GUIDELINES ON MINISTERING TO POLITICAL LEADERS
Guiding scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior
The Executive Committee has met here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, on June 26 and 27, 2024, and:
RECOGNIZING that the church exists to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach all people to be His disciples;
COMMITTED to nurturing and protecting the wellbeing of the individual, the family, the community and the nation;
ACKNOWLEDGING that church services are attended by worshippers drawn from different social, ethnic, economic, political, and philosophical convictions;
CONCERNED that politicians have at times abused the access they are given to the pulpit by passing messages of hate, division and discord rather than building the body of Christ;
GUIDED by Matthew 6:1 – 4 which commands Christians to give their offerings and donations without announcing with trumpets and not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.
The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya RESOLVED to issue the following Guidelines on Ministering to Politicians when they attend worship services:
Guidelines
- Politicians are welcome to attend the churches for worship like all other members who are non-politicians.
- The sacredness of the altar should be maintained by only allowing worship practices.
- The clergy should provide guidance to politicians who attend church-led functions to prevent politicking.
- Politicians should be encouraged to address people or media outside the worship sanctuary.
- Any monetary contributions by politicians should be treated the same as offerings by all other members, and should not have any funfair or be announced.
- Religious leaders to desist from endorsing or opposing politicians or political parties to maintain an objective voice of the church. Avoid exaggerated recognition of political leaders who attend the services to prevent projecting a higher level of importance than the other members of the church.
- The clergy should, on behalf of the congregation, raise any issue of concern with the politicians who attend services as relates to their areas of responsibility.
- Heads of churches to maintain oneness of purpose and ensure these guidelines are followed in their different congregations
NCCK MEMBER CHURCHES AND ORGANISATIONS
Member Churches
- Africa Brotherhood Church
- Africa Christian Church and Schools
- Africa Church of the Holy Spirit
- Africa Interior Church
- African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa
- African Israel Nineveh Church
- African Orthodox Church in Kenya
- Anglican Church of Kenya
- Church of Africa Sinai Mission
- Church of Christ in Africa
- Church of God East Africa
- Coptic Orthodox Church
- Episcopal Church of Africa
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya
- Free Methodist Church in Kenya
- Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya
- Friends Church in Kenya (Quakers)
- Full Gospel Churches of Kenya
- Kenya Assemblies of God
- Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Kenya Mennonite Church
- Lyahuka Church of East Africa
- Maranatha Mission of Kenya
- Methodist Church in Kenya
- National Independent Church of Africa
- Overcoming Faith Centre Church of Africa
- Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa
- Presbyterian Church of East Africa
- Reformed Church of East Africa
- Salvation Army
- Scriptural Holiness Mission
- Zion Harvest Mission
Associate Members
- Bible Society of Kenya
- Christian Churches Educational Association
- Christian Health Association of Kenya
- Christian Hostels Fellowship
- Fellowship of Christian Unions
- Kenya Ecumenical Church Loan Fund
- Kenya Students Christian Fellowship
- Kenya United Independent Churches
- Public Law Institute
- Scripture Union of Kenya
- St Paul’s University
- Young Men’s Christian Association
- Young Women’s Christian Association
Fraternal Members
- African Evangelistic Enterprise
- Daystar University
- Trans World Radio
- Trinity Fellowship
- World Vision
