Inspire, Spring 2012

T H E L I NE B E TWE EN C URC STAT Inspire invited pastors who are part of our Cedarville family to share their thoughts on what “civic engagement” means for a church. Does your church engage in political initiatives? Browning: We desire to create an open and inviting atmosphere for members of all political affiliations. We encourage informed voting, but not from the pulpit. We believe that seeking after Christ will in turn create good citizens. Frasure: We may get involved to influence voters on moral issues. Christians do have a responsibility to be “salt and light” in the world, but politics do not bring about significant spiritual changes. Kitchen: We make voter guides available and encourage folks to prayerfully consider candidates and to contact candidates with their concerns. We want people to be educated when they vote, and a guide can help cut through the rhetoric to a clearer answer. Davenport: Members of our leadership team belong to local business associations where we can build relationships with the community and its political leaders. Primarily, we choose to consistently teach the Bible rather than react to seasonal, politically generated issues. Wicker: We have a public issues team that helps our people become aware of key moral and ethical issues, and it mobilizes them in various campaigns. Miller: Numerous members and attendees hold elective office, sit on political action committees and political party leadership teams, and volunteer in various campaigns. In our small town, our church building is the only polling place, and we host every election. Does your church partner with government or community organizations? Browning: We work with local government agencies primarily to assist in benevolent activities. This allows us to work through official channels to provide care. We also partner with private businesses to do community outreach. Frasure: We refer people to local government agencies for help paying their bills and we do some community service projects, but we do not want to be told that we cannot connect our service to the Gospel. Kitchen: Our local township hall is right across the street, and we promote and participate in local and national events. Many of our members have held political positions in the community, and we partner with them when we can. We have held services to honor our politicians and invited them to speak. Davenport: Last year our church hosted the local city council and mayoral inaugurations and the Northern Kentucky Planning Council public meeting. Our involvement has led news outlets to approach us for public statements when certain issues become public. Wicker: We do not partner with government or community organizations in order to keep a clear definition of our ministry and to not be involved with those who may not share our convictions. Miller: We have given significant sums to local police and fire departments and to local schools. We are an active part of our community’s ministerial association, which provides a food pantry, clothes closet, and a parish nursing program for the town. Is it appropriate for churches to endorse political issues or candidates? Browning: While Jesus could have convinced Pontius Pilate or even Caesar himself to begin sweeping reforms in the local and regional government, our Savior instead chose to work through the culture, swaying people’s hearts instead of legislating policy. Frasure: Too much focus on an issue or candidate limits our influence for Christ in our community. I am in favor of influencing our society through the political system, but the only hope for revival in our land is spiritual, not political. Kitchen: We never say, “Keep your politics personal.” We are called to disciple in all areas of life. Why would the church bow out of discussions about government when God has instructed us to be involved in government? Davenport: Some candidates find it beneficial to have the appearance of support from a respected ministry even if their personal views do not align. We prayerfully consider each opportunity and clearly articulate a position that honors Christ without distracting from our primary mission. Wicker: Most politicians are not consistent in their personal lives once they are elected. Our hope is not in a candidate, a party, or even a platform, but in Christ. Miller: We want to express appropriate concern for our society, encourage civic involvement, and uphold biblical values, but our primary loyalty must always be Jesus and bringing the Gospel message to our community. Pastor Panel: Kris Browning Pastor, Fellowship Alliance Chapel Huber Heights, Ohio FACChapel.org David Frasure Pastor, First Baptist Church South Lebanon, Ohio gotofbc.com Timothy Kitchen Senior Pastor, Robinson Baptist Church Grand Haven, Michigan robinsonbaptist.org Jeff Davenport Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church Covington, Kentucky cbcky.org Hayes Wicker Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Naples, Florida fbcn.org Craig Miller ’79 Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church Cedarville, Ohio gracecedarville.org CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 13