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American Pastors Network 2018 Challenge: Be Unwavering in Preaching Whole Counsel of God
APN Says Johnson Amendment and Other Concerns Should Not Stop Pastors from Addressing Most Important Society Topics from the Pulpit; Encourages Pastors to Sign ‘We Will Stand’ Pledge for New Year
PHILADELPHIA—For now, the 1954 Johnson Amendment is still law, with a repeal of the measure not included in the most recent tax reform bill. But that should not stop pastors from preaching the whole counsel of God or addressing the most pressing societal topics, says the American Pastors Network (APN, www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net).
APN is the nation’s largest national network dedicated to equipping pastors to be a voice for truth in the public square. Its mission is to: identify, encourage, equip and educate pastors and church members to “Stand in the Gap for Truth”; be a voice for truth and an advocate for pastors in the public square by providing Bible-based and constitutionally consistent analysis and recommendations on matters of public policy; and strengthening the biblical relationship between pastors and elected officials through various private and public meetings for prayer, study and policy discussion.
“There is perhaps no more crucial time than the present for pastors to preach fervently on the most crucial issues of the day,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “Many pastors may not choose to address these tough topics for a variety of reasons—fear of the Johnson Amendment, concerns about creating an uncomfortable environment, even resistance from donors or ministry leaders—but God implores those He has called to ministry to inform His people of every matter that may affect their daily lives and their walks with God. That includes the subjects that are perhaps difficult, unsettling or controversial.
“In 2018,” Rohrer continued, “the American Pastors Network is challenging all pastors not to hold back when it comes to the subject matter God is calling them to address from the pulpit. The people in the pews are looking for guidance from their pastors, and in this dark world, they desperately need the light of Scripture and to know what God’s Word says about ALL things.”
Pastors who want to commit to sound, truth-filled preaching in 2018 can sign onto APN’s “We Will Stand” initiative, which invites America’s pastors to intentionally band together and faithfully stand for biblical truth in the public square, and let their congregations and communities know they, too, can be involved.
Pastors who sign the “We Will Stand—Preach, Pray, Encourage, Engage” pledge will commit to the following:
- I WILL PREACH PASSIONATELY the whole counsel of God, with a biblical worldview that communicates the priority of the Gospel to a fallen, broken humanity. It means exhorting the saints to apply biblical principles to their own lives, the lives of their family, and the culture of their neighborhood, state, and country.
- I WILL PRAY FERVENTLY with faith, obedience, discipline, fasting.
- I WILL ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS to be salt and light by engaging the culture with truth, practicing good citizenship and voting informed by sound information and biblical principles.
- I WILL ENGAGE AS A MINISTER TOGETHER with civic leaders through prayer, encouragement and education on critical issues.
For more about “We Will Stand,” click here.
Several APN chapters are also doing the important work of providing timely, in-state leadership on issues impacting local families and congregations. Examples of their efforts include speaking out in the defense of marriage and standing up for religious liberty. APN hopes to add additional chapters in 2018.
APN offers the radio ministry, “Stand in the Gap Today,” which is heard on 425 stations nationwide; find a station or listen live at noon ET Monday through Friday.
View the media page for APN here, which also details information about “Stand in the Gap.” For more information on APN, visit www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net, its Facebook page or follow APN’s Twitter feed, @AmericanPastors. Those interested in forming a chapter in their state may contact amy@americanpastors.net.
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