by Char Pelfrey
About 20 years ago, God challenged my husband, Jerry (lead pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Mason, OH, for 31 years), and me through Matthew 5 to get involved in our community. We were definitely stepping out of our comfort zones. We joined the local Kiwanis Club and I volunteered in various community and school projects. Not long after, Jerry became a chaplain for Mason’s police and fire department and has served in that capacity to the present. In 1999, the Lord nudged me once again and my mind and heart were turned to Mason’s city council. After getting an exuberant “yes!” from my husband, and as an admitted political novice with a great passion to serve the Lord through my community, I ran my first city-wide race for council and won, topping in vote count all other candidates except one seasoned incumbent. We worked hard on that campaign. Everything that had my name on it was done with class, excellence, and the latest technology — or it wasn’t done at all. Since that time, the Lord has allowed me to successfully win all four elections to council, twice receiving top vote count. I’m in my 15th year and have served as mayor and vice mayor of Mason. I am currently the longest-seated council member.
I thought I was ready to step into the political world because I’d been in church all my life. I thought I’d seen it all and survived. I was wrong.
We knew the Lord had impressed His plan upon me to step into a new realm of being light and salt. I had support from Mason’s residents, and I was brimming with energy and ideas. What we were not prepared for was the instant exposure to behind-the-scenes unethical behavior by an established few. I was driven to my knees in prayer like never before, begging God for His wisdom, protection, and strength. My verse for this journey came from Matthew 10:16, “behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as servants and harmless as doves.” The book of Proverbs became a daily manual. I was now in the public eye, on camera, and quotable at any time. I was outside the haven and refuge of His church, where at least the understood premise was an acknowledgement of and obedience to God and His Word.
Mason, OH, is a beautiful city. We have great parks, above-average incomes, churches on many corners, excellent police, fire/EMS, and city services, and great amenities that offer a comfortable life for its residents. Along the way, I’ve worked with many who love their country and their community, who have moral values, strong work ethic, and common sense. I’ve served beside Christians who’ve been a tremendous source of encouragement and stability, who love the Lord, and put His principles first. But, I’ve also worked with those capable and willing to do whatever it takes to see their agendas pushed through. I’ve been viciously and unjustly slandered by other elected officials in the media, threatened, lied to, ganged up on, ignored, misquoted, and harassed — often by those who rarely miss a Sunday at their local church.
We’ve had some tremendous wins over the years. Jerry and I have met and developed lasting relationships with so many people we never would have known had we stayed within our church. Many of those people have called upon us in their time of need because they know us and have come to trust us. We’ve never claimed to have it all together, but we’ve been willing to expose our humanity (often with humor) and utter dependence on Christ. We chose to stay connected long term, not sharing our faith with a hit-and-run mentality. Jerry is well respected in Mason, not just because he’s a minister, but because he loves people and is willing to roll up his sleeves and work alongside them. He is invited to pray at many city events, gently infusing the Gospel and biblical principles along with the blessing for the day. I’ve had the privilege to serve a large and diverse cross-section of people in our city, county, and beyond. Through it all, the Lord has blessed us, protected us, and guided us. Our church caught the same vision along with us years ago and we are known in the city for our generous extension of community service.
The Apostle Peter, who certainly had his fair share of governmental interaction, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had much to say on the subject.
… that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:7
… having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
-1 Peter 2:12
… even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
-1 Peter 3:14-17
It’s easy to get discouraged as we witness the deterioration of our nation’s moral values from the top down. Sadly, we’re not shocked anymore when another politician is exposed for lies and corruption. The term politician practically implies misconduct. We, as Christ-followers, must constantly remind ourselves this is not the time to retreat into the church and throw out verbal hand grenades of warning! May we willingly and creatively look for everyday ways to saturate our communities with Christ’s salt and light — us!