Could God Be Calling You to Politics?
From school boards and city councils to advocacy and public service, Catholics have opportunities to bring their faith into civic life and work for the common good.
By Nathan Fisher
Associate Director
Colorado Catholic Conference
Faith and politics share a relationship that is deeply interconnected yet distinctly separate. As Catholics, every facet of our lives must be informed by our faith, including our political outlook and engagement.
I learned this firsthand through my years working in politics.
My path began at the city and county level before eventually leading me to the Colorado State Capitol, where I served in roles ranging from legislative aide to partisan chief of staff. Today, I serve as associate director of the Colorado Catholic Conference.
More importantly, that path helped lead me home to the Church and to starting my family.
I met my wife, who is also a convert, while working at the Capitol. My former boss, the House minority leader, became my sponsor and one of the greatest supporters in my conversion. Thankfully, I have been surrounded by many others who live their faith and inspire me to keep mine present in my daily work.
Through those experiences, I have come to believe that political service can even be a vocation for some of the Catholic laity.
Discerning a Call to Political Life
St. Thomas More, the patron saint of statesmen and politicians, offers us a model. His dedication to living a virtuous life should inspire us as we engage in politics. He was willing to sacrifice everything except his love and obedience to God. His example shows us that the most important part of political efforts is our morals and our commitment to act on them.
But that’s not always the case in our apostolic age. Politics can attract people seeking power, influence and material gain. Even those who enter for the right reasons can easily become consumed by worldly things. Faith, prayer, prudence and discernment are essential to remaining grounded and asking the Holy Spirit to guide what we do.
If we are simply interested in advancing our own earthly worldview, we are not doing it correctly.
At the Catholic Conference, we work with both sides of the aisle because no one party fully represents our Catholic values. Our goal cannot simply be partisan victory. A faithful Catholic enters political life to serve the common good.
That does not mean every Catholic is called to run for office. But just as different parts of the Body of Christ have different functions (see Romans 12:4-5), Catholics have different roles to play in civic life. Some may be called to become candidates. Others may advocate, support good candidates, build relationships with public officials or simply become more engaged in their communities.
The important thing is to discern where God is asking you to serve.
Start Close to Home
When people think about politics, their attention often goes immediately to presidential elections, Congress or other national debates. Those are important, yet some of the decisions with the greatest impact on our daily lives happen much closer to home.
My first political job involved following local boards and commissions and tracking city council and county commissioner meetings. I saw decisions being made about zoning, water, property and how local tax dollars would be spent.
Many of these decisions receive little attention because the national political spotlight is so bright.
This is where the Catholic principle of subsidiarity becomes especially important. I did not realize it at the time, but my own path through politics followed the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity: I started locally and used that experience to work statewide while respecting the role of those smaller communities.
The best work often happens at the local level, where communities know their own needs best.
That means Catholics interested in political service do not need to start by imagining a congressional campaign. Look at your city council, county commission or school board. Learn about planning and zoning commissions, water districts and other local boards. Find out what seats are vacant or coming up for election. Then start showing up.
Take the First Step
Getting involved in politics can seem out of reach, as though you need a large following, political connections or significant fundraising support. That has not been my experience.
The worst thing we can do is become intimidated and sit on the sidelines.
When I began in politics, I started by researching what was actually happening and then getting involved with advocacy groups. If I had to begin again, I would start by meeting people already involved (like the Catholic Conference) and learning from them.
Talk to fellow parishioners who are active in your community. Attend local government meetings. Develop relationships with lawmakers, staff and advocates. Contact your state Catholic Conference, which can help you understand important issues and connect with others already engaged in public life.
Most importantly, be consistent and present.
Politics taught me that nothing is accomplished alone. It takes people playing different roles and working together for the common good — something we also see reflected in our faith and our parishes.
I have been extremely blessed by the Lord through the people I have met along the way, many of whom have shaped my life forever.
Is that not part of what we are called to do as we search for our vocation: meet people, remain rooted in prayer and spread the Gospel?
Politics might seem like an unlikely place to find those things. But if the Lord is calling you to serve there, he will provide.
So take the first step. Do not be afraid. Ask the Lord where your gifts are needed, and discern how he may be calling you to use them for the common good.
