To Our Church Family,
The Johnson Amendment is a provision in the US tax code that has prohibited churches and non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. This ruling has recently changed in how it applies to churches and political speech. We, as your church board, want to share how we plan to approach this matter as a leadership team.
First and foremost, we are grateful for the faithful leadership of our pastors who have consistently centered their ministry on the gospel of Jesus Christ. While the updated interpretation of the Johnson Amendment may allow for more political expression from the pulpit, we want to affirm that our church’s mission and message remains unchanged: To Make Christlike Disciples.
We have never felt bound by the previous interpretation of the law in a way that limited the preaching of God’s Word. At the same time, we believe that the pulpit is not the place for partisan politics or candidate endorsements. We expect our pastors to continue focusing on proclaiming Jesus and His Kingdom, teaching biblical truth with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
We recognize that individual members of our congregation hold a range of political views, and that a church that takes sides can create division. We encourage thoughtful research and the seeking of God’s guidance in these matters. Our desire is to remain a place of unity in Christ—where all are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of life, including the way we engage individually as citizens.
As a board, we charge and are committed to supporting our pastors as they lead with integrity and to protect the spiritual focus and unity of our church body. Jesus gave us a mission to “go and make disciples,” and not just to those who think a certain way. Taking a side would ostracize part of the population we are trying to reach, as well as portions of our own congregation.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in the gospel.
With grace and gratitude,
The Church Board
Southside Church of the Nazarene
Pastor Wynne Lankford, Ben Bruce, Jacque Drake, Dave Elder, Todd Kern, Steve Knudson, Niki Lear, Dan Mahle, Ryan Means, Glen Mingee, Gregg Paul, Chris Spawn, Stacy Tarrh, Alaina Van Syckle, JD Washington, Michael Young
The Johnson Amendment is a provision in the US tax code that has prohibited churches and non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. This ruling has recently changed in how it applies to churches and political speech. We, as your church board, want to share how we plan to approach this matter as a leadership team.
First and foremost, we are grateful for the faithful leadership of our pastors who have consistently centered their ministry on the gospel of Jesus Christ. While the updated interpretation of the Johnson Amendment may allow for more political expression from the pulpit, we want to affirm that our church’s mission and message remains unchanged: To Make Christlike Disciples.
We have never felt bound by the previous interpretation of the law in a way that limited the preaching of God’s Word. At the same time, we believe that the pulpit is not the place for partisan politics or candidate endorsements. We expect our pastors to continue focusing on proclaiming Jesus and His Kingdom, teaching biblical truth with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
We recognize that individual members of our congregation hold a range of political views, and that a church that takes sides can create division. We encourage thoughtful research and the seeking of God’s guidance in these matters. Our desire is to remain a place of unity in Christ—where all are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of life, including the way we engage individually as citizens.
As a board, we charge and are committed to supporting our pastors as they lead with integrity and to protect the spiritual focus and unity of our church body. Jesus gave us a mission to “go and make disciples,” and not just to those who think a certain way. Taking a side would ostracize part of the population we are trying to reach, as well as portions of our own congregation.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in the gospel.
With grace and gratitude,
The Church Board
Southside Church of the Nazarene
Pastor Wynne Lankford, Ben Bruce, Jacque Drake, Dave Elder, Todd Kern, Steve Knudson, Niki Lear, Dan Mahle, Ryan Means, Glen Mingee, Gregg Paul, Chris Spawn, Stacy Tarrh, Alaina Van Syckle, JD Washington, Michael Young