In our generation – and, in our American society – money talks. If you’re willing to pay the tariff, most anything is possible. Super Bowl tickets? Done. Front row at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert? Put your AmEx card on the counter. How about entry to the CNN Studios in Atlanta – this Thursday evening – for the Presidential Debate? No tickets; no audience; no way. What gives?

In an unprecedented departure from historic norms, the only way to listen-in on the rancorous rants from the two presumptive presidential candidates will be through media. The world will be watching as American democracy continues to head into uncharted electoral territory.

Here’s a profound observation: we’ll be asked in November to choose between two leaders, both of whom claim affiliation with the Christian faith, while neither would qualify to be a leader in any legitimate faith movement, whether a church, a denomination, or a parachurch/faith-based ministry.

The standards to serve as President of the United States are lower than those set to serve as Pastor of a local church.

The continuing onslaught of Breaking News can be overwhelming, but among the short-lived headlines in the last decade – including the last few months – notable names from the Christian movement have been removed from continuing credibility as their biblical status as overseers has been revoked through their own life experiences.

The basis by which Christian leaders are deemed credible include qualifications that address one’s fitness – stretching into the past as well as the present – and have no statute of limitations offering release from liability. That’s not a new paradigm; it’s been binding since the launch of the Gospel.

Paul was clarifying the exacting standards as he coached his protégé, Timothy, serving as pastor of the Church in Ephesus that had been launched by Paul himself. This unredacted leadership memo is timeless in its expression of expectation:

“If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed… Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive… Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (Paul, from 1 Timothy 4)

At the risk of alienating some of my zealous friends, neither of our presidential candidates are paragons of virtue; their character flaws are widely known and virtually uncontested. Competence will be the basis for electoral choice; morality – as a synonym for holiness, within the Christian tradition – will not be on the ballot. Policy promises will be the default explanation for casting one’s vote…

Paul’s own vulnerability was top-of-mind for him as he sought to sustain his legitimacy within the leadership of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. His personal commitment was solid and unwavering:

“This is my answer to those who question my authority… I run with purpose in every step… I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I might be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9)

I’m committed to vote my conscience in November, but I know that the election is for an American president, not a Christian pastor. God’s standards are unapologetically higher. As Kingdom leaders, that’s the mark that you and I are called to sustain!

Bob Shank