For many, politics feels distant. Jacob Hill from the Australian Christian Lobby, noted that people often lump themselves in with the whole population: “We think we’re just one vote—and what difference can one vote really make?” That attitude shows up not just on election day, but throughout the government’s entire term.
But Hill pointed out a crucial truth: while on election day you might be one vote among millions, in everyday life you are an important person within your community—the very people politicians are elected to represent.
At a local level especially, smaller tiers of government can bring more impact because they are closer to everyday issues. “They put their hand up to be the voice for the community,” Hill explained. “So the question is, what can you do for them?” From delivering mail to knocking on doors, simple support matters.
Seeing Politicians as People
Another barrier comes from how we view politicians. Often, Hill said, we forget that they are human. “They don’t need a degree to step into parliament. It’s a heart for community. They’re people just like us, who said ‘I’ll represent us.’”
When we remember their humanity, it changes how we engage. If you’re passionate about an issue, your MP may actually know very little about it unless it sits in their policy area. “Realistically, they’re depending on people like you,” Hill explained. Sharing your expertise gives them perspective they might not otherwise have.
He compared it to being a child in a family. While kids don’t control the finances, they do influence decisions like where the family eats or goes on holiday. In the same way, ordinary citizens carry influence—even if they’re not the final decision-makers.
How to Engage: Practical Steps
So what does engagement look like? Hill stressed the power of face-to-face connection: “One visit is worth a thousand letters.” Written campaigns show numbers, but personal meetings can shape an MP’s thinking in ways that stick.
He also emphasized the influence within political parties. When party members align ideologically, issues raised consistently in the party room eventually shape the whole platform. Signing up and becoming involved is one of the strongest ways to make a difference.
Faith and Politics
As Christians, Hill argued, it’s not just about if we should be involved—it’s how. He acknowledged different callings: some are drawn to conservative values, some to environmental concerns, others elsewhere. But regardless of party, the call is to represent Christ.
Citing the Apostle Paul, Hill reminded listeners of Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy to pray for those in authority—even for leaders as harsh as Nero, who eventually ordered his execution. Paul not only taught respect for government, but modeled how to engage—using local, state, and federal systems to share his cause, and even influencing members of Caesar’s household.
The call, Hill said, is to honour those in authority, not because they’re perfect, but because God has placed them there.
When Politics Lets Us Down
Of course, the system isn’t perfect. Hill acknowledged widespread cynicism: politicians who promise one thing and do another have tarnished the public’s trust. “It’s heartbreaking, and it’s given the institution a bad reputation,” he admitted. Yet he encouraged people not to retreat in frustration.
Instead, the challenge is to use your vote, your voice, and your influence—getting behind good leaders and supporting them along the way.
A Shared Responsibility
In the end, Hill argued, politics is not a distant, unchangeable system. It’s a relationship between communities and those who represent them. Every conversation, every act of involvement, every prayer makes a difference.
As he put it, “On election day you have one vote—but between now and then, this is your community. You can make an impact.”