The American Pastors Network, the largest national network dedicated to equipping pastors to be a voice for truth in the public square, is welcoming a new state pastors network to its growing organization.

This week, APN is launching the Missouri Pastors Network (MOPN, www.mopastors.net), a uniquely gifted group of pastors in Missouri who are joining together to “Stand in the Gap for Truth.”

“The American Pastors Network has been standing in the gap for truth around America and is growing again through the new Missouri Pastors Network,” said APN President Sam Rohrer, who is also president of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net). “We know that pastors there will be an invaluable support to one another as they engage their congregations to stand for truth and freedom and effect true change in the culture.”

Leading the Missouri network as its president will be J. Keith Carnahan, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in St. Robert. Joining him as vice president will be Monte Shinkle of Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, and Steve Proctor of Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, who will serve as secretary/treasurer.

“I am excited and blessed to work with other believers and pastors in my home state through the Missouri Pastors Network to advance the cause of Christ and preserve religious liberty,” Carnahan said.

Carnahan was born into a Christian family in 1954 and was born again in 1964. Following the example of his parents, he grew up serving in their local church. Surrendering to preach the gospel at the age of 24 brought an abrupt halt to his dreams of buying the family business. Supported by his wife, Cheryn, he spent the next three years preparing for the gospel ministry. In 1981, he moved his wife and three children to southern Illinois to plant Grace Baptist Church and begin a Christian school.

The new ministry soon came into conflict with the state of Illinois, which planned to put church property on the tax rolls. Grace Baptist became the test case in this battle, and a victory was won for all churches in the state. The experience left Carnahan with the firm conviction that Christians must vigorously defend religious liberty.

In 1991, the Carnahan family returned to Missouri to accept the pastorate of Maranatha Baptist Church and school in St. Robert. The church serves the military community of Fort Leonard Wood and has experienced wonderful blessings over the past 26 years.

Carnahan continues to promote religious liberty by serving as the Legislative Director for the Missouri Association of Christian Schools. He also oversees the Committee on Legislative Education and Action for Religious Liberty (C.L.E.A.R.) in the state of Missouri.

The theme of returning America to God’s favor was central throughout the election, leading up to the inauguration and in the first month of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Many Christians felt the country had been given a reprieve with the surprising turn of events in 2016, and now, are vigilant in how they move forward within that small window.

This is a topic that has been explored by the American Pastors Network and through its “Stand in the Gap” radio ministry, which has the goal to provide pastors, Christians leaders and engaged believers the tools to analyze news and events from a biblical and constitutional worldview.

APN president Sam Rohrer has been speaking to listeners about “God’s Plan for a Blessed Nation” and a roadmap to build a government of integrity.

“The process for renewal of our country won’t be easy, but it does begin with an understanding of who we are as a nation and who God is,” Rohrer said. “And this process must be led on our knees in prayer, as we humble ourselves before God and seek His blessing. It also involves a commitment by the pastors in the pulpits of America to once again preach the whole counsel of God and reteach our people that the biblical principles that made America great are the same principles that can restore and heal our nation—one nation under God.”

Rohrer added that the following steps are necessary to submit to the wisdom of God’s plan for the nation:

1. Understand the Nature and Role of God: That God is sovereign, He is the Creator and Sustainer of life, the Supreme Authority, and God delegated men as His Creation overseer.
2. Understand the Nature of Man: That man is born a sinner, depraved and doesn’t naturally do right.
3. Understand the Purpose for Government: To enact justice, to punish evil and praise good.
4. Understand the Purpose for Law: To establish the framework for right actions and to enact justice, as the law was made for the lawbreaker.
5. Understand the Natural Tendency of Government: That government tends to consolidate control and take the place of “God.”
6. Understand the Components of Biblical Justice: 1) Truth is the absolute standard; 2) Mercy’s goal is restoration; and 3) Equity is judgment imparted without partiality.
7. Understand the Need for Maintaining a Republic: It requires responsible citizens and responsible government leaders.
8. Understand the Need to Build Safeguards: Man is naturally selfish, and God initiated separation of powers.
9. Understand the Need to Biblically Educate: Parents must train their children in God’s ways and teach the history of God’s blessings.
10. Understand the Need for Prayer for God’s Help in Building a Nation: As Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (NIV).