Politics and Discipleship

Politics and discipleship–do they go together? How should church leaders approach politics? Well, politics and discipleship do relate, but not necessarily the way that some of us as Jesus followers think. Because of the division and confusion about this subject, we at BOW called for help for this highly partisan election year. Author Kaitlyn Schiess joins Kelley Mathews to discuss what having a healthier and more biblical approach to politics would look like.

Whether you’re a church leader, a mentor or a parent, Kaitlyn can help you learn to communicate and assess political questions in a less strident way. Kaitlyn doesn’t tell us how to vote, but instead she discusses about how to think and talk about this subject well.

This episode is also available on video if you prefer.

Politics & Discipleship Suggested Resources

Kaitlyn Schiess, The Liturgy of Politics, https://www.amazon.com/Liturgy-Politics-Spiritual-Formation-Neighbor/dp/0830848304

Kaitlyn Schiess, The Ballot and the Bible, https://www.amazon.com/Ballot-Bible-Scripture-American-Politics/dp/1587435969/

Vincent Bacote, The Political Disciple, https://www.amazon.com/Political-Disciple-Theology-Public-Ordinary/dp/0310516072/

Michael Wear, The Spirit of Our Politics, https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Our-Politics-Spiritual-Renovation/dp/0310367190/

Connect with Kaitlyn on these podcasts:

The Holy Post Podcast, https://www.holypost.com

Curiously, Kaitlyn, https://www.holypost.com/curiously

Timestamps

0:32 – Introduction
1:19 – Why politics and faith?
4:35 – Who needs this conversation?
8:00 – How can church leaders/small group leaders, etc. approach politics in a healthy way?
12:34 – What are common challenges for pastors/leaders during election year?
16:47 – What are the deeper spiritual issues we need to grapple with?
17:16 – How would you address politics in a Bible study or small group?
22:19 – How is the Bible misused in our American culture?
27:40 – What would it look like for a church to have a healthy relationship with politics?
31:01 – Recommended resources
33:39 – Biblical instruction for our political lives