Pastor's Update
As a Christian Citizen, What Can I Do?
By Dallas E. Henry
Sep 29, 2006, 08:46

We are closing in on the November election and Christians are asking the question, “What can I do?”

The culture we live in is challenging, secular, disappointing, and sometimes confusing.  Christians all agree that our society is nothing like it used to be.  Morality continues to decline, and those things that at one time were unthinkable, now seem to be the accepted norm.

It is like the weather; everyone talks about it but no one does anything about it.  So comes the question, “As A Christian Citizen, What Can I Do?

I would like to suggest ten things Christians can do to change the way things are here in Maine:

1.   Pray regularly for government leaders and the Christian Civic League of Maine.

• Pray that there would be a Godly influence in Augusta and that His will be done in all legislative matters.  Pray that all government leaders take God-pleasing action.  Pray that The Christian Civic League remains vital and has influence when presenting the Biblical point of view in public policy matters.

2.   Seek information.

• Become informed on specific issues, including global concerns.
• Look for accurate information to help with your decision-making process. Christian and pro-life organizations, such as the Christian Civic League of Maine, publications such as the 2006 Voter Guide and the RECORD, and information on proposed legislation are all helpful.  The League has a wealth of information going out every day through it’s electronic newspaper, THE RECORD, as well as a bimonthly printed newsletter by the same name.  Join The Christian Civic League and regularly read their mailings and material.
• Use the online, easy-to-use voter guide that gives important information regarding the responses and/or voting record of candidates.

3.   Vote.

• National statistics verify that only a minority of eligible voters actually vote and elect candidates.  The small percentage of Christians who voted in some elections is almost sinful.  One vote in a few counties or precincts has made the difference in close local elections.  Encourage others to vote and pass along important information for their decision-making.
• The Christian Civic League produces a voter guide before every election.  It is available here. 

4.   Express your views to your elected representatives.

• Know the names and addresses of your elected representatives.  A list is available on the League’s web site.
• Let your City Councilor, County Commissioner, State Legislators, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, etc., know how you feel about specific issues.  The League has an easy-to-use tool called the Citizen Action Center that lists specific concerns and the ability to contact the particular individuals of concern with each item.  Elected federal and state officials say the primary factor influencing their decision-making process on public policy issues comes via contact from their constituents.
• Write a concise letter, send an email or call, addressing specific proposed legislation and stating your concern.  Request a reply.  Continue to correspond for further information, questions or concerns about the status of the proposed legislation or its implementation.  Talking points on various issues are often available on the League’s website through the Citizen Action Center.  There, anyone who registers can communicate directly with their legislators through email.
• If possible, make a telephone call or personal visit to your elected representative to talk one-on-one about the issue.  You will be very welcome.
• Write letters or send emails of encouragement and thanks when your elected official publicly represents your position.

5.   Actively participate in a political party.

• Learn about political party positions and philosophies.  Phone a local office to request a copy of the party platform and ask questions. 
• Choose a party that most closely represents your Christian faith and participate at its most basic unit -- a precinct caucus.  This participation will not infringe on your freedom at the ballot box to vote for whom you wish.  But local participation offers you additional opportunities to be better informed and heard.

6.   Prepare testimony and presentations.

• Request permission to testify or to submit written comments if you have a strong view about a subject being reviewed through a public hearing process.   Your request will usually be granted.
• Speak publicly about your views and provide information at gatherings.

7.   Serve on governmental committees or run for public office.

• Prayerfully consider applying for an appointment to a citizen’s public policy board or commission that deals with an issue affecting important issues.
• Consider running for a local public office.

8.   Positively encourage opinion-makers.

• Write or call to thank individuals, television stations, newspaper editorial boards, businesses, product sponsors and organizations for their positive comments or action or behalf of the unborn, refugees, the homeless, etc.  Tactfully let them know when their actions don't reflect a respect for human life, morality or the environment.

9.   Enlist your Church’s support.

• Begin with your church "family."  For example, ask your pastor to observe Sanctity of Life Sunday or to sponsor a highway clean-up day to demonstrate care for the environment.
• Suggest or organize a Bible study series on a human care issue that is important to you or visible in your community.  Publicize and then identify a group of people who want information and will take action on a particular issue. 
• Organize a group activity: a letter-writing campaign to public officials, local fund-raising efforts for food and clothing, special speakers, etc.
• Invite members of your congregation who support human care issues to attend public hearings, meetings, or candidate forums with you.
• Join the League and regularly support it financially.  Suggest that your church join the League’s
5-5-5 program by supporting the League with regular missionary giving.

10.   Enlist as a Church Contact for the Christian Civic League of Maine.

• Your church should have a Church Contact, one who the League can inform by email when an important issue arises and needs believers to respond.

One final thing:

You can invite Michael Heath, Executive Director of the League, to your church for a League Sunday.  Mike makes an informative and inspirational challenge to Christians on how to practice good citizenship.  Mike's wife Paulie accompanies him and offers to do a music selection or two from her music ministry.  Feel free to contact the League office to set a date.  That phone number is (207) 622-7634.

Can you help the League?

I am asking individuals and churches to support the League.  The League does the hard work of influencing lawmakers -- work that most people don’t have the stomach for.  That work is extremely important.  The State of Maine has seen the positive result of that Biblical witness.  The League can’t do the job without adequate resources.  Individuals can send regular offerings to the League and churches can support the League as a local mission with regular support.

Please feel free to contact me if your church is interested in getting more information about including the League in your missions budget.  It would be greatly appreciated at this time.

Voter Guide

I am excited to inform you that the League has just launched its online voters guide.  It is easy to use and can be accessed by going to the League’s website.  Once you are there, click on “Search for candidates” at the bottom of the page.  They are listed by town in alphabetical order so the inquirer can easily locate their candidate.  The information on that candidate can be printed for anyone interested.  Some churches print out the information for the candidates that represent all the towns where their congregation lives.

Join us at the League Banquet

Please accept my invitation to attend the Civic League's annual banquet at the Senator Inn, Augusta, Friday, Oct. 6th, at 5:30 PM. 

Besides a wonderful meal and warm Christian fellowship, you will be inspired and challenged by the presentations of two speakers, Pastor Sandy Williams of First Baptist Church of Freeport, and Coach Dave Daubenmire of "Pass The Salt" ministries.  They will each make a presentation on the subject, "Is this a Christian nation?  Two Perspectives."

Your church or ministry can also be a table sponsor for the event.  The Evangelical pastors group in my area is going together and sponsoring a table with each church contributing a little.  Perhaps your pastors group would consider doing the same.  For more information click HERE.  You will also want to click on Coach Daubenmire's website and listen to a podcast of his radio show.