The mission of the Church Ambassador Network is to inspire the Church to engage government for the advance of God’s Kingdom.
We accomplish this by connecting the shepherds of God’s Church (pastors) to God’s shepherds of government (the “king”, or today’s elected officials)
Why Should Pastors Connect with Government Leaders?
1.
Government was instituted by God.
Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 show us that government was instituted by God, created with a purpose and responsibility: to punish evil and reward those who do good. Government is God’s social institution of justice, a value so important to God, His Son was killed on the Cross to satisfy its requirements.
2.
Government officials are ministers of God.
Romans 13 calls government officials “ministers” of God, meaning they are, in effect, servants of the Lord. Just as pastors are ministers of the Church, elected officials are ministers of God in government, and they have a job to do for Him. This should change the way we view our elected officials. This is why the Bible calls us to pray, submit, and honor those in authority (1 Timothy 2, Romans 13, 1 Peter 2).
3.
Government cannot properly do its job without the church.
Government carries the incredible burdens of our communities. Whether foster care, health care, mental health, poverty, addictions, or matters of justice – government was not designed to face these needs on its own. Government needs moral guidance to implement true justice, and it requires partnership with the Church to meet the deeper, physical and spiritual needs of our communities.
4.
Law Matters.
The law has never been able to save, and as Christians we are free from the penalty of sin. But the moral law comes from the character and nature of God, standing as a teacher and shaper of culture. God’s law is not simply about right and wrong. It is about life and death. Law must protect people from the way of death and guide to the way of life.
5.
You Get to Choose.
As Americans, we get to choose our ministers of government. As Christians we know what God expects of government. He also expects us to be good stewards of this opportunity and select righteous, qualified individuals to serve as ministers in government. Our right to vote is a gift God has given us to use to honor Him (Matthew 25:14-30).
