Notes from the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall Conference

By Charles Scott
This past week our family has been privileged to attend the Family Research Council conference in Washington D.C. While here we were also blessed to minister to our Eastern Division Hispanic churches under the leadership of Bishop Leo Tirado. Bishop Tirado also gave us the honor to minister to the local church he pastors in Hyattsville, Maryland. The spiritual health of PCG Hispanic churches in the East is strong and there is a great harvest field within the Hispanic community. Please join with our family and pray that the Lord will send workers into this area of ministry.

We took a day off to celebrate the 19th birthday of our daughter, Michelle and enjoyed the many tourist sites and opportunities in the area. Of course we also had to make time to take in a base-ball game and mark another park off the old bucket list!

The conference itself was a real time of hearing from the Holy Spirit. Being in DC increases the already heavy burden on my heart for our nation. We are in a battle for the very existence of our nation! The Church as a whole is absent from engaging in the war being fought in the culture for the soul of this nation.

A synopsis is provided below of the highlights of this conference and relevant speaking points to the PCG. The greatest explanation that can be given to the overall experience is found in this question, “What is it going to take to wake up Christians and mobilize the Church to be the salt and light for this generation?” Jesus said in Matthew 5:13 and 14 that we are the salt and the light. He also said that salt can become good for nothing and light can be hidden. It is time for the PCG to shake up, speak out and shine forth. We must choose to act now while we have the opportunity. It could be our last.

Family Research Council
Watchmen on the Wall
The following is a summary of the recent “Watchmen on the Wall” conference held in Washington DC May 20 – 22.

May 20:

Capital Tour – Janice and I experienced a wonderful evening at the Nation’s Capital with a tour that emphasized the Christian heritage of our founding fathers. It is breath-taking to stand in the Capital and reflect on the history and legacy of our nation. Our guide told of how that during Thomas Jefferson’ tenure as President, every Sunday there were three worship services occurring simultaneously in the Capital. Our founding fathers did not advocate the separation of Church and State as the media reports today; the founding fathers advocated that the government did not have the authority to control or restrict religious freedom in any manner whatsoever. This is a major difference from the interpretation of the Supreme Court and the modern education system teachings.

Family Research Council – We were treated to a tour of FRC’s headquarters which is located just a few blocks from the Capital.

May 21:

Prayer and Worship – The morning began early with prayer followed by the melodic voice of Charles Billingsley leading the conference in worship. Billingsley is the worship leader at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Senator Jim Dement – The first speaker for the day was Dement, the Republican Senator from South Carolina. His remarks were brief and pointed toward the need for Christian involvement in government. He took a stand for his Christian values and cited how prayer guides his life.

Panel Discussion – A panel discussion followed which addressed the ethics in our society regarding family values and religion.

Dr. Ergun Caner – A seminary professor at Liberty Theological Seminary, Caner was a highlight of the conference. His remarks centered on how radical Islam uses threats to silence the Body of Christ. A converted Muslim, Caner displayed a passion for Jesus Christ and boldly challenged the pastors and leaders to refuse to cower to the intimidating threats of Islam. Caner also boldly compared the devotion of Muslims to the passive Christianity he sees in the United States.

Wellington Boone – Boone is a pastor from Norcross, Georgia. His presentation centered on the dire need for pastors to address the culture in their sermons. Boone spoke on the difference between instructors and fathers. He also said, “Until your money is spent for the cause of Christ, it has no redemptive value.”

Congressman Roy Blunt – Janice, Michelle and I had the privilege to meet Representative Roy Blunt from Missouri. Congressman Blunt is a devoted Christian leader and former president of Southwest Baptist University. He showed real interest in the PCG and treated us royally. He spoke to us on the urgency to activate Christians on the frontlines of the cultural issues in America. He said, “Make no mistake that our nation is at war and the war is a cultural war.”

Prayer Walk – The remainder of the afternoon was spent in a prayer walk as attendees were strategically placed around the city to pray for our nation, our leaders and an awakening in America.

Bishop Harry Jackson – Our spirits were enriched by the ministry of Bishop Jackson as he ministered on the thought, “The Church: United and Unstoppable.” His thought centered on the loss of the prophetic voice of the Church in this culture.

May 22:

Dr. Ken Ham – Perhaps the highlight of the conference was Dr. Ham as he pointed out that the Church has mistakenly focused its’ efforts on the symptoms of the cultural issues instead of the root cause. Ham explained that such things as same sex marriage, abortion, stem cell research and right-to-life issues are important; they are only symptoms of the problem and not the problem itself. Ham reminded us that the problem is the heart of man is wicked and must be regenerated and that is the role of the Church.

Robert Stearns – Robert has become a dear friend to our family and he touched the hearts of all present as he ministered on prayer. He related three stories from his life that exemplified how the Church is called by Jesus a “House of prayer.” The challenge was strongly declared that Church is not entertainment, not preaching, not worship: it is a House of Prayer.

Miles McPherson – McPherson is a former NFL player who pastors in the San Diego area. He testified of how his congregation has been active in the recent debate in California over same-sex marriage. His thesis was on the consideration of how the pastor impacts public policy through preaching. He mentioned Ezekiel spent a large number of days with the people before he began his ministry as did Nehemiah. He explained that much preaching is not relevant because the pastor has not spent enough time among the people to fully understand their needs and challenges.

Larry Stockstill – Stockstill taught on team building and processes surrounding teamwork. He stressed how strong churches must have leaders who can commit them-selves to building strong teams. His points were:

• Leaders must multiply themselves.
• Leaders should only select people who are pursuing them.
• Let them bring someone to the team with them.
• Leaders minister to their team.
• Look for deep inner character not necessarily a success track record.
• Leaders rely on the Holy Spirit for their team; a team is a miracle.

Anne Graham Lotz – The daughter of Billy Graham, Lotz spoke on “A Wake-up Call for Your Heart.” She asked, “How much longer is the American Church going to ignore the alarms?” She also emphasized that the results are not up to us but it is our duty to faithfully proclaim the truth regardless of popularity. She used the prophets as examples of those who were faithful to the truth even when Israel (or Judah) did not repent. She declared that America may not repent but the Church must speak the truth.

Henry Blackaby – I personally missed Blackaby due to an urgent matter but Janice’s notes showed that he closed the conference on issuing a commission that those present, “Be the shepherd and the spokesman of God to the people.” The message we share must focus on four points: The power of the Cross, The power of the Resurrection, The power of Pentecost and The power of Prayer.

We are very grateful for the privilege to represent you at this very important meeting.