Michael Demastus
Executive Pastor - Fort Des Moines Church of Christ
Ten Ways for a Pastor to Shepherd a Candidate and Their Staff:
When I moved to Iowa in 1998, I did not realize how important the state actually was in the political ecosystem. But being a Pastor in Iowa means your likelihood of meeting political candidates (particularly Presidential candidates) rises dramatically. Having been in this state now for nearly three decades, I have intentionally decided to make the most of the opportunities God has granted me with these political candidates and their staff.
Getting a selfie with a candidate is fine. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But leveraging the Gospel’s influence in the lives of these candidates and their staff is of far greater value. You don’t have to live in Iowa to be able to shepherd a political candidate, by the way. Your city’s mayor needs a Shepherd as well.
So, these ten items I am going to share are just helpful arenas that I have discovered to share the light and love of the Gospel of Christ into their lives. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a helpful guide for a Pastor who wants to be intentional about Shepherding those in office or those seeking office.
Remind the candidate and their staff…
1. Seek God first every day.
Just like any believer, unhurried Scripture focus and prayer must come before anything else.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33
2. Stay planted in a real church.
For the candidate and their staff, worship with ordinary believersis critical, not just campaign crowds. Even though the schedule for those running for office can become unimaginably stacked, prioritizing Sunday worship is a must.
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25
3. Keep honest accountability outside the race.
The candidate and their staff need to invite mature Christians who have no stake in their win to speak freely into their lives.The political arena needs spiritual oversight.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17
4. Guard your family as sacred ground.
It is vital that they protect time with their spouse and children above their ambition. We have all heard the stories of candidates who had failed marriages. We must gently remind them that their family is their number one priority even above their race for office.
“For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” — 1 Timothy 3:5
5. Choose humility over celebrity.
Remember office is temporary stewardship, not identity. A person’s reputation is a sacred trust. Arrogance and pride may be the normal currency of the political arena, but being a child of God means ditching pride and embracing humility.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6
6. Let Scripture filter every decision.
Refuse moral shortcuts even when they cost votes. The temptations to cut moral corners will be relentless for a candidate and their staff. We need to remind them who it is they actually serve.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105
7. Silence the noise of polls and praise.
Their worth rests in Christ, not headlines. The applause of the crowd is much more appealing than the applause of heaven in the political arena. We need to remind them that who they are becoming is more important than what a crowd may think of them.
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10
8. Seek Godly counsel before big moves.
It is vital that they listen to pastors and mature believers, not just strategists and consultants. Being political savvy is one thing; being wise and righteous is of far greater value.
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” — Proverbs 15:22
9. Practice confession, gratitude, and rest.
Help the candidate and their staff to quickly own sin, give thanks, and keep a weekly Sabbath. They are no different than any other congregant we shepherd in this regard.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
10. Hold office loosely and live for eternity.
Help them to run to be faithful more than to win a temporary office.
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” — Matthew 16:26
Do these ten things, and you will be “redeeming the time” in their lives. And, if you so desire, get a selfie as well!
