I have heard all the statements. You have too. “This is the most important election in our lifetime.” Well, it may be, but I believe that all elections are important, not just this one.

As a Jesus follower, I want scripture to guide me in all that I do. Perhaps, since the Bible does not address voting, perhaps I shouldn’t vote at all. After all, there are good arguments regarding various other biblical omissions that lead people to simply avoid doing whatever is not found in the Bible.

What does the Bible say? Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” For me it is not simply a matter of submitting to an external political authority. As a citizen of the United States, “we the people” are the authority. Here in Kansas, our state had its beginnings as a territory back in 1854 with “popular sovereignty,” that gave the people authority. Specifically, we decided the slavery issue and chose to avoid it!

So, biblically, are we supposed to submit to ourselves? Actually… yes! I believe that based on Romans 13:1, the authority for the people to have authority, by voting, is established by God. Paul states in verse 2, “whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.” I have concluded that I believe God wants me to vote.

When I relate voting to the Bible, I am left with the truth that I have a huge responsibility. I must somehow determine God’s desire, since God is the One who established this authority for me to vote. I therefore need to know the mind of God.

There are many important issues that I need to understand. I don’t have the space to address all the issues, but I have come to the strong conclusion that God is on the side of life. I hope that I don’t have to prove that God is pro-life, but just in case you need help, you can watch a Focus on the Family broadcast addressing this issue by clicking here.

While I am not suggesting that the abortion issue should make you a one issue voter, I am suggesting that the abortion issue says much about a candidate’s world view. If a candidate is open to terminating human life at any time after conception, then I struggle with supporting that candidate.

What about a “woman’s right to control her own body”? I will simply state that once another life with a unique DNA has begun, that a woman has no right over the other person living within the space inside of her that is designed to nurture that new unique life.

Voting is important. I believe God has established it here in the United States.

I encourage you to vote and to encourage those you influence to vote.

Voting is the biblical thing to do.

Blessings,

Pastor David Beauchamp
Director of Church Ambassador Network of Kansas
Email: David.Beauchamp@FamilyPolicyFoundation.com
Cell: (913) 981-3253

An initiative of Family Policy Foundation of Kansas
kansasfamilypolicy.org/can-ks

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much,
and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
(Luke 16:10 NIV)

Christians in the First Century did not vote. Of course, back then, there was no voting. Now there is. For me, it is a civic responsibility. During this election timeframe, it is important to know what churches can and cannot do. Here is what they can do:

Even if you do not have a voter registration table in your church building, you can encourage people to vote by adding the following to an email, to your website, or in your bulletin:

To encourage Christians regarding voting, please watch the following 1-minute video (feel free to share):

Let me know if you have any questions.

Blessings,

Pastor David Beauchamp
Director of Church Ambassador Network of Kansas
Email: David.Beauchamp@FamilyPolicyFoundation.com
Cell: (913) 981-3253

 

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
(Isaiah 43:19 NIV)

I grew up in Texas. For many very good reasons God has called me to Kansas, grandchildren being reason number one! When I retired as an Army chaplain over five years ago, I thought I knew my path and what God wanted me to do. Well, as many of you can attest, sometimes God uses our thoughts and plans to shape us to eventually get us where He wants us to be. That is what happened to me.

When I first arrived in Kansas, I was teaching school and planning to plant a church with myself as the lead teaching pastor. Well, in less than a year, I was not teaching school, but I was part of a church plant – but as a volunteer pastor on staff. During the next four years I relearned much about civilian ministry and how to support my young “senior” pastor (and I eventually became a paid staff member!).

When the opportunity came for me to be a part of a ministry to engage churches and pastors across the state of Kansas, I felt uniquely qualified. During this past year I have really embraced Kansas in a much deeper way, learning the history and how to engage governing authorities.

In fact, as part of my time with God each day I am reading a daily devotion with a story from the history of Kansas. This Day in Kansas History by Dr. Paul E. Barkey uniquely weaves together Scripture with Kansas history. If you have an interest, click on the picture of the book to learn more (it will take you to Amazon.com):

For several months I have been sharing about the fact that the Church Ambassador Network of Kansas is coming. We have been working hard to lay the foundation. Starting next month, we will be sending out emails to share about this “New Thing.” I would love to hear your thoughts as we move forward with implementing our mission:

Inspiring the Church to Engage Government
for the Advance of God’s Kingdom

Blessings,

Pastor David Beauchamp
Director of Church Ambassador Network of Kansas
David.Beauchamp@FamilyPolicyFoundation.com
Cell: (913) 981-3253

An initiative of Family Policy Foundation of Kansas

Greetings Kansas Pastors,

Kansas is now going through tough decisions of how and when to open back up. There are so many conflicting views on balancing between protecting our citizens from the physical harm of the virus, and the economic harm to our state of staying at home.

Obviously, this affects our churches directly. I am aware that some churches are being hit hard financially while others are experiencing abundance during this crisis. Some churches may permanently close while others may have to expand.

I offer the following as considerations as you decide “to meet or not to meet:”

  1. Start with prayer. We are the church of Jesus Christ. We should submit all our decisions to Him.
  2. Abide by government guidelines. This could be tough for some. Still we are citizens of the state of Kansas and there are very few issues that demand any type of civil disobedience. Seek to support the governing authorities who are also making tough decisions. We have elected them to office and should seek to support them.
  3. Involve your team in the decision. Your church may have staff, board members, or influential members who could be part of the decision-making process for your unique situation. Seek consensus. Be willing to compromise.
  4. We will have a new normal. Realize that we may never return to the way it was. Still, the church can and will thrive in our new circumstance. Embrace the new realities as they unfold which will demand resources and time.
  5. Trust that God is sovereign. God is not surprised by any of this and will use this to further His kingdom. We are on His adventure. Let us be excited about what He will do.
  6. Move forward in faith. Once the plan has been made, be bold and execute it! As you do, be willing to adjust. We are all still learning.

There is much more “advice” out there. If you need another ear, I am willing to listen and give feedback. Just let me know. Give me a call at (913) 981-3253.

Blessings,

Pastor David Beauchamp
Director of Church Engagement
Family Policy Foundation of Kansas