A Masterclass from
Tenessa Audette
About This Masterclass
What does loving your city look like in government?
The issues matter to you. So do the people affected by them. But between heated conversations and competing opinions, it can be difficult to know where your faith fits—or what meaningful involvement could look like.
In God and Government, Tenessa Audette invites you to explore civic life through the lens of Scripture, servant leadership, and practical responsibility. Across four sessions, examine how Jesus responded to power and control, explore foundational ideas in American government, and consider what makes a leader worthy of trust.
Drawing on her experience in public service, Tenessa brings the conversation close to home: the decisions that affect your neighbors, the character of those who lead, and the opportunities to serve right where you live.
Come with your questions. Discover how to engage thoughtfully, bring conviction and humility into public life, and keep your hope rooted in Jesus.
What you'll learn in this class....
- Explore the political and religious tensions surrounding Jesus’ ministry.
- Recognize how fear, control, and self-interest can influence leadership.
- Discover what Jesus reveals about courage, humility, and responsibility.
- Understand foundational ideas in the American government.
- Consider both character and competence when evaluating public leadership.
- Identify practical ways to serve your community beyond election season.
- Develop rhythms of prayer, learning, and thoughtful civic participation.
Sessions: 4 | Length: 3hrs 1min
Session 1: Politics in the Time of Jesus
31 min
Jesus entered a world filled with political tension and competing claims to authority. Explore how He responded to hypocrisy, power, and control—and what His example invites us to examine in our own approach to public life.
Session 2: Power, Politics, and the Burden of Leadership
31 min
Does leadership make life lighter for the people it serves? Examine the temptation to protect position and influence, and discover how Nicodemus’ story opens a conversation about humility, courage, and integrity within imperfect systems.
Session 3: God, Government, and the People
50 min
What should we expect from government—and from the people entrusted to lead it? Explore constitutional principles, rights, and representation while considering how biblical convictions, practical competence, and realistic expectations shape thoughtful civic engagement.
Session 4: Engaging Politics with Righteousness and Responsibility
69 min
You care about your community. Where can you begin? Consider practical ways to become informed, pray for leaders, and participate locally, bringing a posture of service to the issues and responsibilities closest to home.
Join the Conversation
Share insights, ask questions, and connect with other members.
Session Notes
Review key insights and reflect on what you’re learning.
Learn at Your Pace
Make room to grow with teaching that fits your schedule.
Faith for Everyday Life
Find encouragement for the people and places God has entrusted to you.
About the Teacher
Tenessa Audette brings firsthand experience of what it means to serve people through government—the questions, difficult decisions, and everyday opportunities to help a community flourish. A Redding City Council member and former mayor, she has also served as a California State Senate district representative, helping residents navigate government and access public resources.
With a degree in political science and experience teaching constitutional principles and civics, including God and Government at BSSM, Tenessa connects public service with thoughtful, practical education. Her approach emphasizes integrity, preparation, humility, and a willingness to listen.
A California native, wife, and mother of three, she invites you to consider how your faith can inform the way you understand leadership and serve your neighbors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I care about my community, but political conversations leave me exhausted. Is this class for me?
Yes. You can come with questions and mixed feelings about civic involvement. The class offers space to consider leadership, responsibility, and service through Scripture, with practical invitations to learn about your community and participate thoughtfully. You don’t need political ambitions to find a meaningful starting point.
I’ve never studied government. Will I be able to follow along?
Yes—you’re welcome to come curious. Tenessa introduces the ideas through Scripture, historical context, and her experience in public service. You don’t need a political background to begin exploring how government works and what thoughtful leadership can look like.
Would this be a good class to watch with people who see politics differently?
The teaching offers shared questions to explore: How did Jesus respond to power? What makes leadership trustworthy? How can we serve our neighbors well? Watching together can provide a starting point for thoughtful conversation, with room to listen, reflect on Scripture, and honor one another as you learn.
What is Bethel Leaders Network?
Bethel Leaders Network (BLN) is an expression of the Bethel Church family in Redding, California. Our heart is to connect, encourage, and equip leaders to live out Kingdom culture and see God move in their homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. Through resources and opportunities for meaningful connection, we help people grow in their walk with God and in what He has called them to carry.
Who are these masterclasses for?
If you’re hungry to grow in your relationship with God and bring His heart into everyday life, these masterclasses are for you. Whether you’re raising a family, leading a church, building a business, or serving your community, our hope is that you leave encouraged and equipped for where God has placed you. You don’t need a leadership title to have an impact.
How much does it cost to access the masterclasses?
Our masterclasses are included in all three memberships, so you can choose the support and connection that best fit your season:
- BLN Learn — $12/month or $120/year: Grow at your own pace with access to our library of 40+ masterclasses and new content added monthly.
- BLN Engage — $37/month: Enjoy everything in Learn, plus community, sphere-specific mentors, learning pathways, and live calls to encourage you along the way.
- BLN Influence — suggested contribution of $225/month: Receive everything in Engage, plus personal connection, coaching, and pastoral support for senior leaders and their spouses. An application is required, with a $200 non-refundable application fee.
Can I watch at my own pace?
Absolutely. You can watch on demand through the BLN platform on the web or mobile app throughout your active membership. Make space in a rhythm that works for you, pause to reflect, and return to a session as you put what you’re discovering into practice.
How do I get started?
Select “Get Started” to explore our memberships and choose the one that best suits your season and the ways you’d like to grow. You can join Learn or Engage directly, or apply for Influence if you’re a senior leader seeking deeper connection and support.
