Advocacy is part of the DNA of the United Methodist Church. From John Wesley’s stand against slavery to modern campaigns for racial justice, creation care and poverty relief, our tradition calls us to put faith into action — not just in the sanctuary, but in the public square.
But after the pandemic, pastoral transitions or just years of focusing inward, many congregations find their advocacy work has slowed or stopped. The good news? You can start again. And you can do it in a way that’s faithful, effective and fully compliant with your nonprofit status.
1. Know the boundaries (and the freedom) of your nonprofit status
One of the biggest fears churches have about advocacy is losing their 501(c)(3) status. The IRS rules are clear:
- You can’t endorse or oppose candidates for elected office*
- You can engage in issue advocacy — including speaking, teaching, and organizing around legislation — as long as it’s not a “substantial” part of your activities
- You can join coalitions, hold educational forums and encourage civic participation without crossing the line into partisan politics
Example: You can host an information night on affordable housing and invite local experts to speak. You can’t tell attendees to vote for or against a specific candidate.
The General Board of Church and Society offers excellent guidance on how to engage boldly while honoring these rules in the Creating Change Together Toolkit. The key is focusing on issues, not individual candidates or parties.
2. Ground your advocacy in Wesleyan theology
Advocacy isn’t a side project for the church — it’s central to our call to “spread scriptural holiness” across the land. Wesley’s theology connects personal holiness with acts of mercy that focus on taking action in the world. That means discipleship includes addressing systems that harm our neighbors.
When you frame advocacy in theological language, your congregation sees it not as “getting political,” but as living the gospel. Start sermons, newsletters and conversations with scripture and Wesleyan tradition, then connect those convictions to the issues affecting your community.
3. Start local and relational
National issues can be overwhelming. Often the most effective starting place is in your own neighborhood:
- What are the pressing concerns in your city or county?
- What has happened recently in your community that highlights injustice?
- Who is already organizing around those issues?
- Where is there a gap your church could help fill?
Reach out to local coalitions, nonprofits and grassroots groups. Ask how your church can serve. Sometimes that means showing up at meetings, offering your building for gatherings or lending your communication channels to amplify events.
4. Offer what you already have
You may not have a large budget for advocacy, but you do have assets:
- Space: Offer your fellowship hall for organizing meetings, trainings or voter registration drives
- People: Mobilize members with skills in teaching, organizing, cooking or hospitality
- Visibility: Use your road sign, newsletter, or social media to share educational resources and invite participation.
- Networks: Partner with other faith communities to increase your reach and impact.
Often, simply making your building and people available to local justice efforts builds trust and relationships that last for years.
5. Communicate clearly and consistently
If advocacy hasn’t been part of your church culture for a while, some members may be unsure or even hesitant. Clear communication helps:
- Be transparent about the issues you’re addressing and why they align with United Methodist teaching
- Explain the boundaries of what the church will and won’t do politically
- Invite participation at multiple levels from prayer and study groups to hands-on involvement at events
Remember, advocacy doesn’t have to mean protests in the streets. It can also look like letter-writing campaigns, educational forums or supporting those most affected by an issue.
6. Celebrate and reflect
When your church takes action — whether it’s hosting a community meeting or helping pass local policy — celebrate it. Share stories in worship, highlight them on social media, and name the connection between advocacy and discipleship.
Then, take time to reflect:
- What went well?
- Where could we improve?
- What’s next?
This rhythm of action, celebration, and reflection keeps your advocacy grounded in mission and connected to your congregation’s identity.
Conclusion
Advocacy is not a distraction from the gospel — it’s one of the ways we live it out. By understanding the guidelines, rooting your work in Wesleyan theology, and using the resources you already have, your church can be a faithful voice for justice in your community without risking your nonprofit status.
The Rev. Jeremy Steele is Next Generation Minister at Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile, Alabama. He is an author, blogger at jeremywords.com and a frequent contributor to MyCom, an e-newsletter published by United Methodist Communications.
*The IRS announced in July 2025 that it would no longer pursue investigations against churches or religious non-profits who endorse political candidates. It is not clear whether this change in policy will be permanent, and no new laws have been passed by Congress to this effect. Regardless, the United Methodist Social Principles discourage churches affiliating themselves with political parties or endorsing political candidates. To learn more read this statement from the General Board of Church and Society.