Discipleship is following the ways, standards, and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship is sharing in the purpose and plan that Christ has for humanity.

Discipleship is the process of allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify us to be like Jesus.

We are called to be like Jesus and do as He did.

One of the ways we can imitate Jesus and follow His example is by getting involved in public policy and our community.

Jesus involved himself in the burdens of His community (Matt. 8, John 4).

Jesus involved himself in the realities of the outcasts (Luke 4:18-19, Luke 7:36-50).

Jesus involved himself in the life of the world, so much so that He died so we could live again (John 3:16).

Many Christians, especially those living in America, question how to properly interact with public policy while maintaining their Christian values. Some believe public policy and community engagement should be left to politicians, but what if I told you that all Christians have a part to play in public policy and community engagement?

Salt and Light
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers that they are the salt and light in the world (Matt. 5). In this context, Jesus teaches His disciples that they are the flavor and the visible light that the world needs. Jesus calls His followers to be the salt that the world needs to change, purify, and cleanse. At the same time, He calls them to be the bright light that shines in this dark and broken world.

Believers are called to be “change agents” in their communities, and when they accept their identity of being the salt and light of the world, they can have a healthy and thriving relationship with public policy and community engagement.

What part do we play?
This may be a bold statement, but it is a true statement: every Christian should be involved in public policy and community engagement.

Why?

Public policy matters because policies affect people.

Community engagement matters because we are called to serve our communities.

Every Christian’s heart should break for the condition and circumstances of the people in their world, their nation, their state, their city, and their community (Prov. 22:16, Isa. 61:8-9, Zech. 7:10, Luke 19:10).

Many people think public policy is only what happens in Washington, D.C., more specifically, on a global or national level. While the bills and laws that are passed in D.C. are important, public policy can be as simple as the laws and funding in your state and local governments.

Burdened by the condition of your community? Host forums or small groups to discuss fundamental issues in your local area, and begin speaking out about the policies that you want to see reformed.

Burdened by the political matters in your city? Pray and research local coalitions, policy meetings, council meetings, and community meetings, and begin connecting and engaging with people in your city to discover solutions.

Desire political reform? Begin connecting with your local politicians, judges, and city leaders to learn from them and share your ideas on how to improve your city. Use wisdom and be bold about the matters the Holy Spirit is leading you to.

Many people think community engagement means participating in city coalitions, community groups, or policy and political meetings in their city. If you have a desire to involve yourself in these acts of service, please do. But community engagement can be more practical and simpler than you think.

Tired of crime? Volunteer at a local Boys and Girls Club or start something in your local community that leads young people off the streets.

Tired of academic decline? Begin free tutoring at your local library or connect with local teachers and host free study groups.

Tired of poverty or homelessness? Volunteer at a local non-profit or begin connecting with men and women living in these circumstances, and discover how you can serve and love them in their current situation.

Tired of health disparities? Research local and affordable healthcare in your city. There may be nonprofit organizations that are available to help people get the coverage they need.

Burdened by the people in your community? Connect with the people in your community by attending local events and volunteering; you may begin to realize that you have more in common than you think.

These are just a few practical and simple ways to involve yourself in public policy and community engagement. This post is not to condemn or pressure you to do anything that the Spirit is not already leading you towards. This post is to encourage you that YOU have a voice in public policy because you are the salt and the light that your community needs.

Let’s do this together

We can no longer dissociate from public policy or our community. We must involve ourselves in the policies that are affecting our community.

Being involved in public policy is a part of discipleship.

Being involved in our community is a part of discipleship.

We serve a God who demands righteousness and justice, so let’s be a voice for our nation, state, and city and demand the same thing.

We all have a part to play in public policy and community engagement. Trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will lead you to the spaces and places that you need to be in.

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