What can Pastors and Ministry leaders (you) do? Public Policy

→Pulpit→Pews→People→Polls=Power in 2012! © As the messengers, the Herald’s, the forerunners you know the message cannot be changed. V.E.S.S.E.L.S. incorporates the “us” who are light, who are willing to “give up something to gain something else”, and who in addition to prayer will do the following:

· 1 of 5 = PUBLIC POLICY – This is a “Teachable Moment”! SPEAK UP and do voter education Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc no matter what, we must, as Disciples of Christ, communicate on the issues that impact all whether single or married, middle class or “potential” class, weak or strong by allowing 5 minutes weekly on topics during Bible study, leadership meetings, Sunday announcement readings to educate, raise awareness and empower.

· 2 of 5 = PULPIT– This is a “Prophetic Moment”! SPEAK UP about voter suppression Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc whether you know it in your state or not it impacts our ability to fully exercise our right to participate in the political process as a people. Educating all persons of voting age NOW about potential obstacles to voting will motivate proactive action today to avoid challenges, frustration, or disenfranchisement on Election Day. We know “what man meant for evil, God means for good.”

· 3 of 5 = PEW – This is a “Discerning Moment”! SPEAK UP for voter registration Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc to take place every week between now and the week before the last day to register to make sure every person who can register is registered in your congregation/worship center. The Brennan Center for Justice (www.brennancenter.org) reports new voting laws (photo ID, proof of citizenship, reducing early and absentee days, restoring voting rights) “could make it significantly harder for five million eligible voters to cast ballots in 2012.” Share as never before “no weapon formed against us will prosper!”

· 4 of 5 = PEOPLE – This is a “No Excuse Moment”! SPEAK UP on voter verification and protection Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc and ask the question “Are You Ready?” Access the congregation and charge them to consistently question others through the use of worship website, Facebook page, twitter, blog, text, monthly newsletters, Saturday-Sunday program/bulletin/remarks/preached word so that the power of love and light and the Good News prevail.

· 5 of 5 = POWER – This is a “Courageous Moment”! SPEAK UP and demand voter participation Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc from all who are eligible to vote. V.E.S.S.E.L.S. know about sacrifice and the need to sacrifice “other-oriented” time in this election season is imperative. Let us engage and promote for every election “all options” participation - early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day voting. Let us truly “Trust in the Lord, and do good.”