Politics & the Pastor

This election cycle I'm experiencing an interesting tension in how I communicate what I think and the views I have concerning the political race now unfolding. The reality I embrace and realize is that my views and thoughts on the issues are not perfect and at different junctures, might not exactly be how Jesus would view it (which I'd wish to be modified in those), but I do indeed have these thoughts. What I also realize is that at this time in our culture, most people are very pleased to have conversation concerning politics, cultural issues, and who is running for president.

Here is what I'm realizing my goal is to be:
Use each of these timely political conversations to engage each person with the reality of the gospel.
Reality is, each of the 'political problems' or 'social problems' that any candidate is promising to fix, is, in its root, a GOSPEL problem.

But HOW?
What this looks like in real conversations is being able to articulate an argument for or against any candidate. EVERY candidate has positive aspects. The moment you have brought up a positive aspect about this particular candidate that this particular friend is so passionate about, you've built a small bridge and you are allowed access to the conversation with them. This can be done with every candidate.

Here's the question I'm trying to answer with each conversation:
How can I have this friend discover and communicate the gospel to themselves (at least in part) to begin building that bridge. Most people believe aspects of the gospel and will even communicate those to you.

I know there are pastors who adamantly will not discuss politics under any circumstance. To this guy, I'd say, 'what a waste of an opportunity'.

I also know there are pastors who preach the political issue directly from their pulpit. To this guy, I'd say, 'what a waste of your pulpit'. 'Can you not connect the dot of the issue to the gospel need?'.

It's the issue BEHIND the issue.

The economic fallout - our society's struggle and lack of contentment and idol of consumerism.

Limiting abortion - what is most important in my life that I would actually choose over a child?

Taxes - I want more of my money. I don't trust my government. We should help the poor.

My hope is that followers of Jesus would use their political conversations wisely to direct people to the Gospel.

(This topic though is by no means limited to politics. Politics is just what everyone in my context is actually talking about on the surface. Lots of times it's the Cardinals or the mess our school systems are in. CONNECT with people.... people. Have a conversation with someone you completely disagree with.)