Pastor's Blog

Introduction I have seen a good deal of pushback on social media concerning the lawsuit filed by two Kansas churches late last week against Governor Kelly’s executive order limiting public and private gatherings to no more than ten people.  The pushback has come from some dear Christian friends, good and godly people whom I love and respect in the Lord.  They have raised several points I would like to address.  But first some background. Background In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly issued executive order 20-18 on April 7, prohibiting “all public or private mass gatherings.”  The order defines a “mass gathering” as “more than ten people.”  With the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom, two Kansas churches filed suit against the governor in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas to challenge the order as it applies to churches.  The plaintiffs are First Baptist Church in Dodge City (pastored by Steph...

What do you think of the idea of separation of church and state? It all depends on what you mean by it. If you mean, “Do I believe in institutional separation, i.e., that the government of the church should be kept separate from the government of the state ”, then yes I’m all for it. The church should not be a department of the state nor the state a ministry of the church. Each has its own officers and its own sphere of responsibility. But if you mean, “Do I believe in the separation of God from government,” which is what so many people mean who cry “Separation of church and state!” then no, I don’t believe it for moment. The state, no less than the church, has a responsibility to acknowledge God and to be subject to him. Now therefore, O kings, be wise;             be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the L ord with fear,             and rejoice with tre...