Jesus commanded his followers to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” in Matthew 5:13-16. Part of the world that desperately needs the salt and light of the church is the public square, the sphere of life that involves law and public policy.
Whether it be using our God-given privilege of voting as stewards of God’s delegated authority, or being informed and sharing factual information about legislative issues regarding morality, faith and family, or letting our voices be heard in the democratic process, the body of Christ simply must be engaged. After all, if the churches are uninformed and silent, who will let the people know that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:11)? This is why it is imperative for the ministers of the churches in Tennessee to be informed and willing to help their congregations be informed and engaged. Jesus promised in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
Our goal at the Family Action Council of Tennessee is to build a network that includes all of the ministers in our state. To accomplish this, we are beginning the Muhlenberg Fellowship of Ministers in Tennessee, named after the Rev. John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, an early American pastor who led the men of his congregation to form a regiment in the Continental Army. Rev. Muhlenberg warned his church of the dangers of indifference:
Brethren, we came to this country to practice our religious liberties, and if we don’t get involved, we’re going to lose them.
We are not asking ministers to do anything that is partisan, illegal or unbiblical, but simply to join the team and help us reach the state of Tennessee. If you are willing to engage with us, please read the following pledge and send us an e-mail. We want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle, and together we will build a Tennessee that loves God, cherishes life and the God-given family, and stands for true liberty. “And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
The Muhlenberg Fellowship Covenant
As a minister in Tennessee, I will lead my congregation to be good stewards of the authority delegated by God to them under our form of government by:
Calling attention to voter registration at least once annually and if possible, on every fifth Sunday.
Urging people to vote in elections or participate in early voting.
Setting aside time in at least one service annually to pray for our elected officials at the federal, state, and local level and for each branch—executive, legislative and judicial.