Tennessee pastors from as far away as Dresden in the west and Elizabethton in the northeast gathered in the chamber of the Tennessee House of Representatives on April 1, 2008, to pray for their elected officials and to learn about public policy affecting the church.

Pastors’ Day on the Hill began with singing including All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and How Great Thou Art. How moving it was to hear hymns sung in a place were the power and wisdom of man is often exalted.

The pastors were greeted by and in turn prayed for Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh. Then each one prayed for the legislator at whose desk they sat. It was a powerful and moving time of worship and ministry.

If the day had ended here and nothing more were accomplished, it would have been a success. But, there was more ...

Engaging the Culture

Tom Minnery, Focus on the Family's senior vice president of government and public policy, spoke about why Christians cannot be silent in the public square. Jordan Lorence, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, addressed looming threats to the church. All of this was topped off with an eye-opening presentation by David Barton, founder and president of WallBuilders, about our nation’s Christian heritage that so many of us were never taught in our government-run schools.

Attendance and Interest on the Rise

This was the second year the Family Action Council of Tennessee sponsored this event. This year’s participation by pastors increased over last year by nearly 50% as was evidenced by almost all of the seats in the House Chamber being filled. For the second year in a row, the press was watching with interest. For a glimpse of the event, click on each photo below to open a larger version in a new window.