Politicians as Real People

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Washington D.C. with Indiana’s Statehouse Chaplain Matt Barnes. Our Capitol is such a magnificent place. History echoes from every corner. Each building is its own kind of monument to eras long gone. It is a place where each visitor walks in the footsteps of great leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others. My mind gravitated to the many times this city has accomplished significant things.

Who directs the business of Washington? Well, it is politicians of course. We often see elected leaders as distant, super-human types of people. They are mental gladiators who display their combat skills on CNN and Fox News. Yet on this trip I began to see a very different picture. Politicians are regular people with very common needs. Walking around the Capitol with Matt Barnes enabled me to see something familiar. As Matt entered the offices of congressional members he knew from the Indiana Statehouse, these leaders were being visited by their pastor. Since I am also a pastor, it was a scene I knew well. Their concerns were ones that are universal. How are they to balance work and family responsibilities?

Many elected leaders travel to Washington while leaving their spouse and children at home in Indiana. Living this way creates many challenges, and legislators need advice and encouragement in how to keep family a priority. Office drama, a common experience to most Americans, happens in Washington, too. Balancing goals, ambition, and the Christian duty to love our neighbor as ourselves is just as challenging in the Capitol as it is in your hometown.

I was also very encouraged to see so many faithful and mature Christians laboring in our Capitol. They pray and study their Bibles together. God has blessed our nation with Daniels who serve at the highest levels of the government.

All of the above made me appreciate our elected leaders even more. They make huge personal sacrifices to serve us in Washington D.C. In return, they often receive hate and vitriol from citizens. This reminded me of 1 Peter 2:17: “Honour all People. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.” The Apostle Peter wrote these inspired words when men of questionable character ruled as Caesars in Rome. We are blessed to live in a Republic, and our governmental authority is elected leaders. Let us not taint the reputation of Christ by failing to honor those who hold elected office. May we love and sympathize with politicians who struggle with many of the same sins we do.

Please pray for all of our elected leaders. Pray for the Christians in our Capitol to not only write good policy papers, but to give the Gospel too. The pastoral and evangelistic mission of Matt Barnes and Public Servants’ Prayer is precisely what these leaders need. Just like you, politicians need pastoral care and concern. Please know how much your prayers and financial support are appreciated.

Tim Overton, Associate Director 2017-2018