The Church Ambassador Network tried a new strategy for connecting pastors and government leaders through county days—an effort to make visits more collaborative between legislative and executive branches following the vision of the Breaking Bondage Initiative.
This year, CAN hosted 10 county days and will host two more before the session finishes. On county days, pastors come to the Capitol with other pastors from their county and connect with leaders in both the legislative and executive branches. These days have proven very fruitful in growing collaboration between government and churches, county by county, across the state.
On Black Hawk County Day, pastors were able to connect with their legislative delegation, the State Public Defender, and the Governor’s senior team with an emphasis on criminal justice. Black Hawk County has the highest court case load in Iowa, despite being only the fifth-most populated county.
Washington County Day had an emphasis on addictions and homelessness (issues continuing to grow in the county) and included connections with Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Iowa HHS, and their legislative delegation.
Johnson County Day included a focus on community development and a meeting with Lt. Governor Cournoyer!
Pastors left encouraged with the fruitfulness of these days and the incredible favor God has given His Church at the Iowa Capitol. We look forward to continuing to build these days out throughout the year and for years to come.
