ATTITUDINAL DISPOSITIONS OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TO CHURCH MEMBERS' INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS

Abstract

Christian involvement in politics is a perennial issue. Over the years, scholars have had divergent views on whether or not Christians should be allowed to participate in partisan politics. Is politics bad in itself, as many suppose? Should Christians be actively engaged in it? Why do some Christians distance themselves from the political activities of the land? How can Christians’ involvement in politics foster development in nation-building? What should be the attitudinal dispositions of pastoral leadership to this crucial issue? This research aims at responding to the questions raised above. The paper adopts a descriptive method and reports the findings qualitatively. It examines the nexus between religion and politics, the biblical perspective on politics and Christians’ involvement, and pastors’ attitude towards members’ involvement in politics. The study reveals that politics is not bad, but the players’ attitude towards it needs a reorientation. It also discovers that misinterpretation of the concept of separation of Church and State leads to the nonchalant attitude of some Christians toward involvement in partisan politics. The findings also show that religion and politics are interconnected. Hence, the need for the involvement of Christians. To foster national development, pastoral leaders should enlighten their congregants and members about the need to be actively involved in politics.