by Kevin Gerald
View this blog as a video on YouTube

Okay, so people who are doing all the wrong things, they say to me, “Where is God?” And it’s like they assume that because God is on my present and they’ve heard [for example] that He’s here, and he’s also in Florida, and He’s also in Texas and He’s also in Europe… that God is everywhere. And the truth is [I’m realizing] that God isn’t everywhere.

For example, God is not in our stupid, and He’s not in our confusion and He’s not in our strife, and He is not in our doubts. So, I’m just thinking today that a lot of people need to wake up and realize that their experience is telling them [by way of experience] that God isn’t in what they’re doing.

Question is, “Where is God?” He’s in wisdom, God is in unity, God is in peace, God is in faith. He isn’t everywhere –He’s in the right places and you can find Him there.

Notes from Brandon Stewart taken from Champions Centre Monday Staff Meeting With Chris Caine

Today I sat in a staff meeting and heard some teaching that has had a big impact on my life. I mean huge. I have been in many services and conferences...and heard some of the world's best (and we have an incredible Pastor who brings us the best every week). But today was different. Today was timely. It was a Word in season for me, and I believe our Church. It put words to the way I see myself and ministry, but could never describe it.


Have you ever looked at a Church, or a person for that matter, and thought "Wow, God is really doing something incredible through that person." Every once in a while we encounter God doing something so big, that we don't know how to describe it. It is nothing less than the plan of God at work on the earth. It is a mystery.

For most of my time in ministry, I have been known to say that I will "spend the rest of my life serving another man's vision." It has been my attempt to communicate to people that I do not seek to be a Senior Leader (very common assumption in ministry....that everyone needs to have their own Church or ministry to be successful). I seek to be the greatest support leader that I can be. I have committed my life to serving, and doing what needs to be done.

Today this was taken to a new level. It is no longer enough. I will be a steward.

John 15:15 NIV (quite possibly my life's theme for this season)
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends (stewards), for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Think of the last time you went into a small business, and experienced customer service. You can always tell a difference between a worker and the owner. A worker clocks in for their shift...does what is required...and punches out. No personal risk is necessarily involved. The owner, however, is much different. The owner is responsible for the success of the business. In fact, they cannot be successful unless the business is successful. They are invested. They are loyal. They have longevity. They are stewards over this business.

This is the life of a steward. It is a life of owning the vision, not just contributing to it. It is the place of longevity, accountability and submission. At times it is the place of sacrifice. But it is also the place of greatness. We have been given what I would consider to be the greatest commission known to man...to "go and make disciples of all men." We're alive for the Cause of Christ. We're experiencing the mystery that God and man can be reconciled to each other...and it is up to us to see as many people brought to God as possible in our years on the planet.

I will not be known as someone who is passive about this commission. I will not take lightly the Work that we do for Christ. When the eyes of heaven are roaming throughout the earth, I want to be found as someone committed...passionate...and alive on purpose.

Some thoughts I wrote down today....
-A servant serves a vision, a steward owns the vision.
-A servant serves out of obligation or duty, a steward lives with passion and conviction.
-A servant focuses on a task, a steward focuses on fruitfulness and advancement.
-A servant learns obedience through restriction (a necessary step), a steward demonstrates obedience without restriction. They show voluntary submission and loyalty.
-A servant attends Church where is best for them...and serves where they want to serve. A steward serves where is best for the House/team.
-A servant has visible areas of responsibility, a steward is serving invisible assignments. No credit is necessary.

The vision of Champions Centre is my vision. I own it. The success of the Church and my personal success are inseparable. I will not seek personal success at the risk of a team defeat. But the opposite is true. I will die a thousand deaths if necessary to see the Church move forward. In a world where Christian leaders all over the world are imprisoned and tortured as they advance the Kingdom of God, I will give every ounce of my life to this Work. I will work, regardless if I get the credit. I will not pursue positions or titles. My goal is influence for the cause of Christ. To see His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.


It is amazing to me that our ministries can have national and international influence. And at the same time, a person living just down the street may have never heard the name of Jesus or His Church. It means our job is not done yet! We've got to be busy. We are created for this. Regardless of your background, skills, qualification, or occupation...we're all in this together.

My question tonight...
Will this be our Church? Will we move from simply being servants of a vision to stewards of the Mystery that is Jesus and His Church? Will we do everything in our power to advance the cause of the Kingdom of God in our generation?

Let's be stewards over this great mandate.

We’ve heard it said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Relationships are the same way. The strength of a relationship is only as strong as the people in it. Each of us brings to a relationship whatever strength or weakness we have.

JAMES 3:17 – “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.”

Here are three keys to being a strong link and forging unbreakable relationships with other people.

First, be aware of and manage fear. We all wrestle with some kind of internal fear, the voice inside our head that negatively affects our relationships when we act on it.

Some people are afraid of being taken advantage of. When someone invites them to dinner, the internal chatter starts. “What does she want from me? What is he going sell me?” He or she fears being manipulated, and keep people and opportunities away.

Other people are afraid of rejection. “What are they thinking about me? Should I say something or will it sound goofy? I don’t think they like me. They don’t notice me.” Those who are highly social talk a lot, but are afraid of being misunderstood. We need to remember the words of Timothy, that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7).

Criticism of work or performance is something that people can fear. The internal chatter says they don’t measure up. These people are driven toward being a perfectionist because they are afraid of not performing well, of failing.

Another fear is that people are afraid of losing our financial or emotional security. Imagine a company with layoffs on the horizon. An insecure individual will pester his boss, creating tension-filled, awkward conversations, trying to grab some sort of security. Instead, he creates a needy, nagging persona that will backfire.

Isaiah chapter 41, verses 10 and 13 say: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ... For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Second, we need to clarify the facts. Fear leads to negative assumptions. If the assumptions are inaccurate, an otherwise healthy relationship is derailed. People start reading between the lines, and come to their own conclusions. Research shows that our assumptions usually are wrong, and sometimes are better ignored even if they are right.

When clarifying the facts, clarify the positive as well as the negative. If we’re going to assume things, why not assume the best? How many will change their assumptions? Could this be a reason that relationships don’t improve?

And third, we need to amplify our faith. Fear and faith don’t mix, like oil and water. In the same way that the voice of fear causes a flow of negative energy that harms relationships, the voice of faith will lead to a flow of positive energy that builds relationships.

Fear locks people down relationally. Faith frees people up to live, love, expect good things, and believe the best about people. You can be a strong link by trusting people, living a committed life, and being confident.

We've heard about some of the great things that people have been doing with their "generosity stimulous package" that they received during the launch of Smile On Another. Check out some of the responses to the Smile On Another posting here...

This weekend (January 3 & 4), we're announcing the totals of our Smile On Another campaign that we started back in the beginning of December. We can't wait to find out what kind of harvest we'll see come in to benefit Champions Foundation.

Plan to be at services this weekend for the exciting announcement! Service times...

Where’s God when life stinks?

a. Holding the dead fish.
b. On vacation, indifferent to my circumstances.
c. Encouraging me to keep going.
d. Right there with me… lighting a Glade scented candle.

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Life Lesson #6: The Presence Of Problems Doesn't Indicate The Absence Of God.

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way," (James 1:2-4).

Every problem you face has a question attached to it... which makes it a test. Think about it like this: if you answer the question properly, you advance. That's why the Bible describes testing as an opportunity.

Students don't look forward to testing -especially surprise tests. When there are a bunch of problems laid out in front of you, there is a question that is waiting to be answered. The question might be, "Are you doing the right thing for the right reason?" or, "How do you handle offense?"

Sometimes during a season of testing, you might fell like God is silent. Just remember that in school and in life, the teacher rarely talks during a test. In times of testing, God may be quiet, but He’s never absent.

As you were deciding between icicle and regular lights in the store aisle, some guy shoved in front of you and took both boxes… and they were the last ones. You…

a. Angrily chase him through the store, threatening to run him over with your cart.
b. Wait until he’s not looking, tip over the giant inflatable Santa Clause so it pins him to the
ground, then take the lights from his cart and run.
c. Shrug your shoulders and wish him Merry Christmas anyway.
d. Decide you don’t need string lights because the glow of love and Christmas joy from inside
your home will light up your neighborhood.

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Life Lesson #5: You Do Yourself A Favor When You Forgive Others.

Ebenezer Scrooge went through life holding a grudge against the people in his life who had wronged him. He was angry at people and at God. Sometimes people find it hard to forgive because they define forgiveness as opening themselves to being hurt again. They think that forgiving someone who hurt you means that you need to trust them again. Scripture does not teach us to trust people who are not trustworthy, but God does teach us to forgive everyone. Unforgiveness hurts us more than the person we’re holding a grudge against.

Sometimes, we find it hard to forgive because we think that by forgiving, we are doing the other person a favor -and in our minds, they don't deserve to be forgiven. But, we need to remember that whether or not they "deserve" our forgiveness is not the point. By choosing to forgive, we keep unforgiveness from eating away at us.

I would be happy if…

a. I don’t believe in “happy.”
b. I looked like my favorite celebrity and had a trillion dollars.
c. I’m pretty happy now.
d. Happy is my middle name (and “supremely ecstatic” is my first name).

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Life Lesson #4: It Takes Courage To Be Happy.

“I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am,” (Philippians 4:11b-13).

How happy are you right now on a scale of 1 to 10? If you answered between 1 and 9, what is holding you back from a 10?

The natural response is to evaluate your happiness based on your circumstances. You might say, "I'm happy because I just met this great guy/girl," or "because I just got a raise," or "because we just moved to a new home." The problem with this approach is that happiness based on circumstances is short-lived and will leave you unhappy most of the time.

Maybe you've assumed that anyone who is happy is automatically happy -that they don't have to work at it. Maybe you've convinced yourself that happiness is for people who don't have any problems and get all the breaks in life. The reality is that happy people don't always feel happy and they have problems just like everyone else. It takes courage to transcend circumstances choose to be happy.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." - Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)

Join us this weekend at Champions Centre for one of four Family Christmas Services. Christmastime is our opportunity to celebrate “God with us,” so invite family and friends and we’ll see you this weekend. View service times…

When I think of change…

a. I want more of it… in my pocketbook.
b. I don’t want things to change. Let’s keep everything just like it is now.
c. I have some changes I’d like to make in my life.
d. World peace… Unicorns and leprechauns dancing on a rainbow… painting public sidewalks bright, joyous colors…. Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote becoming best friends…

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Life Lesson #3: It’s only when we exercise our right to choose that we can experience the joy of change.

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live,” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

How would you complete this sentence? “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…” (and don't make your response something that is dependant on another person).

God gave us an incredible gift: the ability to make choices. What would you see as a wonderful change in your life? Many of the things that we would like to see as a positive changes in our lives are initiated by the choices we have the ability to make.

As long as we keep making the same kind of choices, we’ll always get the same kind of results. This was true for Ebenezer Scrooge, and it's true for us as well. When our choices change, so will our future.

Looking for more insight from the life lessons of Mr. Scrooge? Join us this weekend at Champions Centre...

You bring your Christmas tree home, only to find it crawling with ants and a bird's nest in the branches, so you…

a. Light the whole tree on fire and throw it in your neighbor’s yard.
b. Storm back to the tree farm, demanding a refund.
c. Use it as an opportunity to teach the kids about wildlife and nature.
d. Make a jelly sandwich for the ants, and set the bird free in a glorious meadow, whilst humming a happy Christmas carol.

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Life Lesson #2: We cannot always control what happens, but we can control our response to what happens.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness,” (Matthew 6:22).

Ebenezer Scrooge really terrible things happen to him early in his life. They were issues beyond his control -circumstances he never asked for or expected. Ebenezer assumed that there was only one way to respond: bitter anger. He saw all of life through the lens of injustice and pain.

Right now, we are facing things in our lives that are beyond our control, but we don't have to view life in the same way as Ebenezer Scrooge. We can respond to life's adversity with prayer, faith and confidence in God’s goodness. We can choose to respond to hardship in a way that is constructive and beneficial. We can know that our God identifies with us in challenging times and that He's here to help (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Looking for more insight from the life lessons of Mr. Scrooge? Join us this weekend at Champions Centre...

When you think of the past, you...

a. Wish you could still be in it.
b. Have regrets.
c. Are thankful for the good times and look forward to the future.
d. Don’t even remember what you had for breakfast this morning.

If you chose "a" or "b," you may have a serious case of humbugitis. The cure, you ask? A good, solid dose of life lessons from our fictional friend, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Life Lesson #1: When we focus on the past, we miss the precious present.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing,” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Ebenezer Scrooge made the mistake of focusing on his past, and sometimes we can be guilty of the very same thing. The next time you're driving, take a second to notice the ratio between the size of the rear-view mirror and the windshield. There's a reason that the rear-view mirror is smaller than the windshield. If you were to drive forward while only watching the mirror, the results would be disastrous.

In your car and in life, it’s not good to give the past more than just a glance. Are you spending so much of your life looking at the past that you’ve become a present-day Scrooge? The Bible warns us about this in Philippians 3:13 and Ecclesiastes 7:10. Make a decision to open your heart and life to what’s ahead of you.

Looking for more insight from the life lessons of Mr. Scrooge? Join us this weekend at Champions Centre...

Right now, our society is facing major economic challenges that are hitting close to home. Although budgets may be tight, our desires to be generous and make a difference have not diminished. We know that God's people want to help people in need, but may be struggling to figure out how to do that while their own funds might be more limited this year than in the past. The Champions Centre team decided to take this challenge head-on.

Every year, Champions Centre gives generously to people in need and partners financially with organizations that are making a difference in our local and global communities. This Christmas, we did things a little differently... Actually, it's quite the opposite of "little." We made Champions Centre history.

During weekend services on November 22 and 23, Pastor Kevin Gerald launched the Smile On Another campaign. He asked that one member of each household stand and receive an envelope and in each one was an amount of cash, or "seed money" as Pastor Kevin called it. He challenged each person to take their "seed money" and find a creative way to multiply it, then bring it back to services on December 20 and 21. All funds received will be directed to Champions Foundation and be used to resource its many local and international initiatives. In one weekend, Champions Centre invested approximately $30,000 cash in good faith to its members and attendees.

We're already hearing great stories about how people are multiplying their "seed money" for Champions Foundation, and we've been impressed with the resourcefulness and ingenuity of ideas. So, the question is... What are you doing with your Smile On Another "seed money?"

Leave a comment to let others know what you're doing and help jumpstart their own creativity for how they can multiply their "seed money."

Oh, and by the way... If you missed services on the 22nd and 23rd, but still want to participate in the Smile On Another campaign, it's not too late! You can start with your own amount of "seed money" and use your imagination and unique skills to multiply it and bring it with you to services on December 20 and 21.

It's time to "Smile On Another!" This season at Champions Centre, we're getting creative in how we express generosity.

Have you ever wondered how your generosity really impacts the world around you? Click here to find out...

Sometimes, the small things have the greatest impact on our lives. Have you ever been in line at Starbucks, gotten to the window and found out that the car ahead of you had already paid your bill? Or maybe you received an unsigned encouraging note that made your day. What's the most amazing "Random Act Of Kindness" that you've ever experienced or accomplished? Post your response to let us know...

From Jodi Gerald-Cameron

live it - south africa

The past few days have been hectic - not gonna lie. We've been busy preparing our Forever Home for the Christmas season. We've been shopping at dozens of stores, wrapping even more dozens of presents, labeled and taped and sorted and delivered and hid ... and wrapped and labeled and and sorted and delivered and hid AGAIN! :)

Our hotel room was beginning to resemble a small store by the second day of our trip here visiting our girls. We couldn't even let the cleaning service come in while we were away because we were concerned they would get a little friendly with all the new things... The things we are purchasing while we are here can be sponsored by people back home over Christmas, that way we can make sure that all the children and teens in our home get a fabulous Christmas!

Today, a few of our team went to our Forever Home and set up the Christmas tree and some decorations. Some of our girls who were not with us yet last Christmas have never had a Christmas tree let alone any presents for Christmas. It was so funny to see a couple of them slip the Christmas Stockings onto their feet thinking that they looked a lot like fancy socks or slippers... we all got a huge laugh out of that while at the same time realized that even in the smallest of things that we can do for these girls we are changing their lives. We're giving them new lenses to see the world through to know that they are loved, cared for, prayed for and cherished on this planet and that life can bring good things and not just fear or negative things into their life.

My challenge to anyone who is reading this is to step up. Do what YOU can - without worrying about comparisons or doubting your ability to do SOMEthing...

Maybe you can give money to a great foundation like Champions Foundation on a monthly basis...or Maybe you can volunteer with us on the second Saturday of every month with the Justice Project taking it to the streets...or Maybe you can volunteer your time at the Tacoma Rescue Mission or a local community mission where they are changing lives by doing SOMEthing...or Maybe you know of someone who needs help with _______ (fill in the blank) and you can do SOMEthing about it - even if that something is just making a phone call to someone you know who can take action to help them...

If I can just be honest, I'm getting pretty sick and tired of people who claim to be passionate about things like "social justice" - especially those in my generation... my peers... they talk the talk, but when push comes to shove and the opportunity to serve presents itself - they are absent.

There are people all over our local community in Tacoma (or your local community if you don't live near me) and all the way across the globe in South Africa who could use a break, a hand up (not a hand out, but a hand up to reach the next level in their life - whatever that means to them at the time)...

What are you DOING about it? I'm doing my best to do my part, and I know that I can do better.

What is your part to play? Are you playing it? If so - AWESOME! If not, why not?

From Jodi Gerald-Cameron

Today’s verse in the Generous Living Guide (8 weeks of Generous Living) is all about how it's better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)… That could not be any more real than it is today. The team that is in South Africa is shopping for the needs at our Forever Home today and at other points during this week while we’re here.

Last night, on our arrival to the house, we celebrated Pastor Sheila’s 50th birthday with all the girls! They were elated to have pizza and cake and party bags that each of them received full of a Barbie, crowns, feather boas, and loads of other fun stuff! Everyone was having so much fun! Especially when our oldest girl “Dorothy” surprised us with spraying Mama Sheila with silly string instead of the speech she told us all she was going to give. Then, our future preacher, 12-yr-old Matty put tears in all of our eyes as she read a heartfelt letter/poem she wrote to Mama Sheila for her birthday.

While we were at the house yesterday, we were able to get some needs on paper that our team can focus on while we’re here. We’re going to be able to leave behind so much love and generosity by the time we get on the plane to return home next week. And it is always such a blessing in our own lives to be able to GIVE those gifts and necessities to the girls in our home.

This trip we are also buying them more than they just “need” we’re buying them Christmas presents. We’re plotting and strategizing what each girl wants and what we can get for her, as well as thinking of Mama Blessings as she will also love some specials things for Christmas. They are all so tender hearted, it is hard to get out of them exactly what they want – they don’t want to come across too aggressive or unappreciative for what they already have… but I hope we’ll be able to get a few specific things that each of them would ask for this year.

Then before we leave we’ll wrap all the pressies and get the house decorated for Christmas – the tree and all its fixings ☺ I can’t wait!

Tomorrow, we’re taking the older girls to Casalinga, a beautiful restaurant, for a tea party – that will be a blast! I can’t wait to see all their faces as they get treated extra special this week! We always come here to bless them with love and kindness and I always end up going home feeling so blessed myself from how amazing all the girls are. It was so great to drive up to the house yesterday and all the girls were yelling our names in excitement again wanting to show us their latest accomplishments. They told us it has been countdown central around there counting the days until we arrived to see them! The older girls pulled out the photo album that we left them to show us the pictures that they must look through so often because the picture holders already look worn and picked through. We’ll have to put that on the list! More photos!

Thanks for all your prayers and support!

"It's like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same."
(Matthew 25:14-17, The Message)

These guys both took what their boss gave them and doubled it. Could you do the same?

If you were given $20, how would you turn it into $40 (or more)? Tell us your most creative ideas!

We're conducting a series of surveys to find out more about the beliefs, choices and opinions of your generation. Please take a few minutes to participate in each of the surveys that apply to you. Each survey takes just a couple minutes to complete.

All responses that you submit are completely anonymous, so you can feel secure knowing that your contact information will not be collected.

Friends & Family
Friends, family and mentors help make us who we are. We'd like to know more about how your friends, family and mentors have impacted your life. Click Here to take survey

Purpose, Career & Resources
Our generation represents many innovative and talented individuals. We'd like to know how you use the resources that you've been given and how you feel about your future. Click Here to take survey

Beliefs & Influences
Is God for real? Does faith really matter? How has the mainstream media influenced your life? Click Here to take survey

Relationships & Sex
Relationships and sex are intertwined into just about everything we hear, see and talk about. What are your thoughts on relationships and sex? If you ARE married, Click Here to take survey If you're NOT married, Take this one...

"When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."- Matthew 18:20 (The Message)

Unite with us this week as we pray together for God's blessing as we go after a heart of generosity. Download this week's free prayer guide here and let's get ready for incredible things to happen as we connect with God together.

By Brandon Stewart

WE ENCOURAGE all Christians to embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity to meaningfully participate in building a culture of life. Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power. Our position as Christians on issues should first and foremost be congruent with scripture, our opinions shaped by and submitted to a Biblical worldview. At the same time, we believe that honest discussion and participation in the election process should be positive and uplifting.

"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they say or do something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently." Romans 14:1msg


WE BELIEVE that Christians should be values based voters. We are to take our duty as Christians seriously, and as Americans to value the freedom God has given us. We believe Christians should take the time to research the candidates carefully, to weigh their positions against a Biblical viewpoint, and to vote responsibly.

"Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country." Rom 13:7msg

"It’s wrong, very wrong, to go along with injustice." Proverbs 24:23


WE BELIEVE that Christians should choose to vote for the greater good of society. We believe that voting should not be based on selfish self interest, but that each decision should be thought out in terms of who will bring the greater good.

"Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order it is God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you are irresponsible to the state, then you are irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you are trying to get by with something." Romans 13:1-4msg

"That’s also why you pay taxes – so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, and respect your leaders." Romans 13:6-7msg


WE BELIEVE that war should not be entered into lightly. We believe that the “power of the sword” lies with the government and not with the church. We believe that it should be our earnest duty to pray for those in positions of leadership and authority who must make these decisions. We believe that we should support the cause of freedom throughout the world. We believe that we should respect and honor those who have and are giving their time and lives for the cause of freedom.


WE BELIEVE that prayer is not only a freedom and privilege to be exercised it is a conduit for change through which we can seek direction in making God-driven choices.

--------------------------------------
My final notes...
In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel constantly found themselves in trouble when they looked for a savior outside of the Lord. The Israelites regularly would establish other gods...or even political figures...in which they placed their hope for protection, provision, victory in battle, and leadership. This ultimately led to them not recognizing Jesus, because they were looking for a political king (and Jesus came to establish a different Kingdom).

At the end of the day...when the election is over...let's remember who deserves our ultimate faith and confidence. Above a political leader or party, let's seek for the will of God to be done in our nation at this time.

And commit with me to pray for our leaders, both current, as well as those to be elected. Our country needs great leadership for the days ahead.

By Brandon Stewart

WE BELIEVE that Christians should exercise their power to vote in ways that honor all human life. We urge you to see beyond party affiliations and traditional voting. We believe that we have a responsibility to defend and protect the rights of those who are most vulnerable. This includes the unborn, disabled, mentally ill, elderly and orphans. We encourage voters to lay aside party politics and media driven sound bites in order to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose to vote for political leaders according to principle and values that support life, not party affiliation.

WE BELIEVE that a candidates’ position on the sanctity of human life should be a primary consideration when choosing whom to vote for or whom not to vote for. We believe that this issue reveals the heart of an individual. If a candidate does not understand or believe in the protection of human life and the most vulnerable in society, it reveals a character trait that is in opposition to the very nature of God, who we believe is the author of all life. While we acknowledge that the vast majority of elected officials will never vote in any substantive way on abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, or embryonic stem cell research, none the less a candidate’s position on these issues is very revealing as to their values and their viewpoints. We discourage Christian voters from voting for a candidate who does not embrace and support pro-life positions.

"Oh, yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb…body and soul I am marvelously made." Psalm 139:13msg

WE BELIEVE that sin is a choice. As such, we do not believe that persons making lifestyle choices should be given minority status, special rights or special laws of protection. We believe that everyone confronts sin daily and has lifestyle choices to make on a regular basis. Without a Biblical worldview and without a clear understanding of scripture many people falsely assume that acting upon a sinful or sexual impulse is merely a personal choice matter, a matter of nature. We do not believe that special rights should be given to individuals based on their decision to actively engage in a sinful lifestyle. Lifestyle choices should not constitute status as a minority. We believe that all people deserve our compassion and respect without us abandoning scripture. As Christians, we believe that God’s grace and forgiveness is for all who ask.

"It’s true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say." 1 Timothy 1:8

WE BELIEVE that morality can not be legislated, but neither should voters encourage the legislation of immorality. We believe that Christians have a duty to vote, but we also believe that Christians have a greater duty to proclaim the gospel. For too long, American Christians have sought to assimilate into popular culture, rather than seeking to win as many as possible to the faith. We have, in large part, been changed by American culture, rather than becoming the change agent for American culture.

"Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking .Instead fix your attention on God, changed from the inside out." Romans 12:1-2msg.

"The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it." Romans 8:4msg

"All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace." Romans 5:20-21msg

WE BELIEVE that democracy is not a substitute for Christianity. Throughout history, it has been proven that nations stand - or fall - with the values which it embodies and promotes. American secular society today encourages people to have whatever moral convictions they please - as long as they keep them on the “private” preserves of their consciences, in their homes and in their churches, and out of the public arena. We, as believers, are called to be “leaven” and “salt and light” in our communities, our school, our workplaces, and our families. It is by our compassion and our witness that we are to influence society. Reliance upon government to be the moral influence abandons the Great Commission mandate we were given by Jesus.
"Make the master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order…exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules…Treat everyone you meet with dignity…Revere God. Respect the government." 1 Peter 2:13-17msg

"If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe then it is wrong." Romans 14:23msg

WE BELIEVE that freedom of religion should be zealously guarded and protected. The state should not interfere in the right of an individual to choose their own religion. We believe that the state should not allow discrimination against the practice of Christianity either. By voting for candidates who support freedom of religion policies, we are ensuring that we will be able to continue to practice our faith freely and openly. We understand that the doctrine of “separation of church and state” is not in the constitution. We understand that our forefather’s intent was to insure that we would be able to freely practice our religion without interference.

"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rules and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live." 1 Tim 2:2msg

"Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32msg