Arguably, the most difficult state in the union to move for Christian conservative principles is California.  Historically referred to as the ‘Left’ coast, it has long been acknowledged as the liberal bastion of the country.  All that is about to change.

The Christian Coalition of California is on the fast track to move California to a more Christian conservative state and their efforts to aggressively bring on an expanded leadership team to address the states significant legislative challenges that affect our Christian faith is well under way.

“The response and support we have seen to complete the framework that will allow us to affectively engage issues that affect our Christian faith and heritage has been overwhelming.  We are getting requests from Christians across the state wanting more information and stepping up to take on new leadership roles.” stated Richard Rios, the Christian Coalition of California state chairman.   He continued “We have restructured how the state will be organized.  Our main focus right now is County level leadership and volunteers.  Each county will have its own leadership with a Pastoral Board who will serve as an advisory committee to those county leadership teams.  In addition to ensuring each city within their county is represented, county leaders are also funneling information to the appropriate ministry leader.”

The ministry leaders Mr. Rios is referring to are the directors who oversee specific areas.  One director who recently joined the statewide team is Sarah Kim.  Mrs. Kim will oversee the interaction with Korean churches throughout the state and equip those churches to host voter registration events, distribute voter guides, and raise leadership that will engage local governments on issues that affect Christian values.  Mr. Rios further elaborated on the directors positions by explaining “As the Lord brings us leaders who have a heart for a specific area, we will do what we can to encourage and support their desired area of outreach.  For example, a leader who feel led to work with Latino churches, or someone who has had it put on their heart to work with agricultural workers in the central part of the state, will be given that area of outreach.  Other leaders are here to support what plans God has put before each of us.”

Focusing on family

Under Robert Newman’s leadership, the Christian Coalition of California has purposed to focus primarily on two areas:  School Boards and Judicial races.  Robert Newman serves as the Director of Candidate Review and is responsible for leading the statewide effort to identify and support Christian candidates of integrity.

Mr. Newman is taking a firm position that the Christian Coalition of California will not endorse or support a candidate because they may be the likely winner or the lesser of two evils.   “If there are no candidates for a particular office that align with our principles and willing to publically proclaim their Christian belief then the Christian Coalition of California will not be endorsing in that race.  We will not compromise!  When someone sees that the Christian Coalition of California endorsed a candidate, they can be assured that those candidates will govern with Biblical values and if they don’t we will be there to hold their feet to the fire on their commitment.”

The commitment to stand by Biblical principles was well received at a recent California Republican Party state convention.  The Christian Coalition of California hosted an information table where attendees could pick up information, ask questions, and sign up to participate.  By the end of the convention, leaders representing 14 counties across California signed up.

“I was blown away by the number of people who stopped by the table.  They just didn’t pick up a pamphlet and walk away, they stayed and asked questions.  Everyone I talked to wanted to get involved as some level.  It was a huge success.” commented Scott Nelson, Regional Director for Church Outreach.

Leading the Legislative Charge

The Christian Coalition of California is not only concerned with finding Christian candidates of integrity but they have also identified a seasoned team to provide supporters with an up-to-date analysis of legislation in California.

The legislative review team is currently headed up by Pastor Paul Green and Matt Weilder. 

Current California legislation that the Christian Coalition of California is active in includes Senate Bill 48 which specifically requires instruction on the role and contribution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.  Parental Rights Groups are opposing SB 48 because there is no provision in the bill, for parents to allow their children to opt out.  Additionally, the required recognition based on sexual orientation applies for books purchased for grades K-12.  It in essence mandates the teaching lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sexual orientation through recognition of their accomplishments based on sexual preference to Kindergarten age children without any parental rights being observed.

The Christian Coalition of California is proud to stand beside Pastor Jim Garlow in his fight to preserve traditional marriage.  The California chapter is also following the national Christian Coalition lead and preparing to mobilize all the state resources for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Building the Infrastructure

California economy surpasses many countries of the world.  It is the most populous and is third largest by land area.  One county, Los Angeles County, is larger than more than half of all the states in the United States.  Tackling the task of organizing such a large and diverse state is no small task.  Fortunately the Christian Coalition of California has a state wide vice chair that is overcoming that challenge daily. 

Regina Risolio brought her experience from ministry and multiple campaigns together to craft the statewide infrastructure plan that the Christian Coalition of California is implementing.  Ms. Risolio‘s strategic contributions are only matched by what she brings to the Christian Coalition in terms of networks throughout the state.

State chairman Richard Rios gave credit for much of what has happened in California to vice chair Regina Risolio by exclaiming “Vice Chair Risolio brings the perfect balance between organizational theory, or structure, and application by engaging multiple networks to fill the needs of our growing infrastructure.”

Preparing for 2012

The Christian Coalition of California is focused on moving Christian based values voting from our churches, homes, and communities to the ballot box.  State leaders have targeted the end of August to have leadership teams in all 58 counties that will support over 250 local chapters at the city level.   Outreach Directors will build a coalition of like minded individuals who are concerned about specific issues or who prefer to align with a specific demographic such as college, Korean, Latino, farming community, and more.

“The extensive network of Christian activist will allow us to run a statewide voter registration effort in churches, distribute voter guides across the state, hold election forums,  support endorsed candidates,  join forces in mass to stop legislation that attacks our religious freedoms, and raise money for these efforts.  All of this on civic responsibility and we haven’t even begun to roll out our disaster relief or education classes for candidates and church salt and light ministries.  The Holy Spirit is moving across California… we are merely answering the call.  Will you join us?” asked Richard Rios.

The Christian Coalition of California is holding county chapter meetings in various parts of the state.  If you would like to find out where the closest meeting to you is or get more information on how you can become a leader in Gods army with the Christian Coalition, please email info@christiancoalitionofca.org for more information.