It’s an election year.

And I’m curious… What kind of effect will this have on your ministry with students?

Have you thought about it?

For many of our students, this year’s elections will be the first chance they’ll have to vote for the Office of the President of the United States. It’s a big deal… regardless of what we personally might think.

And I believe we have a critical responsibility to our students, during this highly formative season of life, to help them explore the intersection of faith and politics.

Yep. That’s what I said. We have a responsibility to our students in this election year to help them see how these two worlds need to be held in tension with one another.

And I wonder if we’re willing to have the kinds of challenging conversations that often surround politics (in and of itself), let alone adding faith to that mix, such that our students might be formed and transformed throughout the process?

Many students today are putting their faith into action in ways that serve (and seek to bring about change) in their local communities, or localized communities around the globe, but have we talked to them about getting involved at a more macro level? Have we encouraged them to influence decision and change at the systemic level of both local and national governments — in addition to the great work they’re doing at the micro level?

Do we believe that this is something our faith (or their faith) should compel us to do… or not?

Do we believe this is our place, as pastors to students, to encourage them to engage… or not?

Are we willing to initiate this oft-charged conversation and run the risk of finding ourselves at odds with some (or even most) of our students?

Will we be able to talk with our students objectively, without forcing them to think the way(s) that we do… or not?

Are we politically informed enough, ourselves, to be worthwhile conversation partners for our students?

A lot more questions than answers, I know… But I want to hear from you about this!

What do you think?