Scripture tells us . . .

• Moses stood before Pharaoh asking that the public policy of Egypt be changed, so that the children of Israel would be free.


• The prophets lifted the plumb line of justice before the rulers of Israel and Judah.


• Jesus gathered the nations and asked that their priorities be set so that the "least of these" would be cared for.


• Paul urged the members of the early church to be good citizens.

And Reformed theology teaches . . .

• The state is a gift of God, given to ensure order, well-being, and peace.


• Public service is a noble profession. To Calvin, "Civil magistery is a calling not only holy and legitimate, but by far the most sacred and honorable in human life."


• The ultimate allegiance of Christians and the church is to God. If any government requires us to violate our obligation to God, Christians should remain loyal to God.

The practice of ministry leads us into the public arena.
As we help people in need, we often find that social systems have to be changed. Social systems are changed through public policy decisions that lead to legislation that orders society.