Pastors and political endorsements

While pastors should have the right to endorse political candidates, but doing so isn't particularly wise.

I will fight for the right of pastors to endorse political candidates, even from the pulpit.

That said, I don't think it's particularly wise for pastors to engage in partisan politics. It can become a distraction. It can be divisive. It detracts from the church's primary mission of making disciples.

That's not to say Christians shouldn't engage in politics. I believe they absolutely should. A pastor making an endorsement ties his credibility to a candidate, and that can hurt his ministry.

The Trump campaign last week clamined that 150 faith leaders in Iowa support the former president's campaign. However, they didn't actually provide a list, but included quotes from two pastors.

"The overwhelming support from Iowa’s faith leaders is a clear indication of President Trump’s unwavering commitment to the principles and values that are important to people of faith," Pastor Dan McCoy, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Urbandale, said.