Announcing CCPL’s New Director of Christian Civic Formation
Dear Friends,
When the Center for Christianity and Public Life launched just over two years ago, we advanced a diagnosis of our current societal and political dysfunction that went beyond any one political figure or election: we argued that the state of politics is a reflection of the state of our souls. If we want a different kind of politics, we have to become a different kind of people.
Next week’s elections are important, and they will have significant consequences for our communities, our nation, and the world. Elections are one way–not the most important or precise way, but one way–of gauging where we are as a nation, and who we are as a people. Yet, as we recently shared with you in our new ad, election results are not the aim or purpose of formation. We are going to need leadership at least as much after Election Day as we need it now.
What kind of people are we? What kind of person might you need to become to make a positive contribution to our politics, and to our public life?
At the Center for Christianity and Public Life, we are doubling down on formation and reaffirming our conviction that spiritual formation is central to civic renewal.
I am excited and honored to welcome Pastor Chris Butler as our first-ever Director of Christian Civic Formation. In this role, Chris will bring his experience, knowledge, and wisdom to bear as he leads our Christian Civic Formation work. In close partnership with myself and CCPL’s Chief of Staff, Phebe Meyer, Chris will oversee our Christian Civic Formation programming, including our Public Life Fellowship, Public Good Generation, and our Community of Young Christians in Politics. Our Christian Civic Formation work will continue to deepen and expand with Chris’ leadership.
I have known Chris for nearly a decade, and I am excited to partner with him in this new season. Chris is already a respected and trusted leader, and I expect that in the coming years, Chris will become an even more prominent voice on spiritual formation and civic life. You can learn more about Chris on our website.
A Statement from CCPL's New Director of Christian Civic Formation, Chris Butler
"It is a profound privilege to join CCPL as Director of Christian Civic Formation. I firmly believe that healthy civic engagement flows from a well-formed heart and mind. I am excited to help create spaces and resources that will equip followers of Jesus of all ages and backgrounds to be the kind of people our politics truly need—people who lead with integrity, humility, and a commitment to the common good.”
Our work continues to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. If you believe formation matters, if you believe our mission is worthwhile and necessary, I encourage you to get involved.
Here are a few quick ways to do that:
Explore our 2024 election resources.
Become a financial stakeholder in this work.
We need your support and participation to advance this vision we share for a healthier politics and public life that benefit from positive Christian contributions.
Do not fear bad news (Psalm 112), but remain joyful in hope (Romans 12), my friends.
Michael Wear is the President & CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.