Best Pastors Day at the Capitol ever

Participants in Pastors Day at the Capitol gather for a group photo.
Participants in Pastors Day at the Capitol gather for a group photo.
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What an awesome day it was at the 8th Annual Georgia Baptist Pastors Day at the State Capitol. Nearly 160 pastors, ministry leaders, laypeople, and legislators gathered on Feb. 27 to be inspired and encouraged to understand the political process from a Christian perspective.

The event included inspirational speakers such as Pastor Jeff Struecker (2 Cites Church, Columbus, Ga), Bob McEwen (Dir. The Council for National Policy), Harrison Smith (Regional Dir. Alliance Defending Freedom), and Dean Nelson (Executive Dir. The Human Coalition)!

“I was encouraged and challenged to say the least,” said Pastor Chris Pritchett, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Bowman, Ga. “The speakers … from the front lines gave us a wealth of knowledge. This day at the Capitol is a worthy investment of your time as a pastor.”

For the first time, we merged the Annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast and the Pastors Day. The Prayer Breakfast saw its largest turnout in the event’s history. Struecker spoke at the breakfast.

 “The Pastor’s Day event was a life transforming event to me,” Rachel Guy, Member of FBC Woodstock, Ga., and Leader of Marietta 40 Days for Life said. “It’s an event that energizes, equips and empowers the Body of Christ to see how we are to be the Hands and Feet of Our Lord in every arena of our lives.”

GBMB Worship and Music Catalyst Rhon Carter did a tremendous job of leading us in worship and singing.

“As a Pastor in the State of Georgia it was so encouraging to see men and women willing to stand up for the rights of the people in Georgia and America,” Pastor Jeff Graham, Oconee Baptist Church, Commerce, Ga. said. “It was a blessing to see all the pastors come together and pray for our leaders that serve in the State of Georgia.”

In addition to hearing speakers, we had a great time touring, visiting, and praying at the Capitol. We appreciate Dr. Tom Rush for helping lead the tour. It is important that citizens not only know how to politically navigate at the Capitol, but that they physically know how to get around the facilities.

Dr. John Yarborough, a Georgia Baptist pastor and leader in our state for many years, said, “What a great day at Pastors Day at the State Capitol. I was blessed by the great speakers, great information and great fellowship with pastors, legislators, and state leaders. Thank you for an awesome day.”

We were also able to give awards to our 2021 Legislators of the Year: Sen. Jason Anavitarte (District 31, Dallas, Ga.) and Rep. Philip Singleton (District 71, Sharpsburg, Ga.)! These men are such exemplary leaders on standing for the right principles in government. The statement on the plaque they were given reads: "Given in grateful appreciation for your leadership and commitment to Godly principles as you represent your constituents at the State Capitol."

We heard from some of the leading organizations (Citizen Impact, Frontline Policy Council, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Georgia Life Alliance) and activists at the Capitol (Paul Smith, Cole Muzio, Mark Parnell, Joshua Edmonds). We are so thankful for these leaders and organizations working alongside of Georgia Baptists in standing up for social and moral issues facing our state!

We appreciated Professor John Kindt (Former Professor, University of Illinois) for talking to us about the problems with expanding gambling in our state. Also, thanks to Suzanne Guys (Founder and President of LIV: Life Initiatives and Values, FBC Woodstock, Ga)  for reminding us of the need to stand up for and reach out (in love) to the  mothers and babies dealing with the issue of abortion in our state!

“We appreciate so much the TV interview that Pastor Aaron Mcculley from Philema Baptist Church, Leesburg, Ga. did with WALB Ch 10, Albany. Pastor Mcculley in the interview reminds everyone of how important it is to voice you your opinions and beliefs to your state lawmakers and encourage our pastors to do the same. He and his wife were blessed to have breakfast that morning with there State Representative Bill Yearta. See the interview on the Public Affairs webpage: https://gabaptist.org/publicaffairs/#videos “

A big thank you to Thomas Hammond for all of his counsel and encouragement! Thank you to John Courtney and the GBMB R & D Staff so much for their help, along with administrative assistant, Carol Tant! We just can’t thank the Lord and all of His people enough for their support.

I close with what my dear friend, Suzanne Guy said about the day: “The speakers were extraordinary, and we walked away with an added bounce in our steps and a bigger resolve to go out and love a hurting world for HIS glory. This room was filled with some of the most inspiring servant leaders, and it was truly a day of hope and joy and call to action.”