The past few years have undoubtedly been turbulent with COVID-19 bringing much unrest globally, as well as within local congregations. But prior to COVID, the country wrestled with the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, and then, as the virus spread nationwide, it faced the George Floyd murder, debates about critical race theory, followed by the 2020 election, the subsequent events of January 6, 2021, and President Trump’s second impeachment. We have dealt with a lot in a short period of time. As church leaders, we must come to terms with the country’s current political climate and build up “reservoirs of resilience,” says Dr. Ed Stetzer, executive director of Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center. Looking ahead to this fall’s mid-term elections, Church Law & Tax has thought a lot about how to help educate and equip church pastors and leaders for that resilience. Toward that end, we’ve updated and expanded our Recommended Reading page on churches and political activities, including legal and tax guidance, a comprehensive chart, and more. Additionally, Church Law & Tax has teamed with Christianity Today’s Big Tent Initiative to present a free, live panel discussion on May 18. Attorneys Sally Wagenmaker and Erik Stanley will join three church leaders to wrestle with the question, “Should Your Church Get Political?” Register today to ensure you get a seat. What else is new? Christianity Today invites you to take a tour through their first annual Globe Issue. Explore the space CT has created for individuals and ministries across the globe to tell their own stories of how God is moving in every continent and country. |