennials and Generation Z would rather have your honest truth and vulnerability, even if it isn’t glamorous, than a polished public persona with no flaws. Don’t be afraid to own your story: your church’s humble beginnings, the truth about what you believe, and who are the (sometimes unglamorous) people that make up your church’s community.

Make the ask.

If there’s one thing politicians are not afraid to do, it’s ask for money! If you sign up for one email or text message, or volunteer for one call campaign, from then on you will be bombarded with requests for donations to their campaign. Yet in the church, pastors and leaders frequently get nervous and awkward when it comes time for the annual stewardship campaign. Maybe church leaders should think of themselves as politicians (the good kind!): You are asking for their money so that you can steward that money to make a difference in the world and in the local community, just as a politician would do. Millennials and Generation Z may not have much to give, but you will never know if you aren’t willing to make the ask.

Get into the community.

There’s one thing that all good politicians have in common: they know their community. They have spent a great deal of time among their constituents—in town hall meetings, knocking on doors, canvassing for votes, getting people registered to vote, and so on. They have listened to people’s stories and even sat through their complaints. Similarly, good pastors need to spend time getting into their own community as well. How else will they be able to know those they are trying to minister among and to? Millennials and Generation Z will have a greater appreciation for your church if you truly value and understand the community you are a part of, just as they respect politicians who truly care for their own communities.