MOVING SOULS FROM THE PEWS TO THE POLLS

In connection with the Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC) Get Out The Vote initiative, CNBC is sharing sermon topics and starters to assist pastors, preachers, and clergy leaders as a resource as they prepare to deliver sermons related to the importance of voting.

Here are a few biblically-grounded Sermon Topics related to the importance of exercising the right to vote. The Black Church is united in our effort to increase voter turnout and civic engagement by helping to move congregants from the pews to the polls. It is our hope that you will find it useful and share it with your network.

ABOUT CNBC

The Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC) is comprised of the largest historically Black denominations in America: AME, AMEZ, CME, COGIC, NBCUSA, & PNBC. The organization represents more than 80% of African American Christians across this nation that have a combined membership of over 25 million people and 31,000 congregations. CNBC serves as the vehicle by which our member denominations collaborate in the areas of social justice and public policy on behalf of African American communities.

THE CNBC VOTER’S PLEDGE:

I am a Registered Voter! Thus, I am an empowered citizen! I have a voice! My opinion matters! In a representative government, I can help make decisions: about who gets elected to represent my best interests on taxes, on appropriations, on public policy, on education, on health and healthcare, on clean air and clean water, on parks and recreation, on public safety, on potholes, on neighborhood viability, and on economic vitality. I count because my VOTE counts! I am a registered voter! I pledge to use my vote every chance I get to make a difference — for my family, my community, and the things and people I deeply care about.

You will know me when you see me on Election Day; I’ll be wearing the lapel sticker proudly displaying these words: I VOTED!

SERMON TOPICS & STARTERS:

(Below are optional sermon topics, texts and starters for your consideration for each Sunday until the election. Simply click on the link(s) to see the full context for each sermon topic.)

Sunday, October 13, 2024: This or That? (Genesis 3)

1.   Decision-making is a gift from the Creator.

2.   Whatever we may think of the doctrine of Original Sin.

3.   Some decisions (let’s call them votes) require DISCERNMENT.

Sunday, October 20, 2024: All In Favor (Acts 6:1-5)

1.   Voting is an Expression of Equality.

2.   Voting suggests a kind of Civil Militancy.

3.   Voting is the Exercise for Individual and Community Empowerment.

Sunday, October 27, 2024: All for Barabbas, Stand Up and Holler (Luke 23:13-19) There are very few people of a certain age who wouldn’t remember the call and response of cheerleaders and fans interacting at an old school football or basketball game. The cheerleader with a megaphone pressed to the mouth, yelling into the crowd, “Two bits,

four bits, six bits, a dollar; All for the Tigers (the Wildcats, the Lions, the Yellow Jackets, the Rattlers) — whatever — stand up and holler.” (Click the link to read more)

Sunday, November 3, 2024: Election Day (Joshua 24:14-15)

1.   Elections have THEOLOGICAL significance.

2.   Elections have PERSONAL implications. The text says: “as for ME…”

3. Elections have HOUSEHOLD considerations; a consideration for the people we care about.

POST-SERMON CONGREGATIONAL COMMITMENT

(To be repeated at the end of each sermon.)

That’s why I pledge to use my vote every chance I get to make a difference — for my family, my community, and the things and people I deeply care about. You will know me when you see me on Election Day; I’ll be wearing the lapel sticker proudly displaying these words: I VOTED!

CNBC is a program of the Institute of Church Administration and Management (ICAM), a 501(c)(3) organization

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