by Randy Harp
On November 8, 2016, millions of Americans will turn out to the election booth to cast their vote. This is one of the greatest privileges of being a citizen of the United States of America. Our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, said, “The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties, such a system of government is doomed to fail.” Not only is it a privilege as an American citizen, it is our responsibility as Christians.
According to the National Day of Prayer organization, of the 52 million voter-eligible Christians in America, 10 million are not registered to vote, and over 20 million who were registered did not vote in the previous election cycle. In other words, over 60 percent of all eligible-to-vote Christians in America did not vote. We need this oftentimes silent majority to make a significant impact in this election.
There are two primary ways for this to happen. The first is for every American Christian to vote. There is an advertisement on page 25 for the Jonathan Project and their “Defending My Table” campaign. I encourage you to take a look at their values-based principles to guide you in the election process.
The second way for Christians to make a significant impact in this election is to commit to praying for the election. There is a 40-day prayer calendar found on page 15 to assist in praying from September 30 through the election on November 8. Visit our website to download a PDF of this page to distribute freely in your church. If you have “liked” the Tribune on Facebook, we will also be sharing this guide each day. Help us spread the word by “sharing” on your personal Facebook page.
This issue of the Tribune includes two features from individuals from within our Fellowship who have firsthand experience in the political realm. David Stokes, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, pastors a church in the
Washington, D.C. metro and has hosted his own national satellite radio talk show on politics. Char Pelfrey, wife of BBFI pastor Jerry Pelfrey, has served on the Mason, OH, city council since 1999. She was also mayor of Mason for two years and vice mayor for two years. Mike Moon, an elected member of the Missouri House of Representatives and member of a BBFI church, gives his perspective in “In the Trenches.” You will also want to prioritize reading through our normal columns, “Urban Current” and “The Right Angle.” Both provide great information on politics and the upcoming election.
One other important thing to remember in October is that it is Pastor Appreciation Month. The AfterWords on page 30 gives a top ten list of ways to honor your pastor this month.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve Christ as I serve you in the ministry of communication. If there is ever anything I can do for you please let me know.