Photo: Scott Peterson. Photo provided by MC USA.

Mennonite Church USA announces “Putting People on the Ballot: Anabaptism and American Politics,” a three-part webinar series to explore one perspective on how Anabaptist theology can create a different paradigm for engaging government without falling into the traps of fallen systems or partisan politics. The webinar is a resource for pastors and church leaders through the MC USA office of leadership development.

“Polarization is a reality in our culture. As Christians, how do we talk about it? As leaders, how do we talk about it?” says Michael Danner, MC USA associate executive director of church vitality and engagement. “This webinar is one framework for how to engage one another and explore ways to lead more effectively in the midst of polarization, both in the country and the church. It’s one way to talk about it.”

Scott Peterson, leadership pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church in Glendale, Arizona, will lead the webinar, which grew out of a Sunday school class he developed at the church. Peterson is a leadership coach for pastors and holds a master’s in theology from Fresno (California) Pacific Biblical Seminary.

“It’s important to talk about politics because ideas have consequences and politicians have power,” Danner says. “The decisions they make affect people in everyday life. Jesus calls us into a different way of relating to people. If we care about our neighbor, we have to care about politics. Our faith draws us into that space.”

The webinar is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. Eastern Time with the following topics and dates: Foundations: Setting Our Theological Bearings on Sept. 17; Tensions: Seeing Beyond the Partisan Divide on Oct. 15; and Vision: Policy & Possibility When Jesus is Lord on Nov. 19. For more information and to register, visit thegatheringplace.us.