On October 26, Canadians will elect the men and women who will make decisions affecting our children, seniors, neighbourhoods, roads, water, emergency services, parks, recreation, taxes, and the future of our communities.
Many Christians will pray for good leaders.
The harder question is this:
Why aren’t more Christians willing to become them?
Some believers have been taught that politics is worldly and that Christians should stay out of government altogether. Scripture certainly warns against pride, corruption, and the love of power. No Christian should seek office for status, wealth, or control.
But municipal government isn’t about ruling people.
It is about serving them.
Jesus didn’t tell His followers to avoid serving their communities. He commanded them:
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
What greater way is there to love thousands of neighbours than by helping ensure safe streets, honest government, clean parks, reliable emergency services, accessible sidewalks, fiscal responsibility, and communities where children and families can flourish?
The prophet Jeremiah instructed God’s people:
“Seek the welfare of the city… for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
That is exactly what municipal councils are supposed to do.
The Bible repeatedly calls believers to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” (Proverbs 31:8–9)
“Defend the weak and the fatherless.” (Psalms 82:3)
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression.” (Isaiah 1:17)
“Rescue those being led away to death.” (Proverbs 24:11)
Every council vote affects real people.
Children crossing busy streets.
Seniors depending on safe sidewalks.
Families relying on clean drinking water.
Volunteers serving in fire halls.
Taxpayers trusting that public money will be spent wisely.
Who will speak for them?
Scripture gives us remarkable examples of faithful believers serving in government.
Joseph saved nations from famine.
Moses led Israel.
Daniel faithfully served pagan kings without compromising his faith.
Esther risked everything to save her people.
Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls while confronting corruption and injustice.
None of them abandoned God by serving in public office.
They honoured Him through faithful service.
The Apostle Paul taught that governing authority exists for a purpose, calling rulers “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4). Good government requires good people.
Proverbs reminds us why that matters:
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
If people of integrity refuse to lead…
If people of compassion refuse to serve…
If people guided by truth refuse to stand…
Should we be surprised when communities suffer?
Jesus called His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16).
Salt does no good if it stays in the shaker.
Light accomplishes nothing hidden under a basket.
Communities need Christians who are willing to bring honesty into budgets, compassion into decision-making, humility into leadership, courage into difficult debates, and integrity into public life.
Jesus also redefined leadership forever:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43)
That is the job description of a good municipal councillor.
This newspaper is not suggesting that every Christian should run for office.
But we are asking every Christian to prayerfully consider whether God may be calling them to serve in that way.
Our towns do not simply need politicians.
They need servants.
They need people who will tell the truth when it is unpopular.
They need leaders who protect children, respect seniors, defend the vulnerable, steward public resources honestly, and remember that public office is a trust—not a privilege.
This October 26, if you have wisdom…
If you have courage…
If you have integrity…
If you have a servant’s heart…
Don’t assume someone else will answer the call.
Pray.
Listen.
Then ask yourself one simple question:
If not me… then who?
As the prophet Micah wrote:
“What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Perhaps, for some believers, living out that calling begins not in the pew—but by stepping forward to faithfully serve their community.