Church, Leadership, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in Lincolnshire
Across Lincolnshire, many of our churches are navigating a quiet but significant shift.
Conversations around national identity, culture, and belonging are becoming more pronounced. Political language is finding its way into everyday life in new ways. And, at times, Christian language is being drawn into that space—used to reinforce particular viewpoints about nation, identity, and who belongs.
This is not always loud or overt. More often, it appears in passing comments, shared assumptions, or unchallenged narratives. But it is present.
For those of us serving in churches—lay leaders, ordained ministers, and congregations alike—this raises a pressing question:
How do we remain faithful to the gospel in a context where faith is increasingly being aligned with political and cultural identity?
Recognising the Reality in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire has its own particular character.
It is a county of strong local identity, deep-rooted communities, and long-standing church presence. Many of our churches sit at the heart of their villages and towns, carrying both spiritual and cultural significance.
At the same time, we are not insulated from wider national trends. Across the county we are seeing:
- Heightened concern about social and cultural change
- Stronger expressions of national identity, sometimes framed in explicitly Christian terms
- A growing tendency to equate “Christian values” with a particular cultural or political stance
- Uncertainty among church leaders about how to respond without alienating members of their congregations
In many of our settings, these dynamics are not abstract—they are sitting in the pews.
Why This Matters
The challenge here is not that Christians hold political views. That is both inevitable and appropriate.
The concern arises when the gospel itself becomes narrowed—when it is subtly reshaped to fit a particular narrative about nation, identity, or power.
When that happens:
- The Church’s welcome can become conditional
- Difference can begin to feel like threat
- Faith can be confused with cultural belonging
- And our witness to Christ becomes harder to see clearly
In a county like Lincolnshire, where church and community life are closely intertwined, this can happen almost unnoticed.
The Role of Church Leadership
For those in leadership, this is delicate ground.
Many are aware of the tensions but are understandably cautious. There is a real desire not to create division, not to be seen as “political,” and not to unsettle already fragile congregations.
That instinct is understandable—but silence carries its own risks.
If we do not help our congregations think theologically about these issues, they will be shaped by other voices that are more than willing to do so.
The task is not to tell people what to think politically.
It is to help them discern what it means to think Christianly.
A Way Forward: Practical Guidance for Churches
This is not about dramatic interventions. It is about steady, intentional leadership.
1. Re-centre on the Gospel
Return, consistently and clearly, to the person and teaching of Christ.
- Pay attention to how Jesus engages with outsiders, power, and identity
- Preach and teach in ways that expand, rather than narrow, the understanding of who belongs
- Avoid allowing cultural assumptions to go unexamined in our teaching
This is not abstract theology—it shapes how people see the world.
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2. Create Space for Honest Conversation
Many people are holding questions, concerns, and strong views—but have nowhere to explore them safely.
- Offer facilitated conversations where listening is prioritised over winning arguments
- Model how to disagree well
- Acknowledge complexity rather than simplifying it
If the Church cannot hold these conversations, they will happen elsewhere—often in less healthy ways.
3. Distinguish Faith from Cultural Identity
Gently but clearly help congregations recognise the difference between:
- Following Christ
- And belonging to a particular cultural expression of Christianity
In Lincolnshire, where heritage and faith are often intertwined, this requires sensitivity. The aim is not to dismiss tradition, but to ensure it does not become a boundary that excludes others.
4. Equip Lay Leaders
Much of this plays out in informal settings—home groups, PCCs, conversations after services.
- Invest in equipping lay leaders to recognise and respond to these dynamics
- Provide simple frameworks for theological reflection
- Encourage confidence in addressing difficult topics without escalating conflict
This is where CTAL’s Learning Hub and pathway work may be able to serve as a resource—supporting churches in developing thoughtful, grounded ecumenical leadership at every level.
5. Hold a Posture of Confidence, Not Fear
Fear is often what drives the tightening of identity we are seeing.
The Church is called to something different:
- Confidence in the breadth of the gospel
- Confidence that faith does not need political reinforcement to endure
- Confidence that engaging openly does not mean losing conviction
This posture is not always easy—but it is essential.
A Shared Responsibility
This is not an issue for one denomination or one tradition. It is shared across our churches.
That is why the role of Churches Together Across Lincolnshire matters here. We are able to:
- Offer shared spaces for reflection and learning
- Support one another in navigating complex challenges
- Resource churches in ways that are collaborative rather than isolated
The Learning Hub is one expression of this—helping to form leaders and congregations who are able to engage thoughtfully, faithfully and ecumenically with the realities they face.
The CT groups and email lists promoting information and good practice are another way
Holding Faithfully to What Matters
This moment does not call for alarmism, but it does call for attentiveness.
The way the Church responds now will shape not only its public witness, but its internal life—how safe people feel, how welcome they are, and how clearly Christ is seen in and through us.
In Lincolnshire, with our deep roots and strong communities, we have an opportunity to model something steady and grounded:
A Church that is neither withdrawn nor reactive, but faithful, open, and confident in the gospel it proclaims.
That is the work before us.
Free and Simple Resources to Address Christian Nationalism
1. Christians Against Christian Nationalism (CACN) – Church & Community Resources
This is one of the best practical and church‑readycollections available online — especially useful for small groups and leadership teams. [https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/church-community-resources]
- Discussion guides and printable PDFs explaining what Christian nationalism is and how to talk about it.
- 3‑lesson small group curriculum and facilitator guide (free PDF).
- 10‑part podcast discussion guide for deeper conversation.
- Webinars & conversation toolkits that can be used in church settings.
👉 Available for free download from their ‘Church & Community Resources’ page.
Use for: small group series, adult Christian formation sessions, leadership study mornings.
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2. Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty – Bible Study and Discussion Guides
Though produced in the US context, these guides are very accessible and designed for church use: [https://bjconline.org/church-resources]
- “Responding to Christian Nationalism” — a 3‑lesson curriculum you can use with groups.
- Discussion guides from webinars on Christian nationalism — ideal for PCC or home‑group discussion.
👉 Free PDFs available from the BJC Church Resources page.
Use for: discussion evenings, sermon series planning, lay training.
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3. Sojourners – “Countering Christian Nationalism” Study Guide
A free short guide that clearly explains what Christian nationalism is (and isn’t) with: [https://sojo.net/resources/countering-christian-nationalism]
- Simple definitions
- Questions for reflection
- Suggestions for how to frame the topic in church contexts
👉 Their online discussion guide is freely accessible.
Use for: small groups, church newsletters, discipleship courses.
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4. Printable Awareness PDFs
From Christians Against Christian Nationalism: [https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/resources-list]
- “What is Christian Nationalism?”
- “How does the Bible inform Christian opposition to Christian nationalism?”
These are short, printable, and useful for group reflection or preaching prep.
👉 Available free.
Use for: bulletins, small group handouts, church noticeboards.
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5. Church of England / Diocese of London Webinar
Although this was specific to a date March 2026, the concept is worth watching for UK church leaders — engaging the theology behind Christian nationalism in a practical way for UK contexts. Free online sessions like this are often repeated or recorded. [https://www.london.anglican.org/event/unpacking-the-theology-of-christian-nationalism-a-practical-webinar-for-church-leaders/]
Use for: clergy training, deanery study days, leadership development.
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How to Use These Resources in Your Church
🔹 Sunday Series Starter– Use a short CACN PDF as the opening for a 3‑week series on “Faith and Nation”.
🔹 Small Group Series – Run the Responding to Christian Nationalism curriculum over three sessions.
🔹 Leadership Study – Use Sojourners’ guide as the basis for a leadership retreat or discussion.
🔹 Preaching Support – Adapt material for sermons that help congregations think theologically rather than politically.
🔹 Awareness Tool – Share the “What is Christian Nationalism?” handout in church newsletters or as an insert in service booklets.
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A Few Guidelines for UK Churches
While many resources originate in the United States, the underlying issues — theological distortion of faith for political ends, the blending of religious identity with national identity, and the church’s call to welcome all people — are at heart worldwide concerns. These tools don’t require political stances; they equip Christians to think faithfully about the gospel, democracy, and neighbourly love.
churches together in All Lincolnshire 