Civic Engagement Ministry
Rooted in our call to love our neighbor, the Word of God Civic Engagement Ministry equips you to be an informed, faithful voice in the decisions that shape our community.
Our scriptural foundation:
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for “the least of these,” we do for Him. Our vote is one of the most powerful ways we live this out—standing up for the vulnerable, the overlooked, and those without a voice. When we vote with compassion, Jesus sees it as compassion shown to Him.
Civic engagement is one of the ways we answer His call. When we stay informed, when we vote, and when we lift our voices for justice and mercy, we are tending to “the least of these” in a tangible way. We’re not pursuing a party or a platform—we’re pursuing faithfulness. As a nonpartisan ministry, we don’t tell you who to vote for; we equip you to engage prayerfully, thoughtfully, and in a way that honors Christ in every neighbor you meet.
Civic Engagement means:
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), civic engagement refers to individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.
Why Civic Engagement Matters
- Honors Our Voice as Stewards: God calls us to be active participants in our communities. Civic engagement gives us a meaningful voice in the decisions, policies, and systems that shape the lives of our neighbors and families.
- Nurtures Whole-Person Well-being: When we invest in our communities, we help build bonds of trust and fellowship. Research affirms what Scripture teaches—that caring for one another strengthens us, bringing real benefits to our mental, physical, and spiritual health.
- Answers the Call to Love Our Neighbor: A healthy democracy depends on informed, engaged citizens who come together in good faith to serve the common good. As people of faith, we’re called to seek the welfare of our community and work together to address the challenges around us.
The Data Tells The Story
National Voting Participation
In 2024, about 36% of eligible Americans — roughly 89 million people — did not vote, more than voted for either candidate. Source: University of Florida Election Lab / U.S. Elections Project (2024).
Note: The U.S. trails most developed democracies in turnout.
Source: Pew Research Center.
The Representation Gap
In Texas in 2024, turnout was highest among white non-Hispanic voters (66.6%) and lower among Black (57.7%), Asian (52.3%), and Hispanic (44.5%) voters
Knight Foundation’s landmark study of 12,000 chronic non-voters found roughly 100 million Americans routinely don’t vote, and that active voters over-represent the college-educated, higher-income, and over-40, while under-representing others — which affects “the capacity of our elected government to mirror the values of its entire citizenry.”
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, via Axios. Knight Foundation, The 100 Million Project (2020).
How few people decide Houston’s elections
Sources: Harris County Clerk’s Office; Rice University Kinder Institute; Houstonia;
ABC13 Houston. 2024-2026
More Americans stayed home than voted for either candidate.
Sources: Certified vote totals — Council on Foreign Relations / U.S. National Archives. Turnout (63.7% of the voting-eligible population) — University of Florida Election Lab / U.S. Elections Project, 2024. Figures rounded.
Share of eligible voters who cast as ballot in 2024..
Sources: University of Florida Election Lab / U.S. Elections Project, 2024.
Important Dates
Opportunities to Register to Vote
We will have Voluntee Deputy Voter Registrars on hand to sign you up to register to vote.
1st and 4th Sundays
WOGCF Voter Registration
July 18, 2026
Health and Wellness Event: Voter Registration
July 20 - 24, 2026
Vacation Bible School: Voter Registration
August 8, 2026
Back to School Bash
Countdown to Election Day
Mark down these important dates on your calendar so you can exercise your right to vote.
October 5, 2026
Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 30, 2026
Early Voting
October 19, 2026
First Day of Voting
November 3, 2026
Election Day
Voter Education Sessions
September 13, 2026
Session 1: Understanding Federal Anti-Discrimination Protections
The Voting Rights Act (VRA) was won through the sacrifice of the Civil Rights Movement. We’ll look at how recent court decisions have reshaped it, and what’s at stake for our communities today.
Topics to Be An Informed Voter
Future Session Topics
- Redistricting
- Affordability
- Voting Rights
- Importance of Jury Duty
- Due Process
- Does My Vote Even Matter?
- What Does Gutting the Department of Education Mean for You?
Take our survey and help us shape our Informational Talks—tell us what matters most to you!
Helpful Websites
Ballotpedia
Shows you a sample ballot for your voting area
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Check Voter Status
Your voter registration status
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Election Information
Information to assist voters in participating in every election.
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Guide to Voting in Texas
Polling locations, registration, mail-in ballots, etc.
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Harris County Clerk’s Office
Election dates, Your Harris county voter registration status
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League of Women Voters
Voting guides, gives info on each candidate and item on the ballot
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Montgomery County Elections VRL
Information about voting in Montgomery County, Texas
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Other Ways to Get Involved
Resources on helping eligible Texas voters
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