What Does It Mean to Be an Evangelical This Election Season?

By John Munro, CP Op-Ed Contributor Tuesday, March 22, 2016

John Munro is senior pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, N.C.

According to the media there are millions of evangelicals in the United States. These evangelicals are targeted by the political candidates, particularly the Republicans. Trump, Cruz and Kasich have all talked about their faith.

Trump said he is a strong Christian, and that the Bible is his favorite book. Cruz frequently emphasizes his evangelical credentials.

If there are millions of evangelicals in the U.S., one wonders why our country is declining morally and spiritually?

Other than at election time where are all of the evangelicals? I suspect many of the so-called evangelicals could not explain what evangelical means.

The word evangelical appears to have been held hostage by politicians, and is used to refer to those who go to church (at least occasionally), and who are conservative politically.

Let's be careful we are not being manipulated and used by politicians who want our vote.

The message of the New Testament is easily lost in the shrill rhetoric of those who use evangelicals for their own political ambitions.

While every authentic follower of Jesus Christ should vote and be actively involved in the political process, real change will come to the United States not through the posturing and plans of politicians, but by the power of the Holy Spirit transforming lives. Far too many evangelicals appear to be putting their faith in a particular politician or a political party. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God," (Psalm 20:7).

Originally posted at johnmunro.com.

Once a lawyer in Scotland, John is now a preacher of grace and shepherd of souls. God has gifted him to preach His Word with power and clarity, shepherd His people with love and compassion, and lead His church with wisdom and humility.