Running for Public Office

“We need people in office who are going to reflect our values.”  That's the steady refrain our team at Palmetto Family has heard over and over as we’ve crisscrossed South Carolina this last year.

The sentiment is not lost on those who understand how the political system works. The tenor of our Capitols – both in Washington and Columbia – reflects those we send there to serve. A conservative member of Congress once told a group of pastors visiting our nation’s capital, “If you want more Biblically focused laws coming out of D.C., you’re going to have to start sending us more Biblically minded people.”

Yet, as we’ve talked with thousands of South Carolinians, there is almost a collective, resigned sigh when great conservative legislation fails to cross the finish line or laws that stifle our personal liberties and convictions are passed.

The opportunity to change that is now before us. We need more Biblically-convicted, conservatively-minded elected leaders at every level of government who will stand up for our values.

Through March 30th, filing is open for people across the South Carolina to say, “I’m going to run for public office and make a difference in leadership across our state.”

For too long, many people have had a misplaced hope in mere party affiliation. In our minds, we naturally try to pair political party with political ideology. Our two-party system has relegated our categorization of elected officials to simply Republicans or Democrats. Reality, though, clearly shows how numerous the shades of red and blue are in our political spectrum. They show up as divisions within party ranks that end up splitting votes and killing good legislation – like Saving Women’s Sports, Medical Rights of Conscience, and School Choice.

Finding the Right People

This is why in Exodus 18:21-22, God through Moses’ father-in-law Jethro laid out the guidelines for the type of leadership we should be looking for in our communities.

“But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.”

 In those two simple ideas, God not only established the basis for our national, state, county, and local governments, but He gave the criteria for the type of people who would be qualified to serve.

Who we elect as our representatives – at the each of these levels – inevitably impacts the kind of laws and ordinances that pass, and according to the Biblical standard, we need people to step up to run for public office who are:

• Capable
• Honest
• Godly
• Ethical

“God wants us to serve our communities and bring a Biblical Worldview to bear. One of the best ways we can accomplish this is to run for public office,” says Pastor Tony Foster of Restoration Worship Center in Greenwood. “If we do that, Christians can be the answer and the solution to the problem.”

Florence Baptist Temple Senior Pastor Bill Monroe has seen play itself out with his church. “I say this from the pulpit often. ‘If you feel called to run for office, realize this is an issue of Christian stewardship.’” That mindset has taken root in his congregation, which today is home to more than a half-dozen elected state, local and community leaders in the Pee Dee.

As you read this, you may be saying one of two things:

1. I know someone who fits the bill.
2. I am a person who feels called by God to fill this role.

So, what can you do about this?

If you or someone you know would be interested in running for office, the window for filing in the 2022 election cycle ends on at noon on March 30th. Those willing to offer themselves for public office can learn more by visiting the State Election Commission.

If you would like to talk with someone about running for office or learn more about the process, our staff would be more than willing to have a conversation with you. Email your name, phone number and the office you’d like to seek to the following email address: info@palmettofamily.org.