We are privileged to share with you today a post by guest author, Dr. Kelly Randolph.  Dr. Randolph is the pastor of Country Acres Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, where he has served since 1994. He is a native of Norman, Oklahoma. Dr. Randolph is a graduate of The Criswell College (B.A.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Bethel Theological Seminary (DMin). Kelly was married to Jamie (Sullaway) in 1983. They have four children.  Prior to coming to Wichita, Kelly served as a pastor in Texas and North Dakota. He is also the owner of the blog, Ecclesiophilist: Thoughts on the church and church life from one who loves the church.

Whether it is Fred Phelps picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers with his “God Hates Fags” signs or Rev. Jeremiah Wright making outrageous statements about the US government inventing the HIV virus as a genocidal attack on people of color, one thing is certain, the union of the church and politics is always a perilous thing. There is a debate raging currently among evangelicals over what planks belong in the political platform of the movement. A new group is emerging which calls for the inclusion of environmental issues, poverty, AIDS, and fair wages. The old guard continues to focus on the issues of abortion, gay marriage, and family. With no consensus evangelical candidate in this election cycle, there is a scramble between Republicans and Democrats for the evangelical voting block. Controversial endorsements are creating troubles for candidates in both parties. Whether it is John McCain having to distance himself from the likes of John Hagee or Barack Obama having to deflect the statements of Jeremiah Wright, the union of church and politics is creating quite a stir. Read More→