I think some of you are missing the point I'm trying to make. No one is saying he should cover up anything. Only that he should be proactive in making it clear he doesn't intend to minister fom the Oval Office. And you know what I'm talking about - pushing Christianity on the masses from the bully pulpit.

Any minister who wants to run for president needs to accept that to be taken seriously, he must distinguish himself as someone who will not threaten the First Amendment (not "separation" but "Congress shall make no law . . .").

Ideally, here is what I'd like to hear him say:

"As pastor and founder of Crossroad Baptist Church, I have served as a spiritual leader to thousands of people. To do so requires a level of integrity that surpasses the standards we ascribe to our politicians. I will bring that level of integrity to the highest office in the land with an uncompromisable commitment to upholding the Constitution of the United States. Just as God gave all men free will to choose their own way in life, I will respect the rights of every citizen to lead a free and prosperous life, unbound by the shackles of an increasingly oppressive government."

Maybe "distance himself" from his pastorship isn't the correct term, but he needs to make it clear he has no plans to project a Christian lifestyle on unbelievers. Let those of us in the trenches handle that through witness and evangelism!

CB is not about pandering to another group of people. I believe he will stand for his principles, including his ministry, despite the lack of popular appeal.

Hell no he should not. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us that following the principles of God and bringing political change to the United States is fully compatible. During the Second Awakening the pastors challenged the insitutions of slavery. In many of Chuck Baldwin columns he criticizes pastors for not challenging the current government. If we lose voters because he is a pastor let it be. This is what I like about Chuck Baldwin is that he would rather lose the election then lose his soul. That is the problem with many politicians they would rather win elections by bribeing corporations, special interest, and using pork.

He should do the speech, and use it as a media event. Should make it someplace interesting; like Mitt and JFK did.

It could be a great media event; if he had a media team.

later
much later
its far too early, some people dont even know about his ministry, most people dont know about him at all
lets keep the news positive for a few months
mabye two, then we take care of all that

No, Pastor Baldwin should not distance himself from his ministry anymore than he already has.

As Raymond said, "Chuck Baldwin is who he is."

Chuck should definitely NOT distance himself from his ministry. He should not be ashamed of His calling.

As a former Huckabee supporter, I appreciated how Huck handled the questions. One one occasion, he said "my faith doesn't just inform my decisions, it defines who I am.

One of the reasons I supported Huck, and one of the reasons I support Chuck, is BECAUSE they are preachers. A couple years ago, I recall asking God why couldn't we have a preacher in the White House? I also think it is perfectly acceptable if he uses the presidency as a "bully pulpit" to share the Gospel. I would expect it, as long as he does not try to force it on people, which I don't see him doing.

Peter

Pastor Baldwin would make a great President I'm sure. My "ex" husband went to bible college with Chuck. He is a man of great Christian integrity. That's why he'll never get elected. We do not elect our President; the Rothchilds, Bilderburg's and the Rockafellas do.

I voted "no" about him distancing himself from his ministry. THAT is what God called him to do...Pastor.

This post was last modified: Sat Jun 07, 2008 03:13 PM by usairforcemom.

Ohhh...Well, then yes, he should make it clear that he will not try to force Christianity upon anyone. Of course, he will also need to make it clear that his faith is an inseperable part of who he is. But perhaps, as was said, wait till someone else (in the media) brings it up before addressing it.

And regarding the "He'll never get elected" syndrome: humanly speaking that seems like a realistic conclusion, but we must remember that with God all things are possible. Pray.

-B Stephens

I believe the Divine calling is at the center of his candidacy. If the One who has called CB into the ministry has also called him to be His candidate for President, then He should tell CB what to do. CB and the people around him should pray and search out the Lord's answer.

As a Christian brother, I am always a Christian. That does not change. Yet, we are always trying to stay away from being the Pharisee and praying in the streets for everyone to see; and we also try to stay away from being ashamed of Christ because we know that Christ, in turn, will be ashamed of us.