Project 1816
In every community there are numerous public servants—elected officials, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, school leaders, military families, and public employees—who carry responsibilities and pressures that many people never see. The vision for Project 1816 is to help churches recognize, understand, and engage the public servants God has placed within their local communities.
The heart of Project 1816 is simple: God has given His people a gift, and that gift is not merely a talent, personality, position, or opportunity. It is the life, truth, compassion, and presence of Christ working through His people. This gift is expressed through prayer, pastoral care, personal relationships, biblical encouragement, and faithful service to those who carry positions of responsibility, leadership, pressure, and public trust. Through this ministry, the local church can come alongside public servants with spiritual support and biblical care as they carry the burdens associated with serving their communities.
One of the major developments currently underway is the creation of a training manual for ministry to public servants. This resource is being designed to help pastors and church leaders understand how to approach elected officials and other public servants with humility, wisdom, prayer, and biblical purpose. The goal is not political influence, recognition, or access, but spiritual service. It is a ministry of presence that seeks to build genuine relationships, provide meaningful care, and faithfully point public servants to God's truth as they carry the responsibilities entrusted to them.
In addition, we are developing a lesson series that examines what God says about ministering to public servants and the value of helping churches intentionally reach those who serve their communities. This series will explore biblical principles demonstrating why presence matters, why relationships are important, why prayer and pastoral care are needed, and why the church should not overlook those serving in visible, demanding, and often difficult positions within the community.
The ultimate goal of Project 1816 is not to replace, compete with, or create something separate from the local church, but to strengthen and equip the church to fulfill its ministry within the community God has placed around it. Ministry to public servants provides one practical way for churches to move beyond the walls of their buildings and faithfully serve people whom God has already placed within their reach.
As we continue developing these resources, please pray with us that God would raise up pastors, churches, and faithful believers who recognize the opportunity and responsibility to minister to public servants with prayer, compassion, the love of Christ, and the truth of God's Word.
