ChurchHacks.com

Brian Calley, Michigan native, Republican, husband and father, church leader, Nertz champion, one of my best friends, and a heck of a nice guy, has recently been elected State Representative for the 87th District in the state of Michigan. In the midst of preparing for his upcoming term and adjusting to life with his newborn daughter, he graciously answered some questions about his background in politics, his upcoming term, and reconciling Christianity with politics. He also offers some suggestions about how Christians and churches can get involved in the political process and support God-honoring politicians.

Describe your background in politics. How did you become interested and at what age?
I have been interested in politics ever since I watched Ronald Reagan’s final address to the nation in January 1989. I was 12 at the time. During high school I volunteered for the local Republican Party. After graduation I became active as an executive committee member of the Ionia County Republican Committee serving as both treasurer and chairman. In 2002 I was elected to the Ionia County Board of Commissioners where I served for four years. I was elected to the State House of Representatives in 2006.

Whom do you admire in the area of politics and government?
Abraham Lincoln & Ronald Reagan top my list.

How have churches and believers supported you throughout your campaign?
I visited with about a dozen pastors of conservative churches (mostly Baptist or Bible churches). These contacts typically resulted in an invitation to share my testimony with their congregation. I also provided special music in most places that I visited. I view this as one of the main advantages in my primary campaign because other believers were very receptive to my agenda. I would talk to more people on a Sunday than I could reach in a week going door-to-door. The army of prayer warriors was also key. I know hundreds of people were regularly praying for me and my family during the campaign because I could feel it.

What is your role in your upcoming term as State Representative? What do you generally hope to accomplish and what issues are important to you?
There are so many issues, it is difficult to know where to start. The Michigan economy and healthcare would top the list. I will look to God for wisdom and courage. Lansing politics are broken and many have failed in these areas in the past. The responsibilities of a state representative generally fit into three main categories: Setting the state budget; law making; and constituent services.

How have your Christian worldview and biblical beliefs shaped your thoughts on public policy?
The biggest difference is that I lack the fear of loss that controls so many others in politics. My life verses are found in Philippians 1:20-21. If “to die is gain” then what do I have to fear? So many things are relative in politics today – I look at God’s truth as absolute and timeless.

What influence does what is going on in the government have on the Christian community and the furtherance of the Gospel?
We are so afraid to speak up. The current misinterpretation of the “Separation of Church and State” causes so many Christians to keep quiet when we should make our views known. The other side is so loud and it seems to have made us so quiet. This worldview is slowly making the Christian church less and less relevant and consequently, government is becoming more and more secular.

What can churches do to affect change or make a statement without jeopardizing their tax exempt status?
The rules are very clear in this area. Basically, the only thing you can’t do is formally endorse a candidate. For example, the deacon board cannot vote to endorse a candidate. That also means that political candidate signs should not be erected on church property as that technically is considered an endorsement. The church pulpit can be made available to candidates for discussions of how Christianity is relevant to their service. You can also tell the congregation which politicians have what beliefs. At all times, the church can make the biblical position on issues clear, even when they are current political issues. Sadly, I believe that the lack of action from the pulpit typically has more to do with not wanting to offend members than tax exempt status.

What can the Christian individual do to support politicians and the political process?
Pray for them and their families. It really, really works. They need wisdom to see God’s will and the courage to follow it. In addition to that, there are the other regular political things such as donation of money, yard sign locations, letters to the editor, etc.

Learn more about Brian Calley and follow the highlights of his upcoming term at www.briancalley.com.

Tags: Politics