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The church and the state are often seen as opponents, but what if they were partners? Now, before someone screams “separation of church and state,” please note that I am a strong proponent of the institutional separation of church and state..
But, when it comes to some of our most complex problems such as the drug crisis, the foster care crisis and the general breakdown of the family, there are numerous opportunities for church and state to work together for the common good.
Meet Indiana Senator Andy Zay (District 17), who is helping spearhead such partnerships in the Hoosier state and who recently shared his vision with me.
Key takeaways from the conversation:
- His calling to public life–his concern for his neighbors and his community led him to run for office.
- What led him to author the CarePortal legislation.
- A new vision for church/state partnerships.
- What if the church could solve 50% to 60% of the problems/needs that require public welfare programs?
- His work on the opioid epidemic and how churches can help.
- Encouragement to the church to recapture its historic role in American society.
We have been battling this for years. Our residential addiction program has a high success rate and is free to our men for 12 months. We also meet weekly with their families and children to help see reconciliation take place. We have had many state legislators at our residence with their mouths dropping open as God transforms these men in the program.
Don’t know where to turn to get some traction at this point. When we pursue these partnerships…you are right….it is always a separation of church and state. We have been doing this for 35 years. Men are transformed, job training and job placement are part of the recovery. In two years we have had 117 men going through job training. This year alone nearly 80 men will have experienced freedom.
Phil, thanks for commenting and thanks for all you are doing for the cause of Christ! Would love to connect with you after the first of the year. I will send an email separately.