They have lost credibility.
A recent social media post by prominent Evangelical pastor Jack Graham has stirred up conversations around Christian involvement in politics and the role of pastors in guiding their congregations during election season. Graham, who leads Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the largest congregations in the U.S., voiced criticism of fellow Christian leaders who discouraged voting in the upcoming election. In his post, Graham stated that pastors advising against participation in what he described as a “most consequential election” have “lost all credibility” within both the church and the wider community, referencing a well-known biblical passage in Matthew about being a light to the world.
Although Graham’s comments did not specify any particular pastors or teachers, his stance resonated amidst a backdrop of low projected voter turnout among people of faith. A recent Barna survey found that millions of practicing Christians, including a significant number who attend church regularly, are expected to abstain from voting. This revelation has amplified Graham’s message and sparked debate among Christian leaders about the church’s role in civic engagement.
Bible scholar Justin Peters responded to Graham’s post with his own critique, suggesting that Graham’s endorsement of Paula White, a controversial figure in Evangelical circles, undermines his credibility. Peters’ remark referred to Graham’s support for White’s 2019 book but did not elaborate further. White, along with Graham and other religious leaders, recently attended a National Faith Summit in Georgia, where former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to reinstating the faith-based office established in his first term.
Graham’s call for political engagement comes just before Election Day, where analysts predict a close race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Polls have shown that voter enthusiasm has waned compared to the 2020 election, with over half of respondents expressing disappointment in the candidates and a general disillusionment with the political process. Many church leaders appear to be distancing themselves from political endorsements this year, opting to avoid election discussions within their congregations.
Research by the Barna Group suggests that pastoral encouragement could still sway a significant number of churchgoers to vote. Barna’s findings indicate that about 5 million church attendees might be motivated to participate in the election if their pastors urged them to do so, reflecting the powerful influence that spiritual leaders continue to hold over their communities.