Values Voter Presidential Debate: Leaders Say They Were Snubbed

The debate was held Sept. 17 without the four GOP front-runners in attendance. Gov. Mike Huckabee won the voter straw poll.
 
Values Voter Debate:

The first ever values voter presidential debate was held Sept. 17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but without the four Republican presidential candidate front-runners in attendance. Mitt Romney, John McCain, Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani all said they could not attend due to scheduling conflicts, reported the Associated Press (AP). “They will regret the decision,” Janet Folger, president of Faith2Action and a member of the debate host committee, told the AP. “Because they snubbed us, they will not win because we will not follow their lead.” Despite the absence of the GOP’s most prominent candidates, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was declared the winner in the values voter straw poll, receiving nearly five times the votes as the other candidates. “Unlike other straw polls where candidates have bussed in supporters or paid for their tickets, 40 national leaders chose hundreds of delegates who accurately represent America’s largest voting block,” said Mat Staver, chairmen of Liberty Counsel, and values voter debate committee member. “This is the most important straw poll yet.”



Megachurches Opening Their Books

More and more major megachurches in the U.S. have been following a trend to become financially transparent with congregants and staff personnel.
 
Megachurches Opening Their Books
Recently major megachurches in the U.S. have been following a trend to become financially transparent with congregants and staff personnel, even resembling high-profit corporations in their structure, according to a report by Reuters. From Florida to Illinois to Texas, multi-million dollar megachurches are stressing total disclosure in the area of financial accountability as a way of ensuring safe and healthy giving. “[The congregations] need to be informed completely,” said Tim Tracey, executive director of operations at the Florida-based Northland, A Church Distributed. “It’s not the leadership’s money, it’s ultimately God’s money.” The report also pointed out the work of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), an accreditation agency with 2,000 Christian member groups whose accounting practices are stringently judged.


Judge Rules Jesus Can Remain in Courthouse

A federal judge rebuffed a request by the ACLU in early September by refusing to remove a painting of Jesus Christ from a display at a city courthouse.
 
Judge Rules Jesus Can Remain in Courthouse

A federal judge rebuffed a request by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in early September by refusing to remove a painting of Jesus Christ from a display at the Slidell city courthouse lobby in Slidell, La. “The court today recognized that the First Amendment allows public officials, and not the ACLU, to determine what is appropriate for acknowledging our nation’s legal and cultural heritage,” said Mike Johnson, senior counsel at the Alliance Defense Fund, which represented the city of Slidell, a Slidell city judge, and the parish of St. Tammany in the suit filed by the ACLU in July. The Jesus painting is mounted in the courthouse alongside 15 other portraits of notable lawgivers in history, including Moses, Charlemagne and Sir William Blackstone.  

 Photo Credit: Ann Barks Public Relations



First Values Voter Debate to Be Held

The first-ever values voter presidential debate is scheduled for Monday evening, Sept. 17. Seven of the nine Republican candidates have confirmed attendance.
 
First Values Voter Debate to Be Held
The first-ever values voter presidential debate is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Thirty of the nation’s most influential Christian-based organizations will ask hard-hitting questions of the presidential candidates. The debate is to be moderated by Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of WorldNetDaily. “We're going to see where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to us, and not just taking the crumbs that come from the networks and Chris Matthews and the other debates,” said Janet Folger, president and founder of Faith2Action ministry. “We're going to find out where they stand on all the issues that we care most about.” The questions, which will focus on issues such as abortion, marriage, “hate crimes” legislation and judicial nominees, were drafted by various Christian leaders including: Phyllis Schlafly, founder and president of Eagle Forum; Don Wildmon, founder and chairman of the American Family Association; Rick Scarborough, president of Vision America; and Mat Staver chairman of Liberty Council. The debate will be aired live on Sky Angel’s Angel One channel and will also be available online at . It will re-air on Daystar on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. “Even with two-thirds [19 million] of the evangelical Christian eligible voters sitting on the bench in the last presidential election, we, values voters, still made up the largest voting block in the country,” Folger noted. The majority of the Republican candidates have confirmed their attendance at the event.


Charisma News – Sept. 11 Prayer Vigil

On the eve of the sixth anniversary of a prayer vigil was held in Lafayette Park across from the White House to remember the victims of Sept. 11
 
Sept. 11 Prayer Vigil
On the eve of the sixth anniversary of a prayer vigil was held in Lafayette Park across from the White House to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and to pray for God’s wisdom regarding decisions to be made about the Iraq war. “It is essential that the faith community humble themselves and urgently seek God for His wisdom, guidance and direction,” said Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. “We [gathered] at the White House, on the eve of 9/11, to cry out to God for His mercy and grace and ask Him to superintend over the war in Iraq and the affairs of our nation.” The group that met together in the park was comprised of both local and national Christian leaders. They began the evening candlelight vigil with worship and then prayed for the president, law enforcement and the military. Mahoney believes that the nation, which is still involved in full-scale war in Iraq, is in a critical period of time, and that believers must pray for God to intercede. “The decisions that will be made concerning the war in Iraq over the next several weeks will have a profound impact on the future of America and the entire Middle East,” Mahoney said. “We need to seek God.”


Casting Crowns Debuts on Billboard’s No. 2

Last week the third release from Christian pop-worship band Casting Crowns, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, second only to Disney’s High School Musical 2.
 
Casting Crowns Debuts on Billboard’s No. 2
Last week The Altar and the Door, the third release from Christian pop-worship band Casting Crowns, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200. Without the backing of mainstream radio or TV, Casting Crowns—comprised of youth ministers still actively engaged in their Georgia churches—held the position as the week’s highest album debut in the country. Disney’s High School Musical 2 held the No. 1 position—its third week at the top spot. “This debut is a landmark achievement for this artist and our company in so many ways,” said Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of the groups label Provident Music Group. “Casting Crowns has proven that artistry, ministry, career and personal life can all co-exist successfully when the mission is clear. We are truly thankful to be a part of this at a time when record sales are hard to come by and consumers have so many choices. Clearly, Casting Crowns’ message of hope and encouragement, coupled with Mark Miller’s magnificent production, is resonating with listeners.” Though Casting Crowns’ first two albums received many music accolades and both went platinum, the Atlanta-based music group has said their focus is not on the band’s success. “Our priority is to our churches and to our families,” said Megan Garrett, who sings background vocals and plays the keyboard for the group to CCM magazine. “God’s made it so obvious that Casting Crowns is something He’s doing, and we know it’s not going to last forever.”


Debate Over the Location of Noah’s Ark Rekindled

A high-tech satellite company announced recently that it could help resolve the mysterious Mount Ararat Anomaly—which some believe contain the remnants of Noah’s ark.
 
Debate Over the Location of Noah’s Ark Rekindled

A high-tech satellite company announced in early September the creation of a 3-D terrain model that it said could help resolve the mysterious Mount Ararat Anomaly—a deviation in the terrain at the top of a 15,300-foot mountain in northeastern Turkey that some believe could contain the remnants of Noah’s ark. Satellite Imaging Corporation, in conjunction with GeoEye and INTA Space Turk, released a statement describing how high-resolution, satellite-borne sensors were used to photograph and analyze the unusual 980-foot-long piece of terrain atop the mountain. The Ararat Anomaly is surrounded by rugged strato-volcanic rock and mostly buried underneath a permanent glacier. Porcher Taylor, an associate professor at the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies and a leading proponent of the satellite-based research, noted the “groundbreaking 3-D (stereoscopic) fly-through movie [is] a quantum leap in making the Ararat Anomaly even more transparent.” Taylor thanked various researchers and contributors involved in the project, describing the role of GeoEye’s satellite as a “space-based Indiana Jones.”



D. James Kennedy Dies at 76

The Rev. D. James Kennedy, author, theologian and pastor of 10,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church passed away in his sleep Wednesday morning.
 
D. James Kennedy Dies at 76
The Rev. D. James Kennedy, author, theologian and pastor of 10,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 2:15 a.m. He was 76. “We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously,” said Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. “His moral leadership and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched by few in the history of the church. It is our desire to honor him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy in the years to come.” Kennedy had been suffering complications from cardiac arrest since December 2006 and had not been able to return to the Coral Ridge pulpit since his last sermon on Christmas Eve. On Aug. 26 he announced his retirement from active ministry. He will be remembered for leading Coral Ridge from a few members to 10,000 members, for Evangelism Explosion through which 5 million people gave their lives to Christ in 1996, and also for his extensive broadcast ministry. His daily radio program, Truths That Transform, is carried on nearly 750 stations while his weekly TV show, The Coral Ridge Hour, is aired over more than 400 stations. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne, and his daughter, Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy. “There are all kinds of wonderful things I could say about my dad,” Cassidy said. “But one that stands out is his fine example. He ‘walked the walk’ and ‘practiced what he preached.’ His work for Christ is lasting—it will go on and on and make a difference for eternity.” Dates and times for a public viewing and funeral are yet to be announced.


Ministry Sends $8 Million in Aid to Flood Victims

Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization, airlifted an $8 million aid package to North Korean flood victims last Friday.
 
Ministry Sends $8 Million in Aid to Flood Victims

Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based Christian relief organization, airlifted an $8 million aid package to North Korean flood victims last Friday. The flooding had left an estimated 600 people dead and 100,000 homeless, the Associated Press reported. “In spite of the political differences that divide our two countries, we need to do all we can to care for the people of North Korea,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Graham noted the significance of the delivery in that it was the first direct flight from the United States to communist North Korea since the Korean War in 1950. The aid will help thousands of victims affected by the flooding that destroyed homes, power stations, crops and railroads in what is one of the countries most devastating natural disasters. With support from the BGEA and the United States government, Samaritan’s Purse flew a Boeing 747 cargo jet filled with 75 tons of medicines, medical supplies, temporary shelter materials and other equipment to help aid the flood victims. “This is much more than an airlift of aid,” said Graham. “It's historic and symbolic not only because the flight went directly from the United States, but also because we've had such good cooperation with the North Korean and U.S. governments. My hope would be that this aid for those suffering can also be a bridge-building opportunity between our two countries.”



FeedBack


My Turn


Thank you for such an encouraging article about women in ministry (“Make Way for the Women” by Maureen D. Eha, June). Many times I felt called to ministry and ran into so many obstacles that I pretty much gave up.


When I was in my early 20s, I was asked to share my testimony at a church. When I showed up, the pastor said God told him to give me the service. Well, I had already written a Bible study on the fear of God and I started preaching on that.


The response was overwhelming, with people running up to the front of the church for prayer. It freaked me out. God moved powerfully, but the next day when I shared this with my pastor, he said I shouldn’t have preached! He made me feel as if I had done something dreadfully wrong.


Thankfully today I’m attending a church where the senior pastor, Steve Gray, believes in empowering women. His wife, Kathy, is a dynamic example of a female minister. They mentored me for several years when I was on staff and totally turned my view of ministry around. Now I serve in several volunteer positions and I’m empowered to be all God wants me to be.


My heart goes out to the millions of women who have a passionate desire to minister but have no support. Your article shows it can be done and leaves us without any excuses.
Leilani Haywood
Kansas City, Missouri


Defining True Worship


In your recent article about the David Crowder Band (“It’s a Worship Revolution” by Chad Bonham, July), the writer made an important point that needs to be emphasized. Please don’t call all church music “worship”—it is “worship music.”
Music certainly is one element of worship. But just because there is music does not mean there is true worship. I recall my surprise some time ago when I went to a worship conference and found that it actually was a conference for musicians.
Dick Parvin
Clearwater, Florida


The Gender Factor


I was saddened that those who do not hold to the egalitarian view of women’s roles in the church were slandered as chauvinistic in your recent cover story (“Make Way for the Women” by Maureen D. Eha, June). This is loaded language that does not help the debate. It dismisses those with a different view as having a wrong motivation.


Some Christians believe men and women have role distinctions. I know the women portrayed in the article. They are great women of God. However, to portray one’s opponents as chauvinistic is a bold power assertion that has no place in the argument.
Daniel Juster, director
Tikkun International
Gaithersburg, Maryland


Take a look at the seven women on the cover of Charisma in June. You are praising them as teachers and preachers. Do you really believe the Bible is true? If you do, you do not follow its teaching. The Bible says women should remain in silence and be keepers of the home.
Herman C. Quillin
Fort Blackmore, Virginia


As women who study the Bible and attend weekly Sabbath services, we question the validity of the ministries these women say God called them to. This is diametrically opposed to the scriptural directives Paul wrote to Timothy.


We would like to encourage women everywhere who seek the truth of God’s Word to accept what it says to them. For then and only then can they truly belong to Him.
Annette Scott and Rosa Lathon
Flint, Michigan


There is a subject I want to get on my soapbox about. Too many Christian women are wearing low-cut necklines. Even those in ministry are modeling them.


I love style and well-dressed women, but a plunging neckline is not what I believe Paul had in mind when he said women should dress modestly.


It makes me sick how these women are just copying the world. It grieves me to see Christian women who are leaders yet are poor examples in this area.
Tilly Walz
Huron, South Dakota


Ten and even 20 years ago there were not a lot of men coming to church. Mostly women with small children would come and go to the altar for prayer. Therefore, God raised up women in the church. Then the Promise Keepers movement came along encouraging men to get into the Word and become godly men.


Today, we are struggling in churches with controlling male chauvinists who want more control instead of asking what God wants. The Father does not look at gender. He is releasing more women to rise up and pray and prophesy in church.
Bonnie Olson
via e-mail


Randy and Paula White


It’s interesting that people seem to be overlooking the fact that Paula and Randy White are “media moguls” (“Trouble in Tampa Bay,” Charisma Online, June). They have television shows, tapes and books. Their wealth does not come only from inside the church.


If they didn’t have a church, they would still be extraordinarily wealthy! There are simply some people in this world who will be wealthy.
name withheld


Regarding wealthy church leaders, doesn’t the Bible say we are to live modestly? This is very confusing. God does bless, but it seems a lot of emphasis is placed these days only on financial blessings. I don’t know what to think because there is conflicting teaching using the Scriptures for each viewpoint.
Robyn Mulkins
Duluth, Georgia


Down on Israel


I was disappointed with the June issue of Charisma, which contained a section about travel to Israel. I thought your focus was the Great Commission. Are Christians supposed to supply the tourists that Israel needs to bolster its economy?


Jews, Muslims and all people need the gospel, and it is our responsibility to see that they receive it. You seem concerned that Christ will reject unbelieving Israel, yet you forget the Palestinian believers who are brethren in Christ.


It is time to get off this prophetic kick. Our first responsibility is to fellow believers (both Jewish and gentile) and not to unbelieving Israel.
W. Herbert Woolley
Cantonment, Florida


Is Israel the “Holy Land,” or is it just plain dirt that Jesus told His disciples to shake off their sandals? If Jesus were ministering on the earth today, He would turn over the tables of Christian leaders who are making so much money hawking the very thing He said to leave behind. So much is spent for the welfare of the Jews, but almost nothing is spent to spread the gospel of salvation.


Many people are led to believe that they can be blessed only if they make a trip to the Holy Land. The poor and the rest of us who are left behind have only Jesus.
Curt Vieselmeyer
Boise, Idaho


There is no way that I as a Christian could support President Bush’s Roadmap to Peace. He was lying when he said giving Gaza to the Palestinians would make them more peaceful. It has only placed more Israelis in danger.


Bush is dangerously naive, and Condoleezza Rice should refuse to be his secretary of state. I applaud Colin Powell for refusing to be part of his war or diplomacy.
Evelyn Harrington
Kokomo, Indiana


Condoleezza’s Problem


How does one explain the “quiet faith” of Condoleezza Rice and her longtime membership in the Council on Foreign Relations (“The Faith of Condoleezza Rice” by Leslie Montgomery, June). The goal of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an atheistic, one-world government.


You cannot serve two masters. Either Rice is a deceived Christian or she knows exactly what her membership in the CFR requires of her.
Bob Nesbit
Owatonna, Minnesota


Where Does Obama Stand?


In response to Final Word by Stephen Strang, April, I agree we can’t say Barack Obama is Muslim just because his father was. But we do need to be careful not to assume someone is a Christian just because they say they are. We can’t judge their souls, but we can check their fruit. Where do our prospective leaders stand on abortion, gay marriage and other issues? Being a Christian isn’t just a title; it’s a lifestyle choice.
Becky King
Ashland, Illinois


Hurricane Warning


Fire in My Bones (J. Lee Grady, July) was very timely. He mentioned that he loves the new worship bands on the scene but that he had been having some unusual times of intimacy with God while singing from an old Baptist hymnal he has owned since childhood. I can relate because of the lyrics in my memory bank from years of singing from the hymnal.
Myra Buffkin
Merritt Island, Florida