Raising Up Christian Statesmen

(Excerpt from AHP Comprehensive Vision)

Raising up Christian Statesmen

Restoring America to her Biblical foundations and her Christian heritage is not achieved by simply changing the face of government or her elected representatives and leaders. America can only be renewed by a spiritual change in the electorate themselves, for the external condition of a nation is a reflection of the internal condition of her people. Thus the AHP recognizes that a whole generation of Christian statesmen must be raised up whose lives reflect externally the internal work of a Christian character and a Christian worldview. As men and women turn back to the standard of God’s Word and acknowledge the authority of His Son, Jesus Christ, over men and nations, we will be able to raise up a generation of Christian statesmen to lead this nation according to the precepts of Christ.

In 1828 Noah Webster defined standard as “that which is established by sovereign power as a rule or measure by which others are to be adjusted.” Since the source of power and authority in a Christian nation is found in the one true God, the standards we set for statesmen (individuals who are versed in the science and art of government) must be derived from God’s Word – which establishes the standard for leaders in every sphere of government.

The AHP looks to the Holy Bible for the standards and qualifications of its future statesmen – its leaders and candidates for public office. The AHP acknowledges that men who reject God’s authority over their own life and over the nation are wholly unqualified for public service, for they lack the wisdom and knowledge required for leading and governing people. Men who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and to lead their county, state or nation must fear God and believe in a future state of rewards and punishments. It is in this fear of God that they will be found accountable for both their public and private actions.

Setting the Standards for Statesmen

The AHP thus adopts character and leadership qualifications from the Bible which were the standards for leaders in the church and civil spheres in both Old and New Testament times. In addition, the AHP recognizes that good leaders are individuals who have demonstrated their aptness to lead by their willingness to study and apply the principles of godly government in their own lives and communities. The Party has established scholarship qualifications for Party leaders and candidates: study experiences which promote the knowledge and understanding of the Biblical principles and practice of self and civil government and a total Christian worldview embracing history, government, law and faith.

Thinking Biblically and Governmentally

In early America “there was always a special emphasis upon thinking governmentally – i.e., in terms of the flow of power and force. Who or what is in control internally and externally? Is God or Satan in control of our thoughts? Is civil government or individual self-government directing our actions? Unfortunately, however, we do not find that inspired emphasis in most …homes or churches today….[While Christianity] is supposed to be at the leading edge of the movement to advance Christ, Christian liberty and Christian truth, for a great many years it has lacked the necessary correlative of true Christian liberty – the clearly, precisely stated and boldly emphasized Christian idea of government.

“When government is taught in most Christian homes and schools today, the emphasis is upon the external, the political functions, the machinery and the men who make, administer and judge the civil law. As necessary as this study is, [neglecting] the whole counsel of God concerning [the source and power of] government….[and the] full expression of the Christian idea of God, man and government in America’s history [has brought tragic consequences upon our nation. Our children] will continue to be ill-equipped to detect and supplant wickedness on all levels of society and government, and will in their ignorance prevent the benefits of Christian liberty, self-government, private property and voluntary union from blessing this nation – and subsequently all nations – for Christ and Christianity. This ought not to be.” Thus, the AHP steadfastly purposes to work with families and churches to restore among America’s citizens and future leaders a proper commitment to this greatly needed task of thinking governmentally.

Equipping Leaders to Lead

As nations turn away from God’s mandate for them, they begin to reap the judgment of ineffective and unskilled leaders in their homes, churches and civil governments. Eventually individuals rise to leadership who reject God’s authority and laws and the whole nation reaps a whirlwind of unconstitutional laws and bureaucratic regulation that trample the God-given rights and responsibilities of its families, businesses and churches.

The AHP is committed, therefore, to raising the standard for future Christian statesmen and is committed to equipping individuals to lead the Party and serve in public office. Leadership is learned by observation, study and apprenticeship, and the AHP seeks to train leaders by giving opportunities for service in the work of the Party.

The message, demeanor, and private life of all party leaders and candidates for elected office must reflect the principles the Party stands for. As a party of principle, we will be more highly scrutinized than any other party. If we are to restore trust and hope to a cynical public, we cannot afford failure in this area.