Politics and Preaching

I've found myself in a bit of a conundrum.

One of my congregation members is running for Sheriff of Austin County.  I admire this man.  He's family oriented.  He's Constable of the county, and he has gone out of his way to be visible in the community--attending football and basketball games to direct traffic, working with kids, and taking time to make sure our church's Halloween hayride has an escort around the community.

I support him with his campaign to become Sheriff.  However, I haven't publicly declared that I will cast my ballot for him--or any of the other candidates running for Sheriff (one whom happens to be my neighbor and another who I know well too).

There's a reason I haven't done so: my position as pastor in the community.  Cat Spring is a one church town.  As such, I am highly visible in all that I do as this congregation's pastor.  People watch what I do and listen to what I say (for better or worse).  Part of my calling is to proclaim the Gospel and then allow others to make choices based upon their understanding of that Gospel.  This includes the realm of politics.  In no uncertain terms am I to seek to persuade people to vote Democrat or Republican.  In no uncertain terms am I to endorse any candidate who runs for office.  This would be seen as violating the two kingdoms understanding of the Lutheran heritage.  It could--if I proclaimed such things from the pulpit--open my congregation up to investigation by the IRS.  It could also be seen as me using my influence to sway an election by making it seem like God prefers one candidate over another (as if I fully know  God's will as to which candidate should be elected to office).  It also could cause potential problems because if there are folks in my congregation who support one of the other candidates, I could be seen as alienating them.

Because of all these things, I will not and cannot endorse any candidate for office, even if that person is a member of my congregation.  It may sound harsh, but such is the role I believe I am called to.

Unfortunately, this also means I get stuck in some sticky situations at times.  I've been invited to attend a fundraiser for my member's campaign.  While I want to go to show my support, I also know this could be seen as a public endorsement.  Then, all those things above could come into play.

I'm going to have to decline the invitation: not because I don't want to go; not because I don't support my congregation member; but because as a preacher, I need to keep my distance from politics as much as I can.  I hope my folks understand.