Christian Leaders Alliance for Politics (CLAP)

CHRISTIAN LEADERS ALLIANCE FOR POLITICS (CLAP)

Christians in Politics is an all-party, non-denominational organisation which seeks to encourage and inspire Christians to get involved in politics and public life. Emphasis is placed on our membership of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, as opposed to the earthly allegiances which may separate us. 

Vision:

To see Christians responding to God's call to positive engagement in party politics and government.

Mission:

To make the biblical case for participating in party politics at high-quality events.

To connect Christians and churches to people or organisations that can help them engage politically.

To provide resources to equip Christians in their engagement with politics through the Christian organisations affiliated to the mainstream political parties.

Values:

We believe we are called to...

Build relationships across party lines, as we seek to put God's kingdom before tribal politics.

Follow Jesus' example of servant leadership.

Honour the Church as God's body, which is called to be salt and light in the world.

Participate in decision-making, rather than just commentating or criticising from the side-lines.

Join a Party

A great way of getting stuck in and adding your voice to the political world is to join a political party. If you’ve decided which party you’re going to vote for, why not join it and have a greater impact?

Party members are involved in campaigning, delivering leaflets, supporting candidates, and influencing policy. Members may get the opportunity to vote in internal elections, on things like party leaders or committee representatives. Parties also need the income from membership subscriptions to run their election campaigns – some of them are run on a shoe-string! When you join you will receive more information on how the party works and opportunities to get involved.

Still unsure about joining a party?

Pray

Prayer is essential. It is when we pray that we see God's kingdom advance on earth as it is in heaven. It also breaks our hearts to injustice and gives us the strength to keep on pursuing God's good purposes for the world around us. As Mother Theresa once said, "The more we recieve in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life".

There's loads of ways you can pray for politics, either on your own, as part of small group or even as part of your church service. Below are some ideas to get you started.

What to pray for 

Politics is a big subject that we often feel quite disconnected from. As a result it can be difficult to know exactly what to pray for.

Here are some ideas to help you start praying for politics.

PRAY FOR YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN AND COUNCILORS

Council Chairmen and Councilors are our elected representatives; they are also human beings with high pressure jobs, families, hopes, dreams, and concerns. Pray for your them (and their family) that God would bless them and use them to be a blessing, both locally and in their work in local government

PRAY FOR OUR LAWMAKERS

We are fortunate to live in a free democratic society which rests on broadly Christian foundations. Give thanks for this freedom, and pray that Christian Lawmakers will grow in numbers and influence across all of the political parties.

CHRISTIANS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT

Christians working in the political parties and the civil service can have a strong positive influence on policies and public services. Pray that God will strengthen them to be a faithful servant and witness in their work place, and a voice that is willing to speak up at the right time.

PRAY FOR POLITICAL LEADERS

Political leaders matter, both for the power they exercise and the moral direction that they bring to the nation (for better or worse). Pray for our President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the cabinet, that they would show wisdom, character and integrity, serving and leading in a Godly way.

PRAY FOR YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

Many local councillors serve their communities faithfully with little thanks! For some this is also a ‘route in’ to other political roles. Give thanks for the work of your local council, and ask that God would use them to help bring peace, prosperity, righteousness, and hope to your ‘city’.

PRAY FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

Local churches make up by far the largest voluntary and community organisation in Nigeria, but we often fail to use the voice this gives us wisely or effectively. Pray that churches in your area will recognise the political realm as a ‘mission field’ and rise up together in prayer and action.