Current Theme | October 2026

Pastors, (Should We) Be Political?

A pastor’s job is to preach the gospel of the kingdom. But for years, we’ve been told that political involvement undercuts that calling. But what if the opposite is the case? What if the gospel thrives most when the church is boldest? If Christ really is Over All, then pastors must proclaim his authority over the political sphere. We must teach our flock to obey all that Christ commanded and to proclaim the Lordship of Christ to the rest of the world, too. Following the pattern of Scripture makes the pulpit political. And this month, that is our aim—to help pastors discern how and how not to be political.

Table of Contents

Idols for Destruction: The Conflict of Christian Faith and American Culture

By Herb Schlossberg • Concise Article • October 1
When most Americans think of concepts like humanitarianism and altruism, what comes to mind is goodwill and kindness. Herb Schlossberg argues that these ideas should be understood as a manifestation of something entirely different: ressentiment.

September Intermission: From the Law to Politics

By David Schrock • Concise Article • October 2
God's law teaches us what is righteous and what is wicked in laws, leaders, and liberty. But how far should pastors go in their political involvement?

Is Big Government Christian? A Review of James Baird’s King of Kings

By Levi Secord • Longform Essay • October 5th
Plato or Paul? See how Levi Secord defends his book "Servant Not Savior" in response to James Baird's arguments.

Too Small to Succeed: A Review and Response to Levi Secord’s Servant Not Savior

By James Baird • Longform Essay • October 5th
Despite their many points of agreement, James Baird takes a stand for his book "King of Kings" against Levi Secord's arguments.

5.51 Levi Secord & James Baird • Reading • Is Big Government Christian?: A Review of James Baird’s King of Kings/Too Small to Succeed: A Review and Response to Levi Secord’s Servant Not Savior

By Levi Secord & James Baird • Reading • October 6th
Plato or Paul? See how Levi Secord defends his book “Servant Not Savior” in response to James Baird’s arguments. • Despite their many points of agreement, James Baird takes a stand for his book “King of Kings” against Levi Secord’s arguments.

Pastors, Politics, and the Public Gospel

By Levi Secord & Tuezong Xiong • Concise Article • October 7th
Should pastors remain silent on politics to be "nice," or are they called to preach a public gospel that reaches even the highest government officials? The Bible offers a clear answer.

American Pulpits Should Be Better

By Shawn Graham • Concise Article • October 8th
We desperately need pastors who do not shy away from exposing the sins of our progressive culture and growing Islamic influence, but who boldly proclaim public righteousness. America's fate depends on it.

Bringing Religion into Politics: Five Things Pastors Owe to the Public Square

By Micael Clary • Longform Essay • October 12
Oftentimes pastors are praised for keeping politics out of their sermons. What if we told you that's actually a failure to shepherd God's flock?

5.52 Levi Secord, James Baird, & David Schrock • Interview • Is Big Government Christian?: A Review of James Baird’s King of Kings/Too Small to Succeed: A Review and Response to Levi Secord’s Servant Not Savior

By David Schrock, Levi Secord & James Baird • Interview • October 12th
Join David Schrock, Levi Secord, & James Baird for this lively discussion and debate on their two respective books dealing with matters of church and state

5.53 Michael Clary • Reading • “Bringing Religion into Politics: Five Things Pastors Owe to the Public Square”

By Michael Clary • Reading • October 14th
Oftentimes pastors are praised for keeping politics out of their sermons. What if we told you that’s actually a failure to shepherd God’s flock?

For God and Country: Why America Needs Good Chaplains

By Andy Schmitdz • Concise Article • October 14
One of society's most essential areas is the military; therefore, we need strong Christian influence. Chaplaincy fits this description. It is where the church and the military overlap. How can the church, and you as an individual, work to ensure that Christ is the Lord of our armies?

Politics, Gen Z, and the Messy Middle of American Evangelicalism

By Brandon Adkison • Concise Article • October 15
Do you feel politically homeless in theologically conservative churches? You're not alone. Conservatives often feel marginalized in otherwise faithful Christian communities. How should politically active Christians navigate this reality?

5.54 Michael Clary, Trent Hunter, & Stephen Wellum • Interview • “Bringing Religion into Politics: Five Things Pastors Owe to the Public Square”

By Michael Clary, Trent Hunter, & Stephen Wellum • Interview • October 16th
Listen in as Trent Hunter & Stephen Wellum interview Michael Clary on his latest COA Longform Essay, "Bringing Religion into Politics: Five Things Pastors Owe to the Public Square"

Stay in Your Lane, Pastor

By John Tramm & Eric Anderson • Concise Article • October 16
Should pastors stay in their lane? Or has the Lord called pastors to speak into every area of the Christian life and every danger that the sheep face?

Pastors and Politics

By Brandon Adkison • Concise Article • October 15
Struggling with if you should speak out politically from your pulpit? Politics is a thorny issue, and it becomes even more thorny in a church setting. Then this article will help you wrestle with the reasons why and how you should preach politically.

Politics and Gospel Maturity

By Brandon Adkison • Concise Article • October 15
Trying to find the balance between faithful witness and unwise speech in politics? This article explores this wisdom issue from the perspective of a seasoned pastor.

Liturgy and Legislation

By Jared Bridges • Concise Article • October 20
The church cannot be neutral because the world is not neutral. It fundamentally opposes Christ's Lordship. Preacher! Do not surrender!