Understanding the Separation of Church and State

In this week’s Capitol Ministries Weekend, Ralph Drollinger unpacks what Scripture teaches about the institutional separation of Church and State. Joined by host Frank Sontag, Ralph explains how the Bible distinguishes the God-ordained roles of Church and State, why the political arena is a mission field, and how righteousness in leadership impacts the health of a nation.

From the early church through Constantine, the Reformers, and the American experiment, Ralph traces the history of this doctrine and clarifies common misconceptions. He shows how biblical principles like “if you don’t work, you don’t eat”have even shaped policy debates in Washington today.

Discover why believers should champion institutional separation—but never influential separation—so that the Church remains faithful to making disciples, while public servants lead with righteousness informed by God’s Word.

📖 For deeper study, download the Bible study at CAPMIN.ORG

CHAPTERS
0:00 – Introduction: Capitol Ministries Weekend with Frank Sontag and Ralph Drollinger
0:43 – Missions moment: training new Caribbean leaders
2:07 – Politics as a mission field and God-ordained institutions
3:34 – “Big Beautiful Bill” and biblical welfare principles
6:20 – Jesus on rendering to Caesar and God: NT foundation for separation
10:11 – Distinct roles: Church evangelizes, State moralizes
12:33 – History: Constantine, Donatists, Reformation, and America’s foundation
16:20 – Why confusion exists today about separation of Church and State
17:12 – The Church’s influence without becoming a theocracy
18:04 – The importance of righteousness in leaders (Proverbs)
21:23 – The Church’s role in shaping righteous individuals for government