In high school, one of my favorite teachers was Mr. Thompson. He co-led my American Studies course which covered American history, civics, and literature.

When he retired from Lincoln High School, the next time I saw Mr. Thompson was when he came by my house campaigning for state office.

After spending a career teaching about the importance of democracy, he was practicing what he preached.

He won and served for eight years.

I appreciate that our country is run by citizens that are teachers or business leaders one day, and elected officials the next.

Recently I was wearing a “Fort Jackson” shirt while doing yardwork. A candidate canvasing the neighborhood asked about my Army service and shared their experience in the reserves. I appreciate when the people representing me understand the day-to-day experiences that affect me and my community.

These political leaders are often put under a very intense microscope. Our political conversations often turn into personal attacks on those who disagree. Where are we getting this? Maybe it’s the nasty ads on tv or the way our news is slanted to feed our biases. It’s ugly and fearful. Too often, I see “the other” as the enemy. Often, the other is my neighbor.  

At the end of another brutal election cycle, we’re all on the same team. We are citizens living in the same communities and reliant on representatives to work on our behalf.

Our political leaders work for us. All of us. We are their bosses.

One question that comes up around elections is whether faith and politics go together.

You bet they do.

Not what you were expecting me to say? Our faith matters on a personal level.

My faith dictates my values and beliefs. How I understand my relationship with God affects what I expect of those who are representing my community.  

I’m grateful that churches are not legally allowed to use pulpits to persuade congregations to be united with one party or one candidate. There is too much diversity of political views in the pews to assume that we are all one in (that) mission.

The IRS prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one “which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”

After the next election, new leaders will make decisions. These leaders are citizens, just like you and me. I’ll use my voice to advocate for the unsheltered and hungry in my community when I work with lobbyists from Lutheran Advocacy and the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.

I’ll continue to state the case for more services while sitting in the offices of Republican and Democrat leaders.

How about you? What and who do you care about? How will your faith come alive as you speak up for our neighbors?

Our voices matter. Please make a plan to vote on Election Day, November 8^th, or before.

But our voices also matter after an election. Remember, you’re the boss. Politely speak up to your local city council or school board members, write a letter to a state senator, organize with peers who share your desire for equity and justice and attend a Day on the Hill event aligned with your beliefs.

What I learned from Mr. Thompson is that change doesn’t happen without putting our beliefs into action.

Pastor John writes a monthly column for the Forest Lake Times. This article appears in the October 27^th issue.