Leman to speak in Valley church Sunday

October 21, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - Lt. Gov. Loren Leman will take the pulpit Sunday morning at Lazy Mountain Bible Church, near Palmer, where he will deliver a message to the faithful entitled, &#8220The Christian's important role in government.”

Pastor David Dahms invited Leman to speak to his church, but let the lieutenant governor decide the topic. Dahms said he hopes the message will encourage and inspire Christians to get more involved in the government process.

&#8220Some Christians think that they don't need to touch anything in the world and they remain isolated from government,” Dahms said Thursday. &#8220As people of faith, though, we can involve ourselves in government and lead in a kind, compassionate way. I think if we had more Christians like Loren Leman, then people wouldn't say they don't want Christians in leadership.”

Leman said his message will be a variation of one he has given before - and one he feels strongly about as a Christian and an elected leader. It will be modified a bit, he said, to reflect current events and the Valley audience.

&#8220It's important for people of faith to engage in our communities, as voters and volunteers, to help set policy,” Leman said. &#8220A lot of times, people don't know how to be involved.”

He explained that God made institutions, such as the church, to maintain order. Government, too, is an institution designed to maintain order. It is natural, then, for Christians to participate in both.

&#8220It's a biblical mandate. God says engage in our culture,” Leman said. &#8220It's something he wants us to do. He places us on Earth for a reason, and part of that reason is to engage in culture.”

Dahms said he spoke to Leman last year during a forum on faith-based initiatives.

&#8220I asked him to come speak. I told him I'd like to hear his message.”

Leman will speak twice Sunday, during the regular sermon time slots at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dahms said he expects the messages to last about a half hour each.

&#8220We've never had this before,” Dahms said, adding that he doesn't want the event to be a plug for either the Democratic or Republican parties.

&#8220It doesn't matter to me if he's a Democrat or a Republican. It's just good for our church to be exposed to people of faith who are in government.”

Lazy Mountain Bible Church is located just off the Old Glenn Highway, two-tenths of a mile down Clark Wolverine Road.

For more information, people may contact the church, 745-2611.

Frontiersman managing editor Mark Kelsey contributed to this story.