Foundation, Vision & Purpose

FAITH & CULTURAL IMPACT MINISTRY

Christians are dual citizens. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God by faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). We are also citizens of an earthly “kingdom.” Consequently, we have obligations in both realms. Jesus commanded, “Give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are to serve Jesus above all other as the King of Kings. As citizens of America, we are to submit to the civil government and obey the just laws of the land as a positive witness (1 Peter 2:15; Romans 13:1–7).

"If the laws of the two kingdoms come into clear conflict, then as Peter and the Apostles put it: “We must obey God rather than men”."

— Acts 5:29

Our allegiance is first, last, and always to Christ and His Kingdom, but we also have a responsibility as citizens of our nation.

Not only do we have dual citizenship and dual commission, but Jesus gave us two Great Commandments: Love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–40). If we love God and love our neighbor, we will take seriously our dual citizenship and dual commissions. Loving our neighbor certainly includes sharing the Good News, but it also means that we will actively promote the common good in the context of our community, state, and nation.

Respecting the basic human right to life, strengthening marriages and the family as the foundation of society, and protecting the right to practice one’s faith freely and publicly—all contribute to the civility and wellness of a community. In part, we can accomplish those goals by advocating for public policies and seeking to elect public servants that best line up with these Kingdom values.

"The consequences are significant: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan”."

— Proverbs 29:2

There is a great need for the church to assume an active role in renewing communities and creating a culture in which all human life is valued, families flourish, and religious liberty thrives.

If we don’t do it, who will? Christians working together in a local church tend to be more influential in the long run than those trying to go it alone.

What Does a Faith & Cultural Impact Ministry Do?

We suggest four fundamental tasks on which to concentrate:

1. Inform the church leadership and congregation about the moral issues being debated and acted on in the public arena.“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6
2. Educate / Equip the membership as to how we can engage these issues.“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
3. Alert / Sound the Trumpets when prayer and action are needed.“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman.” — Ezekiel 33:7
4. Mobilize for various forms of action with a goal of making a positive impact for the greater good.“And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly.” — Romans 12:6“…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” — Philippians 2