The church plays a crucial role in shaping both individuals and society and, in fact, influence all spheres of life, including government, culture, and education, in order to build a godly nation.
The church is not merely a religious institution but is designed by God to be a transformational force in the world. Its mission extends beyond saving souls to impacting every area of life with biblical truth and revealing a holy and loving God. The church must actively engage in societal issues and not be confined to just spiritual matters. Matthew 5:13-16, calls Christians to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” underscoring the church’s responsibility to influence culture.
A key point is the distinction between the roles of the church and the state. The state has a God-ordained role in the protection of all and maintaining justice and order, but the church has a unique role in guiding the moral and spiritual direction of the nation and disciple the nation in all its facets. When the church fulfills its mission of disciplining the nation, individuals, institutions and the nation are transformed, which leads to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more just and free society. On the other hand, when the church neglects its duties, society suffers moral decay, and the state tends to expand its power to fill the void.
Looking back into history the church has influenced nations for good when it has been faithful to its mission. The Protestant Reformation was a pivotal event that reshaped Europe, not only spiritually but also politically, economically, and culturally. The Reformation restored many biblical principles to the center of life and created a framework for liberty, justice, and prosperity in many nations. This example illustrates how the church, when grounded in biblical truth, can bring about positive change on a national level.
The church has a role in educating believers. The church must teach its members how to apply biblical principles in all areas of life, including politics, economics, and family life. The modern church sometimes fails to provide this all rounded holistic teaching, instead focusing narrowly on personal piety or spiritual growth. We need to return to a more comprehensive Christian worldview that addresses the entire nation.
The church must also challenge corruption and injustice. The church is a prophetic voice in society, speaking out against unrighteousness and calling the government to account when it violates biblical principles. For example, the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement, where the church played a significant role in advancing justice.
There is a relationship between the church and politics. Christians should not shy away from political involvement but rather seek to influence government for good. However, we caution that the church must avoid becoming overly politicized or aligning too closely with any particular political party. Instead, the church should stand for biblical principles and support policies that reflect God’s justice and righteousness.