My Presidential Non-endorsement

I have an interest in politics and law, and I will vote in the election, though not in the primary (in Maryland, registered independents are not allowed to vote in either primary). However, except for a few very close friends and family, I don’t intend to make my vote public. Some may (or may not) be able to determine which candidate I will vote for based on the issues I believe are important (religious liberty and temperance). But I do not believe my calling at this time is to get involved in the political process. My calling is to share the good news of Jesus’ love with as many people as I can, and to help facilitate church members sharing Jesus’ love with the community. That means we will be involved in the community — several church members are involved with the local homeless shelter, others are involved with organizing our community services, others are involved with screening applications for our college scholarship. I hope our involvement in the community continues to grow. I believe my endorsing or actively campaigning for a candidate would unnecessarily interfere with my ministry.There is wisdom in Chapter 61 of the book Fundamentals of Christian Education, where pastors and teachers are advised to stay away from active politicking.

Jesus influenced a lot more people than most of us do, yet He refused to get involved in the political debates of the day.

Therefore, I will not publicly endorse any candidate for president of the United States … or any other political office.

---

Spectrum discussion on presidential candidates

Baptism and Ordination Weekend

This was a busy weekend, but a great one. Friday evening I had the privilege of baptizing Kate. Since the church we’re renting does not have a baptistry, the Dover First Seventh-day Adventist Church graciously allowed us to use their facilities. The service was beautiful, with music provided by Geoff, Jonathan, and Olivia. Psalms 66, 51, and 91 were read. Pastor Phil Hamman and I presented very brief meditations. Kate read a poem she had written, then read her letter to Jesus. There were tears in many eyes as she gave her testimony.

She reminded us that it can be dangerous to tell God “never.” She said that she would never leave her job, never get back with her husband, and never step foot in a Seventh-day Adventist church again. But she has followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and reunited with her husband, lost her job rather than violating the Lord’s Sabbath, and was baptized in a Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Last month, Wayne and Kate began hosting a Bible study on Friday nights in their home. Wayne usually leads that study, but last week, Kate led the study.

We officially welcomed her into membership during the church service yesterday. Also during the service, Pastor John Appel, the Ministerial Director for the Chesapeake Conference came and helped us ordain our elders and deacons. One of our new elders is Wayne.

It is fun watching the Lord work in our lives