Pastor William Kumuyi Advocates for Christian Involvement in Politics

Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has called for greater Christian involvement in politics. During a recent conversation with journalists, Kumuyi emphasized that Christians should not shy away from participating in the political process, arguing that their absence from political arenas could have detrimental effects on society.

According to Kumuyi, Christians who choose not to engage in politics have no grounds to complain about societal issues or the direction in which the country is heading. “If you look at the situation of Africa, for example, some will say Christians are 35% and perhaps the same for the Muslims, while you have others who are non-religious or animists,” Kumuyi said. He pointed out that, without Christian involvement, other groups may dominate decision-making processes, leading to outcomes that do not reflect Christian values.

He continued, explaining that without Christian participation, political decisions could be left entirely to non-Christian groups, with no Christian input. “So, if the Christians don’t take part in politics, first of all, it means that this side alone without any Christians will determine the direction we go, will determine what the country becomes. And the Christians have no right to complain if they are not available to make things better,” Kumuyi argued.

Kumuyi’s message was clear: Christians should be actively involved in politics to influence the direction of society. He believes that their absence allows other groups to have disproportionate power, and that Christians must make a concerted effort to be present in these spheres of influence. “So, from that, we know that the Christians should take part in politics. That is, the leaders of communities and leaders of states and leaders of the nation,” he said.

While encouraging Christian participation in politics, Kumuyi acknowledged the personal decision involved in choosing a political path. He reflected on biblical examples of individuals who were called to positions of power and influence. “But, for the person now to do that, that’s where a decision comes,” Kumuyi explained, noting that each individual must decide whether to answer the call to public service.

The pastor cited the biblical story of Joseph, who, despite not being Egyptian, rose to power in Egypt and became the country’s prime minister. Kumuyi explained that Joseph’s journey was a result of God’s guidance and providence, and his role in Egypt was instrumental in changing the country’s fate. “Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. He was not from Egypt. He came to Egypt and God worked everything out, but he didn’t know at that time. Eventually, he became the prime minister and things changed for that whole country,” Kumuyi shared.

He further highlighted the importance of Christian influence by referencing New Testament figures. The pastor mentioned Theophilus, a leader who initially was unaware of Christianity but later came to embrace the faith. Similarly, he mentioned King Agrippa, who, despite being persuaded by the Apostle Paul to become a Christian, did not let his political role hinder his spiritual journey. Kumuyi noted that Paul’s desire was for Agrippa to fully embrace Christianity, without compromising his position as a leader.

“Paul said, I don’t want you to be almost but altogether a Christian without affecting his position as a king, king or governor,” Kumuyi remarked, emphasizing that Christian faith and political leadership are not mutually exclusive. The pastor believes that Christians can be involved in politics while maintaining their faith and values.

In his speech, Kumuyi reiterated his belief that Christians not only can but should be part of politics. “So, I would say that, yes, Christians can and should, not only can, but should take part in politics,” he said. His message called for Christians to take up leadership roles and to strive for positive change in their communities, nations, and the world.

However, Kumuyi also made it clear that Christian involvement in politics should be guided by a higher calling. He emphasized that each individual must follow their specific calling, whether it be in politics, education, healthcare, or other fields. “We must follow our calling. God calls this to be a teacher. He calls this to be a politician. He calls this to be an engineer. He calls this to be a doctor,” Kumuyi said, underscoring the idea that each vocation is a divine calling that should be pursued with purpose and dedication.

Kumuyi’s words suggest that Christians should not shy away from any profession that God has called them to, including politics. He believes that when Christians respond to God’s calling, their influence will be seen in the positive outcomes of their work. “And if we respond to God and we follow through on God’s calling, then the result of us being there in politics will show we have the calling,” Kumuyi stated.

Drawing inspiration from Joseph’s impact in Egypt, Kumuyi highlighted how one individual’s faithfulness to God’s calling can lead to monumental change. “Like Joseph had the calling and he made an impact unforgettable in Egypt even until today,” Kumuyi said. This example served as a powerful illustration of how Christians, regardless of their career paths, can make lasting contributions to society.

Pastor Kumuyi’s call for Christian engagement in politics is part of a broader conversation about the role of faith in public life. He argued that Christians have a responsibility to be actively involved in shaping the future of their nations. By doing so, they not only fulfill their calling but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.