On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Church takes center stage in this fall's presidential election when Saddleback Church hosts a forum, with Pastor Rick Warren interviewing presumptive presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain.

The separate, one-hour, question-and-answer sessions will precede the Democratic and Republic conventions by more than two weeks. And, they are sure to be covered widely by national news media as the Southern California pastor probes the candidates' views on poverty, HIV/ AIDS, climate concerns, and human rights.

"The primaries proved that Americans care deeply about faith, values, character and leadership convictions of candidates as much as they do about the issues," Warren says. "While I know both men as friends and they recognize I will be frank, they also know I will be raising questions in these four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask.

Bringing the question home

Regardless of how pastors feel about churches getting involved in such highly-publicized and politically-oriented events, Saddleback's forum will shine a bright light on the Church heading into the fall election season.

It is also sure to stimulate conversation among members of many congregations. That could lead to the inevitable question in hallway conversation or as ministers greet their flocks after services: "What did you think about the forum?" Right behind it may come, "How should we vote this fall?"

Contemplating whether to address the hotly-contested presidential race and a plethora of federal, state and local races is something that ought to occupy every pastor's mind during the dog days of August.

It's a question we're posing to a number of pastors this month as we prepare a story for early September on politics and the pulpit. Already, several have indicated they don't address the topic in their sermons, although we haven't had time yet to explore the reasons behind this stance.

To discuss or not

There are two schools of thought here. On the one hand, this is a notable, historic election year. The 24-7 news cycle touches numerous church members' lives. To ignore this reality seems to be shirking good discipleship.

On the other hand, delving into politics is a sure way to divide churches. I've seen this with my own eyes. One time a leader who occasionally preached during the pastor's absence tossed out an offhand comment about politics. Instantly, anger flashed in some people's countenances—those who disagreed with the implications behind his statement.

It also risks turning the Church into a tool for the unscrupulous. In a recent interview a noted author and pastor, Adam Hamilton, told me: "The danger of faith and politics is we use faith to support our politics. I think Christians are easily duped by people who want to talk our language."

That is a hazard that should concern all pastors and church leaders. Yet, in striving to avoid entangling Church and state, I think we must avoid going to the other extreme and saying people of faith have no business in politics. That insures only the faithless will influence our political discourse and legislation.

Faith and politics offers the finest of lines to be drawn this fall. If you care to share your views on this subject, e-mail us. Whether you care to offer your views or not, rest assured someone will ask about them in the near future.