In the turbulence of 2025, the graduate scheme combined my passion for Jesus and politics

Having previously worked within local churches and children’s ministry, I have witnessed firsthand the troubles many face in their day-to-day lives – homelessness, food poverty, loneliness, and much more. I also walked alongside parents navigating raising children in modern society, with gender politics, pornography and the unknowns of being online. So last year I left my role in the local church to combine my passion for Jesus and politics, hoping to play a part in advocacy for a kingdom perspective in our chaotic world.

During my brief time at the Evangelical Alliance, we have experienced the introduction of the assisted dying bill, Trump winning the US election, tariff changes, international war escalation and two budget updates in the UK. New legislation has covered housing, policing, employment, children’s wellbeing, Mental Health Act changes and a new approach to devolution powers. That’s just to mention a few. 

Over the past nine months, I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally in a variety of meaningful ways. I’ve engaged deeply with political content: drafting policy briefings for the wider advocacy team, preparing external briefings for MPs and stakeholders, and monitoring developments at Westminster. I’ve written articles on a range of topics and overseen the monthly Everything Advocacy communications. Additionally, I’ve attended parliamentary events and received expert-led training as part of the graduate scheme. 

It is no secret that everyone feels worried and uncertain about what the future has in store, politically and financially. Therefore, I don’t know how anyone can live through times such as these without the knowledge that Jesus Christ reigns. 

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Whilst it has been a chaotic time to transition my career into the world of politics, it has only strengthened my faith and understanding of God’s goodness and grace. 

Therefore, I want to share with you some of the biggest lessons I have learnt as I come to the end of my time with the Evangelical Alliance. These are lessons that I don’t think I could have learned anywhere else. 

The local church serves its local community. 

The statistics from Thinking faithfully about politics highlighted the driving force for Christian voters at the ballot box. We care about poverty, equality and justice, with 58% of Christians voting for the party they believe will best help those most in need. 

From outreach to innovative ways of tackling societal issues, churches are on the frontline. Often, it seems like the local church is stepping up where local authorities are failing. If our MPs and local councils are happy to rely on us for practical solutions to problems, then they should be eager to hear our heart and the reasons behind the work churches do. 

Evangelical Alliance members are truly amazing. God has inspired some impressive ministries. 

From organisations tackling homelessness, transforming the care system, sharing the gospel, and tackling violence against women and girls, to churches of all sizes, in all locations and across denominations. Evangelical Alliance members are on the front lines of transforming society, pioneering creative solutions and partnering with local authorities and businesses. The church is challenging the status quo and boldly sharing the gospel. 

Christians are financially stewarding change in Christian and secular charities. The Generosity Report produced by Stewardship highlights that 71% of Christians give regularly to secular charities, and over 82% of committed Christians regularly support Christian charities. The report showcases that committed Christians give away almost five times the UK monthly giving average, therefore making Christians a significant force for societal change. 

As part of this graduate scheme, I have had the privilege of joining this year’s cohort on the Public Leader programme. This has allowed me to meet like-minded Christians working across sectors and spaces, all with ambition for their careers but partnered with the ambition to be a light for Jesus in their workplaces. Between the other participants and the industry expert guest speakers, I have learnt the art of advocating for the gospel and how the Christian perspective can be transformative to workplaces. 

Charlottle Healey, the chief executive at Supportive Care UK Ltd, gave an impactful session on ​‘Leadership the Jesus Way’, where she broke down all the attributes we see in Jesus that we can apply to our workplaces: Jesus was prepared, spoke the truth and was consistent. Each attribute was emphasised with a biblical example, such as Jesus could delegate – we see this in the feed of the 5000 in Matthew 14:19b.

I have found the public leader programme to be essential in helping me find my confidence in my abilities, in what God has called me to do and in how to practically represent Jesus in the workplace. 

Whether you work in business, healthcare, education, media, the arts, or any other sector, if your work shapes culture and impacts the world around you, you’re a public leader. This programme is here to equip you to lead with boldness, wisdom and confidence in your sphere of influence. 

In a cultural moment underpinned by disillusionment, comparison and polarisation, I exhale at my relief in following Jesus. 

We should not fall into the trap of thinking that scripture is controversial or extreme. Culture can let us believe that Christianity in the UK is shrinking. As other perspectives shout louder and take up public discourse, it can be easy to believe this lie. 

The Bible Society’s reports Chinese Christianity in Britain and The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendance both present growth within different demographics of the church. I recommend listening to the Cross Section podcast for more on this. The Talking Jesus Report also found an openness to faith and the power of relationships in evangelism. 

All this research is clear – the church is growing, and the Lord is working for good through His people. 

People of all demographics are finding Jesus, in new and exciting ways. The encouragement that reports such as these bring can be perspective shifting and ministry transforming. We are seeing a desire for the gospel, a desire for Jesus, even when culture is claiming His irrelevance. The wonderful thing about the good news is it provides a stark contrast to earthly news. 

Whilst I have always loved politics, at time I have been nervous to formally engage in political conversations. Whether it’s been due to not know how to or where to start, or nervous to speak above culture, its resulted in me following politics quietly by the sidelines. 

Moving forward, I will be reaching out to my MP directly on the issues that are close to my heart, whether that’s highlighting the work of local foodbanks or asking my MP to vote on a particular matter. Now I know how, I will. 

Lastly, I will be having political conversation with my church community. I want to encourage all generations within the church to engage in political discussions, to share perspectives, stories and biblical frameworks for worldviews. 

I am incredibly grateful for my time at the Evangelical Alliance. From the political knowledge I have gained the confidence to speak up, the skills I have learnt with the advocacy team will underpin my career. I am leaving this graduate scheme more equipped, empowered and determined to be sharing the good news, doing my bit to bring a kingdom perspective in the UK.