Pastors and churches have a key role in teaching civic responsibility to their congregations. The evidence is clear that we are seeing a tremendous cultural breakdown. In order to reverse the breakdown and strengthen the family, Illinois Family Institute encourages Christians to play a more viable role in the civic arena.
God designed three institutions (Family, Church, and Government) and we believe Christians ought to be involved in all three institutions.
Family
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” ~Genesis 2:24
Church
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” ~Matthew 16:18
Government
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” ~Romans 13:1
Why involve churches?
America was founded upon Christian principles which are timeless and beneficial for all citizens. “Natural Law” as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence provides the link from God to government. Christian citizens need to realize that veering away from these original principles of faith lead to the deterioration of our culture. We have been fed the ongoing cultural lie of “separation of church and state” and led to believe Christians and their beliefs can have no role in government. To counter this secular worldview, we believe it is the responsibility of the church to preach/teach civic responsibility. Energizing the churches to engage the culture is clearly a focus for the Illinois Family Institute.
Why involve pastors?
We believe working with the leadership of local churches is the key to the restoring Godly principles into our culture and helping Christians play a more viable role in civic affairs.
What are my church’s legal rights?
- What Churches Can and Cannot Do
- The Truth About the Separation of Church and State from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Seven Things All Churches Should Have in their By-Laws from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Statement on Marriage and Sexuality from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Church Facilities Use Policy from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Religious Belief Regarding Marriage from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Religious Speech and Hate Crimes from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
Read more at ADF’s SpeakUp Movement – Resources for Churches
Church Membership
- The Importance of a Membership Policy from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Model Membership Agreement from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Procedure for Rescinding Membership from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
How can my church get involved?
- Designate a someone to serve as the primary point of contact for IFI.
- Host voter registration at least twice a year.
- Host a Christian Citizenship Sunday each year – preach on biblical foundations of civic involvement and how to apply biblical worldview to our role as citizens. Visit Family Research Council for resources.
- Equip your congregation with the facts, statistics, and talking points on today’s cultural issues.
- Find out which elected officials represent you and your church. Consider getting to know your leaders; let us help you set up a personal appointment.
- Write editorials to local newspapers.
