Getting involved – Making a kingdom difference in political issues

Now that we are entering a political season, we are going to hear about the hot topics quite a bit. In the sermon this past Sunday, I mentioned that God’s people have a tendency to look for a political savior who will lead their nation back to a certain place of prominence and goodness, rather than living as an incarnation of the Gospel themselves. In other words, we have a tendency to vote for the candidates who stand for certain political issues, but we fail to invest ourselves in those issues. Let’s be honest, that is a bit of hypocrisy.

Instead of using this blog to restate the arguments made in the message, let me encourage you to take time to listen to the December 27 message. The purpose of this blog is to give readers resources. The challenge is that if you feel strong enough about an issue to allow it to influence your vote, you ought to find a way to make a Kingdom difference in that issue. So I’ve done a little research, and created a list of organizations that are making a Kingdom difference in some of these issues. This means that each of the organizations I have listed are speaking into issues of righteousness and justice, impacting our culture, while seeking to honor Christ. Some of the organizations are local (St. Louis area) while others make an international impact. I have had personal experience with some of them, while others were recommended by people that I respect.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that followers of Jesus should not stand for issues. It is alright to have convictions that influence your involvement in politics. And I am not saying that Christians should be non-political. I do believe that all followers of Jesus should vote and find ways to live faith in the culture in which they live. Furthermore, some Christians are called to serve in the political arena. What I am saying is that followers of Jesus cannot look for political answers to questions arising from the fallen nature of man. Therefore, those who follow Christ need to find other ways to get involved in those issues which they have deep convictions. So here is the list. Believe me, this is not comprehensive. There are a ton of good places to invest money and life time. This list is just a way to send missional people in the right direction. If you know of other Kingdom ministries, feel free to respond.

Getting Involved – Organizations that can help you make a Kingdom difference.

Poverty & Education

local

Mission St. Louis – www.missionstl.org – A ministry of the Journey Church in St. Louis. Their mission statement is “Mission St. Louis exists to transform the city of St. Louis through education, empowerment, and development by connecting churches with neighborhoods in need.” I highly recommend these people.

New Life Evangelistic Center – www.newlifeevangelisticcenter.org – The mission of the New Life Evangelistic Center is to provide Christian hospitality and respect for life through services of food, clothing, shelter, education, job training, and physical, mental, and spiritual health care to the poor and homeless in our local and global communities.

Christian Activities Center in E. St. Louis – www.Cacesl.org – The Christian Activities Center is impacting the lives of children and families through educational programs and other ministries impacting the poor. This is a high impact ministry in the heart of E. St. Louis, and a great place to serve, if you are willing to cross the river.

Urban St. Louis K-Life – www.urbanstlouis.klife.com – Their mission is, “To present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to urban youth in St. Louis by building lasting relationships with an intentional focus upon mentoring and discipleship.”

Bobcat Club at Blevins Elementary – As a church, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of kids in a local elementary school. E-mail Mike or Nick for more information.

International

Oasis International – www.oasisinternational.info – Oasis is a good choice if you want to get involved, because it is a ministry that is based in St. Louis, but is impacting poverty issues around the world. This means that you can find other ways to get involved beyond giving.

Mocha Clubs – www.mochaclub.org – The premise is that for the cost of two cups of coffee (or mochas) a month, which is about $7, followers of Jesus here can impact the issues of AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Compassion International – www.compassion.com – Their mission statement reads, “Compassion International exists as Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, physical, economic, and social poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.” While there are several ways to give to Compassion, the primary way is through child sponsorship.

Food for the Hungry – www.fh.org – Their mission statement, “To walk with churches, leaders and families in overcoming all forms of human poverty by living in healthy relationship with God and His creation.”

Blood:Water Mission – www.bloodwatermission.com – “Blood:Water Mission is partnering with groups and individuals to empower Africans to build healthier communities through sustainable clean blood and clean water solutions, while developing social responsibility in the U.S. through initiatives that provoke personal engagement and ownership.”

Children

Missouri Baptist Children’s Home – www.mbch.org – “Missouri Baptist Children’s Home is committed to serving God by responding to the needs of children, youth, and families, to make a lasting difference in their lives. The ministry demands that we integrate the highest professional standards and practices with our Christian belief system.” They have a location in Bridgeton, MO.

Life & Righteousness issues

American Center for Law & Justice – www.aclj.org – An organization that is getting involved in issues of righteousness from a legal perspective. They argue constitutional issues in courts and culture. They provide legal support to those who are encountering persecution from the culture for issues of faith.

Hand ‘n Hand Pregnancy Help Center in Barnhart, MO – (636)464-8400 – A center in Jefferson County seeking to love those going through a crisis pregnancy.

Thrive St. Louis – www.thrivestlouis.org – “Thrive St. Louis is a Christ-centered organization that empowers people to make life-affirming and healthy decisions about sex, pregnancy and relationships.” Their ministry includes a crisis pregnancy home for unwed mothers, as well as medical help and counseling for those going through an unplanned pregnancy.

Mercy Ministries of America – www.mercyministries.org – “Mercy Ministries is a non-profit organization for young women who face life-controlling issues. We provide residential programs free of charge designed to address the whole person: spiritual, physical and emotional. Our non-conventional approach to the underlying issues changes more than behavior; the Mercy Ministries program changes hearts and stops destructive cycles.” They have a location in St. Louis.

To Write Love on Her Arms – www.twloha.com – They are dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those who are struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.