As Christians, we are called to be salt and light to the world. One way that Georgia Baptists accomplish that is by knowing how to have the greatest impact on shaping public policy in our state. With the constant attacks on our religious liberty (and now, the overturning of Roe) it’s important that church leaders know how to engage the government. That’s the purpose of training sessions being held across the state by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
The board has scheduled seven training sessions from August through November to give church leaders insights into engaging in the raging debates surrounding ethical, moral, and cultural issues.
Since 2016, these training sessions have helped participants understand why it’s important for ministry leaders and churches to be engaged in the policy-making process. Engagement and service are the key words to take away from this training: Be engaged in policy and serve governmental leaders.
Some of the most important moral and ethical issues affecting Georgia Baptists are debated inside the state Capitol, and they need to make their positions known regarding each one. This year Georgia Baptists had their best year at the Capitol in making their concerns known.
These policy debates impact our communities and ministries. These days, Christians are rightly concerned about the state of politics and culture, but, unfortunately, we’ve lost ground in the political arena because people of faith have become less engaged in the public square. Never has there been a time since our country’s founding when Christians have needed to get involved in government more than right now. We need biblical “salt and light” to help preserve our nation before it is too late.
Every pastor and ministry leader can benefit from the upcoming training events, which delve into the issues Georgians are facing at the state level and provide the information they need to impact policy and legislative debates.
We will also challenge our people to get involved in the governmental process either by holding elected leaders accountable or by running for office themselves
These sessions will start back up on August 11th at the South Central Network Association in Cordele, with Associational Mission Strategist, Gary Leutzinger.
Trainers joining me at the other events include Brad Hughes, adviser to the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s Public Affairs Committee and director of field operations for Gov. Brian Kemp; Harrison Smith, regional director for the Alliance Defending Freedom; Kevin Cooke, chairman of the GBMB’s Public Affairs Committee and former state representative who also serves as assistant athletics director at Shorter University; and Josh McKoon, a lawyer and former state senator.
For locations, dates and times, and to register for the 2022 upcoming training events, click here.
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Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board