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Like millions around the country, the American Pastors Network is awaiting the historic U.S. Supreme Court decision that could either protect or redefine marriage in America. 

“Regardless of the outcome, this important decision—with biblical, historical and constitutional roots—will affect both pastors and churches,” said APN President Sam Rohrer, who also serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net). “The fact that this issue even made it to the Supreme Court of the United States is an indictment against American Christians and against American churches. For too long, instead of being salt and light in the culture, our churches and, sadly, many of our pulpits have aimed to simply blend into the culture—not changing it but being changed by it. Now, the very institution of marriage literally stands on trial, and regardless of how the Court rules, this fact alone must serve as a wake-up call to the American church. 

“This is just the beginning, and as the culture continues to change—and move even further away from the truth of God’s word and from our constitutional roots—it is crucial that pastors and churches know the truth, speak the truth and live the truth, not just on Sundays, but 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”  

Attorney Jeff Mateer of the Liberty Institute, who was a featured speaker at PPN’s “U-Turn” conference this spring, attended SCOTUS’s oral arguments in April and called same-sex marriage “the issue of our generation.”

According to Mateer, several scenarios are possible:

• SCOTUS could affirm the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit’s decision that the 14^th Amendment does not require states to redefine marriage or recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
• SCOTUS could rule that states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states but not redefine marriage in their own state.
• SCOTUS could rule that the 14^th Amendment applies to same-sex marriage, and all states would have to recognize all same-sex marriages.

For the case, the Liberty Institute filed a brief on behalf of the National Religious Broadcasters, Billy Graham and Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse, In Touch Ministries, along with several seminaries and theologians, stating that “for millennia,” we have believed in marriage between one man and one woman—and there has never been another definition of marriage.

The concern directed at the Supreme Court was, Mateer said, if the justices change the definition of marriage and mandate marriage be redefined and expanded beyond one man and one woman, they will eventually violate the religious liberty rights of many and intrude on the workings and beliefs of the church.

Above all, Mateer suggested that pastors and churches fervently pray over the coming weeks for the landmark decision, particularly for Justice Anthony Kennedy, who will likely be a deciding factor.

 

On May 14, 1948, Israel officially became a nation, recognized by the world in one of the most important pages of history. Now, 67 years later, Israel is a significant global presence, making headlines for peace processes, relationships with other nations and the protection of Jews everywhere.

Sam Rohrer, president of the American Pastors Network (APN, www.americanpastorsnetwork.net), says that despite waning support for Israel from some of America’s leaders, and even some Christians, America’s pastors and churches must continue to stand with Israel. 

“The simple reason we must support the State of Israel is because God does,” Rohrer said. “The Jews are His chosen people, and He gave His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that He would not only bless them but also bless every nation that blesses them and curse every nation that curses them. It was through the Jews that God brought the Messiah—Yeshua. The entire plan of redemption and all of Scripture came to us through the Jews. Throughout history, God has miraculously protected the Jewish people although the nations around them have sought to annihilate them. God forbid that America ever becomes a nation that Israel needs protection from.”

 APN Board Member Gary Dull echoed Rohrer’s thoughts. 

“God promised Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 that those who bless Israel will be blessed by God and those who curse Israel will be cursed by God,” Dull said. “All true believers today recognize that covenant is still active. The conviction of every real Christian is that the fundamental component for the Church to be strengthened and used by God is for the Church to have a genuine love for Israel.”

As Israel celebrates the 67th anniversary of its statehood, Rohrer says the best gift America can give to the nation’s strongest ally in the Middle East is the sincere pledge of unwavering friendship and support in the face of growing anti-Israel sentiment not only internationally but also, disturbingly, among America’s own leadership.

An American Pastors Network state chapter member, Pastor Joseph L. Green Jr. of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net), has released a new book called “Kingdom Business” that discusses race, religion and politics from a biblical perspective.

“The kingdom of God is a governmental system,” reads the book’s description. “It is a theocracy in which Jesus is our King, the Bible is our Constitution and we are its citizens.” In “Kingdom Business,” Green also looks at how the Church has failed to live up to the standards the Bible expects from its ambassadors.

“APN is happy to highlight the excellent and timely work of Pastor Joe Green, who serves as a member of PPN’s Leadership Council,” said APN president Sam Rohrer, who is also president of PPN. “Pastor Green’s book touches on extremely valid and pressing concerns that face all Americans. We applaud his willingness to take on critical topics and present biblical truth regarding them, and we are thankful for his commitment to faith-based cultural change, grounded in biblical and constitutional principles.”

“Kingdom Business” is available for order by clicking here: Kingdom Business Book

“I am honored to be part of the American Pastors Network and am passionate about sharing crucial information regarding the way in which the Bible, race and politics interact today in America,” Green said. “Headlines confirm this truth day after day, and as Christians, we are charged with proclaiming truth and never turning a blind eye to efforts to silence it.”

Green is the founder of Antioch Assembly (www.antiochassembly.com) in Harrisburg, Pa., and director of The Josiah Project, a faith-based initiative designed to empower at-risk young men between the ages of 13 and 18. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg.

Green is the author of three additional books: “From Kilos to the Kingdom,” “The Church That Will Turn the World Upside Down” and “Standing on the Rock.” A graduate of Harrisburg High School, Green attended the University of Pittsburgh and Towson University, and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Humanities. He also served for four years in the United States Navy. Green is a member of PPN, APN and Healing Tree International. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, have three children.

The pastor was also a speaker at APN and PPN’s recent conference attended by more than 500 pastors and church leaders, titled, “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal—A Conversation with Pastors on Society, Culture and Leadership.” The event answered questions about society, culture and leadership, with a focus on how cultural trends can be strategically impacted with the truths of God’s Word.

More than 500 pastors, church leaders and laypeople came together for the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) conference, “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal,” on Thursday at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa.—an event that answered questions about society, culture and leadership, with a focus on how cultural trends can be strategically impacted with the truths of God’s Word.

“At PPN’s ‘U-Turn’ conference, we were blessed to be able to communicate a coherent message to pastors and church leaders that was uplifting, inspirational, God-honoring and relevant, and have a real conversation about the most important issues of our day,” said PPN President Sam Rohrer, who also serves as President of the American Pastors Network (APN,www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net). “We were also honored and humbled to hear many positive comments about the speakers, presentations and value of the conference. We commend all of our speakers who provided their unique perspectives on ‘standing in the gap for truth’ along with effective ways all of us can spiritually renew our nation. And we pray that the resulting fruit from all that the Lord did in the hearts and lives of those who attended will be lasting and will lead to cultural renewal in our nation.”

The powerful one-day conference, titled “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal—A Conversation with Pastors on Society, Culture and Leadership,” united some of the top Christian speakers, along with pastors, leaders and laypeople so they could be inspired and committed to apply biblical principles in all matters of life, ultimately to “stand in the gap for truth.”

Conference headliners George Barna and David Barton were particular hits with the crowd.

Barna, who spoke on “The Necessity of Engagement: A Statistical Perspective,” founded The Barna Group, a leading research firm focused on faith and culture, in 1984 and sold it in 2009. Since then, he has continued to be involved in political research and strategy. He is the author or co-author of more than 50 books, including various best sellers and award-winning volumes such as “Growing True Disciples,” “Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions,” “Revolution,” “Revolutionary Parenting,” “ Pagan Christianity?,” “The Frog in the Kettle” and “The Power of Vision.” Barna has served as a pastor and has taught at several universities and seminaries.

Barton, who addressed the topic of “When Pastors Stand for Truth: A Historical Perspective,” heads WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on America’s moral, religious and constitutional heritage. He is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects drawn largely from his massive library-museum of tens of thousands of original writings, documents and artifacts from early America. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year. His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues.

Together, Barna and Barton shared critical components of “A Roadmap for the Future: Where Do We Go From Here?” The two have also teamed up to author a book that focuses on some of the same issues as the conference. Their work, “U-Turn: Restoring America to the Strength of Its Roots,” looks at what has happened to America since the country turned away from God and addresses how we can turn our nation around. The book was available at the conference at a 20 percent discount.

The impressive lineup of speakers and their topics also included:

• Paul Blair of Reclaiming America for Christ on “The Pastor’s Impact:  A Biblical Perspective”
• “How Can We Effect Change?”: A panel discussion with Rohrer, Barna, Barton and Blair
• “A Ministry Perspective”: A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gary Dull, PPN Executive Director, which included Ralph Drollinger of Capitol Ministries; Jeff Mateer of the Liberty Institute; Sandy Rios of American Family Association and American Family Radio; and Pastor Joe Green of Antioch Assembly
• Gov. Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas and former Fox News commentator, who offered a special video message to attendees
• Sammy Tippit of Sammy Tippit Ministries on “Light That Shatters the Dark”
• Pilot, author and pastor Steve Scheibner on “Living On Borrowed Time: A Pilot’s Story From 9/11/01”

Those not on the Lancaster Bible College campus were able to watch the conference via live streaming.

APN has recently received a $30,000 matching donation for all contributions made for this and future U-Turn events. Donations and sponsorships up to $30,000 will be matched, resulting in $60,000 to the American Pastors Network. Those interested may call APN at 610-901-3607.

Pennsylvania Pastors Network encourages pastors to bring together biblical and constitutional principles in their sermons and provides resources to pastors throughout the state. For more information on PPN, visit www.papastors.net or call 610.901.3607.