Next-Generation Participation Critical in America’s Elections
This article was originally published by the Stream.
By Bunni Pounds
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of the world around us, and one of the most significant ways we can fulfill this responsibility is participating in the democratic process. The Founders of this nation gave us a gift of electing our representatives, and electing righteous leaders is a clear way that we can love our neighbors well.
With each election cycle, we witness the profound impact our votes can have on our nation’s present and future. Just look at our current immigration problems and the crisis on our southern border, national security, inflation, the destabilization of the American dollar, or the continued indoctrination of our children through government schools as concerning gender ideology.
It is increasingly evident that the next generation must actively shape the political landscape and get involved — as soon as possible. Engaging Christian young people in our governmental process is not just wisdom; it is a moral imperative grounded in our faith. We must pass on what we know to those who follow us.
A Call to Stewardship Makes Sense to Young Adults
The Bible emphasizes the importance of stewardship in various forms. From the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to the call to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31), we are reminded that our resources, including our voices and votes, are to be used for the common good.
The next generation has unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and fresh energy that can help address the challenges our society faces. By participating in elections, young people can exercise their God-given authority to influence the world positively.
As they do, they can decide how they want to lead.
Do they want to continue on the paths of the Baby Boomer generation — always “stumbling toward utopia” but instead creating a nightmare for families, as Tim Goeglein of Focus on the Family states in his latest book? Do they want a strong or weak national defense? Where do they think real prosperity comes from — capitalism or socialism?
Will they realize through good Christian teaching and discipleship that they are called to carry the heart of God, that they are the hands and feet of Jesus, and that they are the “salt and the light” (Matthew 5) of the world?
I personally have found that Gen Z is uniquely dissatisfied with the stagnant nature of their generation, consumed with social media. When you plant a vision in their hearts for leadership, they grab hold of it.
Empowering Young People to Speak the Truth
In our constitutional republic, every voice matters. Young people bring new insights and experiences that can enrich our political dialogue. By participating in elections and campaigns, they can advocate for policies that align with their values and vision for the future.
The Body of Christ through local churches also emphasizes the importance of community and unity by bringing generations together. When young people engage in the electoral process, they can join like-minded, older individuals to create a collective impact. The Bible encourages us to work together for the good of our faith communities (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) — and what better way to serve together than through civic engagement?
Their young voices matter, and they can lead. The Apostle Paul emphasized the power of godly young people in ministry in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” When they do that, they can cause the older folks to want to pursue God more by stirring them to righteousness.
The Power of Their Influence
Statistics reveal a concerning trend: Younger voters tend to vote less often than older generations. This disengagement can result in a political landscape that does not reflect their values and needs. By not voting, they allow others to decide their future — and relegate their responsibilities and influence to others.
As Christians, we are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). By actively participating in elections, the next generation can ensure that their voices are heard and that their faith influences the public sphere. Christian young people can advocate for candidates and policies that align with biblical values. They can “speak the truth in love” to their generation (Ephesians 4:15). They can be counted.
At the end of 2019, Christians Engaged started building a “get out the vote” system for believers in Texas that in 2022 swept to all 50 states. Our pledge to pray, vote, and engage, inviting Americans to steward their civic responsibilities, intentionally focuses on young voters and those who have never voted. Through more than 160 churches where we have spoken or conducted trainings we have seen young people come alive by understanding the power of their influence. Regardless of our age, the truth that every vote matters ignites a spark that can help revive our nation.
The Role of Education and Mentorship
Engaging young people in the electoral process also requires education. Churches and Christian organizations can play a crucial role in equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and fashion future leaders for our communities. We need to train them to understand the electoral process, to research their ballots and candidates, and discuss the moral implications of various policies with them.
Christians Engaged’s 1630 initiative invites young people to grow in their understanding of the political process by providing a trip for selected students to Washington, D.C. We look for individuals who have governmental, political, or ministry calls on their lives, who have never been to the nation’s capital, to explore our history and gain a vision for their future efforts.
We also provide eight free national curriculum projects to every young adult between the ages of 16 and 30, including our campaign school. When they apply, we learn about their gifts and callings and try to mentor them into their place of influence. This is an intentional discipleship effort to teach them about the power of prayer, voting, and engagement for their generation.
By fostering a culture of informed citizenship, we can help young people recognize their role as advocates for change and impact. Bible studies, youth groups, and community forums can serve as platforms for discussing how faith intersects with civic engagement. We simply can’t shy away from talking about America and their civic duties within those forums. The preparation that we give them now will empower them to navigate complex issues with discernment and conviction.
The Role of Faith in Politics
As Christians, we must acknowledge that our faith informs our values and, by extension, our political choices. The next generation should be encouraged to view their political participation as an extension of their faith. We can’t just vote. Voting in and of itself is not holy. We must vote the Bible — choosing policies and leaders who will uphold and promote those policies. (Check out the Christians Engaged 2024 General Election — Biblical Roadmap to the Party Platforms).
This means seeking candidates who align with biblical principles, advocating for policies that promote human dignity, and working toward a more just society.
As we look to the future of America, we must encourage the next generation to participate in elections and the political process — especially Christian young people who are actively being discipled in the Word of God. Their involvement is crucial for ensuring that our republic remains strong.
Let’s pray for the next generation, encouraging them to step forward with confidence and conviction. As they engage in the democratic process, may they be guided by their faith, the Word of God, and commitment to making a difference in our nation. When young believers take their place as active participants in impacting the nation, fulfilling their calling as stewards of God’s creation, the future becomes that much brighter.
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