Jim Perdue: Pastors and politicians share a sacred calling

ATLANTA — Georgia church planter Jim Perdue, son of Gov. Sonny Perdue, urged pastors and legislators on Jan. 28 to live up to their sacred calling as public servants and to remember that their authority ultimately comes from God.

Joe Westbury

Jim Perdue, founding pastor of North Cross Baptist Church in Cumming, shares insight as a pastor and governor’s son at the third annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast held Jan. 28, 2004.

Speaking at the third annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Georgia Baptist Convention, Perdue drew parallels between the roles of pastors and politicians. The early morning meeting was held in the Empire Room in the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building overlooking the state capital.

The May graduate of Southeastern Seminary said that “pastors and government leaders are both given their appointment and their authority by God … He not only established the church, but He established government as well.”

Perdue then called on the spiritual and political leaders from across the state to guard against letting criticism get in the way of doing what is right.

“Why do people have a passion to care for the poor and needy? Because they have seen the problems that arise as a result of poverty. Why do others have a passion to see marriages be mended? Because they have seen the ravages of divorce upon children and families. Why do some have a passion to heal racial ills in this country? Because they have seen the monster of racism divide communities in hatred,” he said.

Prior to Perdue’s keynote address, government leaders called on churches to become more involved in faith-based initiatives that can bring about transformation in their communities.

Milton E. “Buddy” Nix, Jr. chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, said churches can play a redeeming role in helping prisoners transition back into society. And Janet R. Oliva, director of the Family and Children Services Division of the state’s Department of Human Resources, explained how churches can establish foster care visitation centers to help bring broken families back together.

Nix explained that “one in 32 Americans and 1 in 15 Georgians are in prison, jail, or on probation or parole through the criminal justice system. As many as 93 percent of individuals serving time in prison or jail will be released at some point and will need help in living a better life.”

Churches are in a unique position to offer that love and spiritual mentoring that is so badly needed, he added.

He then announced that any faith-based group can receive a free video outlining ways they can be a part of the solution. Churches desiring a copy of the video can contact Jenna A. James at the State Board of Pardons and Paroles at (404) 657-8810.

Nix, a member of First Baptist Church of Conyers, said his church is already involved in the effort and is seeing positive results from their ministry.

Oliva outlined a program where churches can become involved in helping to provide a safety net for children and families who are beset with a variety of problems. The foster care visitation program, where churches provide their facilities as common ground for families to visit with their children in foster care, is one such ministry option.

Churches desiring more information can call Oliva’s office at (404) 651-8409.