MMO gives you a voice in the public arena
September 6, 2005
Most Missouri Baptists have the mind and heart to make sure the moral climate of our state is rooted in the principles of the Bible. We have the proper Biblical understanding of the sanctity of human life. That’s why we oppose abortion, euthanasia, cloning and a host of other issues.
We believe firmly in the principle of the family. That’s why we are so vocal against divorce, gambling and homosexuality. But most Missouri Baptists don’t have the time to invest in making sure politicians do what pro-family Missouri Baptists sent them to do. But through your gifts to the Missouri Missions Offering (MMO), you enable the Christian Life Commission (CLC) to be the “eyes and ears” of Missouri Baptists.
Communicating what is happening through our legislative process doesn’t come cheaply. It takes money to enable us to communicate effectively on the political spectrum. And while legislative involvement is the most visible and productive ministry of the CLC, it isn’t the only ministry in which we engage. Through your funding, the CLC assists pastors and churches directly on other moral issues such as pornography, homosexuality, hunger, sexually transmitted diseases, religious liberty issues, and alcohol and drug education.
There may be a few Missouri Baptists who wish we weren’t participating in the legislative process. But judging from the calls, letters and emails our senators and representatives receive on key issues, most Missouri Baptists are glad to be informed about what occurs at the capital. They use that information and act upon it. The days of Missouri Baptist apathy and indifference are long gone. Through your gifts to the MMO, the CLC will continue to make sure you know what moral issues are being considered so you can act accordingly, whether through prayer, a phone call or a visit to your legislator’s office.
And certainly groups like Planned Parenthood and the casinos wish Missouri Baptists would go away. Their job of perverting Missouri with their “industry” would be a whole lot easier if we neglected to pay attention to legislative matters. But I have a feeling, through your generous giving to this year’s MMO, we Baptists will be involved in positively influencing state legislation for a long time to come. (Rodney Albert is chairman of the Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission and pastor of Hallsville Baptist Church.)