In the heart of the Rev. John Witherspoon, this project will serve as a resource for pastors and church leaders. During the founding of our country, Rev. Witherspoon inspired Christians to be involved in the political process, thus influencing our nation. Historians describe Witherspoon as “the man who shaped the men who shaped America.“ The Council wants to help pastors today shape the leaders of tomorrow.

For example, during 2006 we worked directly with more than 500 churches to increase Christian participation in the voting process. We hope to strengthen those relationships through the Witherspoon Project.

Objectives

• To build and equip a network of faith-based organizations that will personally touch lives and impact South Dakota’s culture.
  
• To provide information to pastors and their congregations to address community concerns with creative and Biblical solutions.

• To forge strategic partnerships amongst churches, civic institutions, lawmakers, and other government bodies with the purpose of heightening visibility of faith issues.

Services Provided

• Roundtable discussions of Biblical positions on public policy issues.
  
• Newsletters that address community issues, legislative matters, and church life.
  
• Regional training on public policy issues from both a Biblical and secular viewpoint (e.g. “homosexual marriage,” abortion, cloning, religious freedom).
  
• Voter registration drive.
  
• Web-based sermons: audio, research, and sermon outlines.
  
• Special pastor events (e.g. Pastors Day at the Capitol).
  
• Annual South Dakota Family Policy Council report delivered to church.
  
• Family Policy Council representatives available to preach, teach, and speak.
  
• Facilitate clergy involvement in the legislative process.

Action Items

• Commit to prayer for the work of the Family Policy Council.
  
• Commit sermons to the issue of the dangers of “homosexual marriage.”
  
• Distribute vital information from the Family Policy Council to your congregation.
  
• Consider financial support for the mission of the Family Policy Council.

We support pastors by providing biblical worldview materials. Our goal is to empower pastors to talk openly about Christian involvement in public issues, voting, and the Christian heritage of our country!

For information on our Pastoral Outreach Ministry please contact Dale Bartscher at our West River Office (605-791-2808), or on his cell (605-390-7319) or Dale@sdfamily.org.