This Month’s Updates:
strategic initiatives
Salt and Light Committees on the Rise
(June 2, 2009) – One of the most effective ways for the body of Christ to engage the public square as the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16) is through the formation of Salt and Light committees in local churches and/or church associations. These committees can educate and mobilize their congregations to take Christ-honoring action steps such as:
Several churches, both large and small, have established Salt and Light Committees recently. Already, these committees are getting involved in speaking grace and truth into their local culture.
FACT has compiled helpful information on establishing a Salt and Light committee. Our prayer is that every church in the state will develop one of these ministries. Please contact Dr. David Shelley if you already have such a ministry in your church or would like help in creating one.
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crosslinks
Growing Number of Links to FACT Web Site
(June 2, 2009) – An exciting development is taking place among the churches and denominations of Tennessee. More and more are asking for help in creating a link to www.FACTn.org on their church and denomination Web sites. This is really a simple thing to do, and it helps believers in Tennessee become more informed about legislative issues and ways they can be salt and light in the public square.
If your church or association of churches would like to post a link to FACT or distribute FACT articles and other information, please contact Dr. David Shelley.
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legislation briefings
Ministerial Briefings Continue across the State
(June 2, 2009) – In May, FACT sponsored a number of legislative briefings for Tennessee ministers in various regions across the state:
- Murfreesboro, May 6: Dr. David Shelley spoke to ministers from about 15 churches in Murfreesboro/Rutherford County at Westwood Baptist Church. Pastor Jason Morrison was kind enough to host the meeting, and several ministers from the Concord Baptist Association were present, along with several ministers from other denominations. The ministers were informed about the status of legislation in our state that directly impacts the sanctity of life and religious freedom. One pastor said, “I had no idea that these things were going on. I’m so glad I heard this, and I can’t wait to sign up for your newsletters! Keep up the good work!”
- Memphis, May 14: Both David Fowler and David Shelley addressed a large gathering of ministers from the Mempis/West Tennessee area on May 14 at this gathering at the First Evangelical Church in Memphis. Hosted by Pastor Cole Huffman of First Evan, Pastor Steve Gaines of Bellevue Baptist Church and Pastor Billy Spink of Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church provided invaluable assistance in contacting area churches. Liese Thomas, Randy Jelinek, Sheila Groshart, Terry and Gayle Templeton, and other Friends of the Family called area pastors and encouraged them to attend. Bott Radio Network helped tremendously in getting out the word, and we are very appreciative to Pat McClerkin and Sue Parker for interviewing David Fowler on their radios shows, Your Conservative Voice and For Life and Liberty, respectively.
The meeting was well attended by ministers of several denominations, and Dr. Shelley was able to build relationships with ministers from several congregations who had not previously heard of the work of FACT. Led by three ministers, the attendees prayed over the three branches of government. FACT President David Fowler challenged the ministers to consider their engagement in government as stewardship of the authority which God grants us as citizens, not politics or the grasping for control. Mr. Fowler then provided information and insights about current legislation at both the state and federal levels and the use of Salt and Light committees as a means of informing church members and facilitating their engagment in the public square.
Later that day, Mr. Fowler addressed a large crowd at the Bottom Line Business Luncheon, held at Germantown Baptist Church, sharing his testimony about his call to seek public office. Special thanks to Jack Gresham and Dennis Rashce, ministers from Germantown Baptist Church, for arranging the speaking engagement.
- Clarksville, May 19: Because of the support of Pastor Louie Montoya of Clarksville First Assembly of God, and the help of Bro. Tommy Vallejos, Associate Pastor of Faith Outreach Church and President of the Clarksville Ministerial Association, a record-breaking crowd of Clarksville-area ministers attended this meeting at Clarksville First Assembly of God Church. In fact, there were more in attendance at this meeting than at the annual Ministers’ Day on the Hill flagship event at the Capitol.
Dr. Shelley called the ministers to pray for the three branches of government and provided them with an update on the status of current bills affecting human life, traditional marriage, the regulation of sexually oriented businesses, and the protection of religious freedom and expression in this state. Several area ministers asked for more information to share with their congregations, and numerous people stated that they were both shocked at the information and inspired to be more engaged in the political process as a matter of Christian stewardship.
- Future Meetings: Plans are being developed now for a Knoxville Ministers’ Breakfast in October and other opportunities to share the mission and work of the Family Action Council of Tennessee. If you would like to have a speaker at an event in your area or at your church, please contact Dr. David Shelley.
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News and Notes (June 2009) 
