Church Liaisons

God's word clearly states that He will bless those who bless Him and that the nation that honors Him will be honored among the nations. Charles Finney reiterated that Word when he said, "The Church must take right ground in regards to politics . . . God will bless or curse the nation according to the [political] course Christians take."

So why, in America today, do we see the social fabric of society being torn away at the seams? The answer is simple: We have neglected the Biblical principles of sound government that God ordained for America. Can we expect God’s blessing if we neglect His principles and abandon our stewardship responsibilities? Of course not. God, therefore, expects us to take part in the political process so that righteous men are placed in positions of authority. Americans must remember the words of John Quincy Adams, who said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

So then, how can you, as a responsible, knowledgeable Christian, get involved in the political process and encourage your church to do so as well? You can become a Church Liaison. Without Church Liaisons to register voters and to help distribute voter guides, many issues important to people of faith would fail.

Studies indicate that as many as three-quarters of church attend ­ing, self-identified Christians do not vote regularly. And, only half of those eligible to vote are registered. Moreover, many Christians go to the polls either uninformed or misinformed. Therefore, the role of a Church Liaison, although not difficult, is one of the most important positions in the organization and one that can have the greatest impact upon the community.

Getting Started

Christian Coalition of America has hundreds of local chapters across the country with thousands of volunteers involved in the public policy process. Their goal is to help restore hope and order to their communities, their state and ultimately the nation by getting involved in the political process.

One of the most important persons involved in the restoration process is the Church Liaison. Church Liaisons represent their respective churches in the local Christian Coalition chapter, and their responsibilities include helping the pastor initiate and facilitate civic involvement among the church congregation.

The liaison can, with the approval of their pastor and the assistance of Christian Coalition of America, initiate the following activities:

• Conduct regular voter registration drives to achieve registration of all eligible voters in the church
• Distribute non-partisan voter guides, legislative scorecards and special inserts through the church bulletin
• Disseminate legislative updates and issue alerts throughout the year
• Form and oversee a Citizenship Ministry to help activate fellow church members

As Christians, we must not forget that we have God-given stewardship duties that encompass the political process. God ordained government; He therefore ordained our involvement in the governing process. Answer God’s call to your church. Register to become a Church Liaison.

What Churches May Do:

• Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives

• Distribute non-partisan voter education materials, such as Christian Coalition voter guides and scorecards

• Host candidate or issue forums where all viable candidates are invited and allowed to speak

• Allow candidates and elected officials to speak at church services; if one is allowed to speak, others should not be prohibited from speaking

• Educate members about pending legislation

• Lobby for legislation and may spend no more than an insubstantial amount of its budget (five percent is safe) on direct lobbying activities

• Endorse candidates in their capacity as private citizens - A pastor does not lose his right to free speech because he is an employee of a church

• Participate fully in political committees that are independent of the church

What Churches May NOT Do:

• Endorse candidates directly or indirectly from the pulpit on behalf of the church

• Contribute funds or services (such as mailing lists or office equipment) directly to candidates or political committees

• Distribute materials that clearly favor any one candidate or political party

• Pay fees for partisan political events from church funds

• Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in church

• Set up a political committee that would contribute funds to political candidates

For More Information, please contact our national office at (202) 479-6900.