In light of recent research indicating that up to 104 million people of faith, including 32 million regular churchgoers, may not participate in the upcoming presidential election, Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Texas has issued a stark warning: Christians who abstain from voting are engaging in "passive rebellion" against God.
During his sermon titled “How to Vote Like Jesus” on October 6, Howerton expressed concern over the increasing disengagement of Christians from political participation, attributing it to a flawed belief that churches and pastors should steer clear of political discourse. “That notion is completely unbiblical,” he asserted.
Referencing biblical figures like Moses, Daniel, and Esther, he emphasized that the church has a responsibility to address political matters. “You can’t read the Bible and think the church should ignore government and its leaders,” he argued, stressing that allowing silence on governance paves the way for godless voices to dominate.
At Lakepointe, Howerton often states, “If the church won't disciple people, the world will.” He insists that if godly leaders and voices retreat from political discussions, only secular influences will remain.
Addressing concerns that the church is becoming too political, Howerton argues that the real issue is a government encroaching on theological matters. “The Church isn’t becoming more political; politics is becoming more theological,” he said. He cited examples of government intervention in defining marriage and gender, suggesting that the church has been forced to respond to a shifting political landscape.
With this new reality, Howerton believes it is essential for Bible-believing churches to equip themselves with Scripture and spiritual guidance to confront these challenges. He pointed out that since God established the family, the church, and the state, Christians are expected to defend these institutions by advocating for godly leadership.
Howerton also clarified that America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. He referenced the late philosopher Ayn Rand, who distinguished between the two systems. In a democracy, the majority can impose its will without restrictions, whereas in a republic is bound by individual rights that cannot be overridden by majority rule.
“Christians who understand their faith and civic duties will not neglect their responsibility to vote,” Howerton stated, urging his congregation to recognize the spiritual implications of their participation in governance. “When Christians don’t vote, they are surrendering their leadership role in the constitutional republic established by God,” he asserted, likening it to a husband failing to lead his family or a pastor neglecting his church.
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Would Jesus vote? Absolutely. He wouldn’t shirk the responsibilities God has given Him.”