We can witness to power of Christ by trying to shape public policy



“Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Politicians have a cynical saying: “No good deed ever goes unpunished.”
The “kingdom of this world” does usually appear dominant. It is top-heavy with central control: “…the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them.”
Christ’s realm balances authority with accountability: “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.”
We witness to the power of this realm of Christ in two ways. Direct service ministries like Habitat for Humanity and medical mission trips—the “cup of cold water in the name of a disciple” (Matthew 10:42)—are one important form.
The more difficult, parallel ministry is that of shaping public policies that affect everyone. Volunteer service in homeless shelters, for example, can lead naturally to getting the votes in city councils to build public restrooms.
Our Southwest Texas Conference Board of Church and Society published a supplement in the May 27 Witness detailing many such “advocacy” options.
The Austin District, with leadership from Martha Rogers, Mimi Raper, Jim Mayfield, Robert Hall, Wanda Holcombe and others, has launched the Amos Commission to help church leaders be informed and act on public issues.
United Methodist Women held a January workshop to create a legislative agenda and lobbied state representatives for child protective services, health insurance and education funding.
Some churches in our conference and others work with the faith-based Industrial Areas Foundation. It coaches church leaders to be effective in this public witness. Foundation affiliates include Austin Interfaith and San Antonio’s COPS and Metro Alliance.
The foundation is nonpartisan and carefully monitors government support both for business and for the general public.
Some of today’s “great ones,” business and political leaders, may want to express Christ’s servant leadership. Instead of simply blaming or despairing, we can learn together to form voter groups that reverse the “no good deed ever goes unpunished” idea. Those groups can make it safer for leaders to do the right thing.