Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
April 2008 – Running for public office need not be a painful marathon says Vicky Hartzler, former Missouri state representative. But it is a race that demands commitment and perseverance.
Before her first campaign in 1994, a number of good excuses not to run for public office went through Hartzler’s mind: That takes a lot of money. We can’t afford to run for office. Politics is an ugly game. I don’t want to enter that fray.
At the same time, she remembered being a child of 9 when she began asking God what she should do to serve people when she grew up. Even at that young age, the idea of being a state representative came to her mind.
So she was not totally surprised when a local political activist approached her about running for state representative. Ironically, the local committee first sought her husband, but he deferred and recommended her.
Still, it was not an easy decision. As a high school teacher of family and consumer sciences for 11 years, she was confident she was making a difference in her students’ lives. Should she leave that meaningful career to enter the political arena?
The Harrisonville, Missouri, teacher soon decided yes – she should run for the position of state representative for the 124th District. She was overwhelmingly elected in 1994 and served three terms before opting out of politics to stay at home with the Hartzlers’ newly-adopted daughter, Tiffany.
Time for Christians to do more
“We live in challenging times,” Hartzler told the AFA Journal. “The moral foundations of our country are crumbling around us. School boards are promoting homosexual education. City councils are approving the sale of pornography in our communities. State legislators are sanctioning gay marriage and federal officials are championing the destruction of human embryos for research.”
She believes Christians must become more active in politics if they are to have the impact God calls them to have. To help the cause, Hartzler has produced an invaluable resource for Christians who are running or considering running for public office.
Running God’s Way is Hartzler’s practical handbook covering every aspect of running for office from putting together a campaign plan, recruiting volunteers, and articulating your message to writing press releases, fundraising and yard signs. No detail is overlooked. And it’s all based on principles from Scripture.
“I saw the basic steps for campaigning as outlined in God’s Word and wanted to share them,” she said. “I had heard from several Christians who wanted to run for office but didn’t know where to start.”
Hartzler said she is not aware of any similar book on the market. “God is calling His children to be salt and light,” she said. “This book will, hopefully, provide them the tools and inspiration they need to bring God’s light to a darkening world.” 
BOOK REVIEW: Running God’s Way by Vicky Hartzler
Former Missouri State Representative Vicky Hartzler has put together an amazing resource in her new book Running God’s Way: Step By Step to a Successful Political Campaign (Pleasant Word, 2008).
“This book is a must-read for any Christian thinking about running for public office,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon. “Hartzler offers practical guidelines that are quick to read and simple to follow.” The book has also earned the hearty endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent and Congressman Todd Akin, both Missouri Republicans.
Her tips are based on her own experience and the wisdom of peers in the political arena. She includes photos of campaign posters, yard signs, forms for organizing a campaign and countless other elements, thoroughly covering the process from start to finish.
For example, she addresses the question of responding to attacks from other candidates: “First of all, pray. Rest in God’s peace knowing He is in total control and will protect and defend you. Resist the temptation to respond in anger, but instead speak the truth in love. Express disappointment in your opponent that he/she ‘chose to wage a negative, personal attack’ and then professionally correct any untruths with the facts. End the response with a positive statement about your candidacy and your vision for public service.”
Hartzler said she wanted “to create a resource that would not only help individuals get elected, but help change a nation.”
Running God’s Way is available at www.runninggodsway.com.
Review by Randall Murphree
