Jordan Chamblee
AFA Journal staff writer
September 2016 – Imagine a group of students from across the nation who are not only interested in American government, but also concerned about the godlessness permeating the culture and want to learn how to stand against it for the glory of God. That is TeenPact.
To be honest, I’m not particularly interested in politics. So as I headed to the TeenPact National Convention at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, I expected stereotypical, conservative political junkies in stiff suits and ties with no sense of humor.
I was not prepared for what TeenPact had in store.
Praying for souls
In the first of two sessions, one morning and one afternoon, we were treated to a brilliantly humorous skit, apparently part of a political satire series written, directed, and performed by students.
After the comedy, a group of students led hymns and praise songs in worship. A few gave testimonies, and some senior members of TeenPact were recognized. After each session, students and parents headed to various breakout sessions.
Bill Jack of Worldview Academy delivered a stirring talk, not on politics as I expected, but on praying for the souls of the lost. This was one of the most encouraging things I experienced at the convention.
Preparing to serve
Here I was, surrounded by future leaders of the country in which my children (yet to be born) will grow up. And these students were sitting under the tutelage of mature Christians and cultivating hearts more inclined to have compassion on people than to have power over them. That’s the kind of politician I could vote for.
What I came away with was a sense of optimism and an encouraging outlook on America’s political future. Already, many TeenPact alumni have moved on to leadership roles in government. Josh Cockroft and Elise Hall (See below.) are elected state representatives in Oklahoma, as is Representative Sarah Laszloffy in Montana. Nels Peterson is Solicitor General for Georgia.
At the root of all TeenPact curriculum materials lies an emphasis on a Christian worldview.
As political warfare rages around us every day, and we are faced with disappointment after disappointment from Capitol Hill, there is indeed a remnant of Christ-honoring young men and women being raised up to ascend the capitol steps and stand, not just for a party, but primarily for the name and honor of God. These young leaders of TeenPact promise a brighter future for our nation and bode ill for the liberalism that pervades America today. 
Founded in 1994 by Tim Echols, TeenPact offers a variety of events for students and parents. Among the most popular are their state classes with mock legislatures.
It may not be too late to attend their “Back to D.C.” tour and classes September 7-12. Learn more at teenpact.com or call 888-343-1776.
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TeenPact alumna Elise Hall was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2011. Because she grew up working in a family business, free enterprise is a major issue for her.
“I think one of the main things is … to make sure [government is] not growing faster than the private sector,” Hall says. “The government’s role is not to create jobs, but rather that is the private sector’s role.”
