A
sense of accomplishment, spiritual energy, and gratitude
filled the air, as seven months of intense training were
recognized and celebrated at the October 6 Statesmanship
Institute graduation ceremony. Held in Capitol Hill’s Cannon
House Office Building, with 130 in attendance, the event
included the presentation of graduation certificates;
participant testimonials; and a stirring message from Dr. D.
James Kennedy on the life of Christian statesman William
Wilberforce.
Biblical
and Practical
An outreach of the
Center for Christian Statesmanship, Statesmanship
Institute (SI) is a seven-month program offering weekly
coursework to a select group of government servants. Its
mission is to equip those serving in government with a solid
understanding and application of biblical worldview.
As George Roller, Executive Director for the
Center notes,
“There is a gap between what many Americans say they believe
and how they apply that belief to their everyday lives. That
is why the Center
created SI. After much prayer and seeking insights from
Christian leaders, we developed this unique program designed
to help public servants fill the gap and apply biblical
truth to their entire lives.”
The Center
first launched SI as pilot program in 2003. This year, as a
full program, SI graduated nine government and Capitol Hill
staffers.
One graduate, Jessica Echard shared that, “As a first
year legislative assistant, I felt like I had been thrown
into the deep end of the public policy pool. The
Statesmanship Institute was
literally an answer to my prayers for knowledge and
encouragement. Professors challenged me to think
critically and biblically about all kinds of foreign policy, legal, economic, and education issues.
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Thank you
Statesmanship Institute for equipping me to do my job
and defend my faith!”
_____________________________
Statesmanship Institute seeks to prepare those who
directly influence our culture to diligently serve
Christ as they serve the American public.
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Tough Questions
Laura Gosselin Powell, SI consultant, points out, “This
program does not shy away from asking the hardest
questions and facing the toughest issues. Can a career
in politics honor God? Is there a biblical view of
government? Is the Bible relevant for everyday life? How
do Christians handle debate? Using the Bible as our
primary text, students study the lives of faithful
Christian statesmen, take a closer look at history,
explore what God expects from public servants, and gain
practical life applications.”
Echard added that, “Beyond the policy realm, the
Institute gave me specifics of the clear Christian
foundation of this country. These are precisely the type
of hard facts I needed to know.”
Reflecting the
Center’s belief that America will not be
transformed by the next set of laws, but by the next
generation of leaders, SI does not set a political
agenda. Rather, it draws upon college professors,
members of Congress, and recognized speakers to prepare
those who directly influence our culture to diligently
serve Christ as they serve the American public. It is
“seminary” training for those who minister, not inside
church walls, but within the realm
Please see
Statesmanship Institute
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