Take the Black Robe Regiment
Pledge!
I believe that the overall condition of the nation is a direct
reflection of the overall condition of God's people, and I accept
that the pulpit is most responsible for the overall moral strength
or decadence of the country.
I believe that God's inspired Word equips us for every
issue that arises in life, including not only spiritual but also
temporal ones (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3).
I believe that it is the duty of God's ministers to speak the
truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) on every issue, whether
spiritual or temporal, and I will not let the fear of man (Psalms
118:6, Proverbs 29:25), the fear of government (Acts 4:18-31,
Matthew 10:28), or the fear of possibly offending someone (Matthew
15:12-13) keep me from boldly proclaiming God's position on every
issue of the day (Jeremiah 1:10, 6:27).
Therefore:
- I will uphold the Great Commission's mandate to teach
everything He has said (Matthew 28:18-20), including not
only those things related to our eternal relationship with God but
also all other things, whether cultural, educational, economic,
moral, or political.
- In boldly addressing all these issues (Hebrews 10:38, Proverbs
28:1), I will not be intimidated by the criticism, anger, or
ridicule of opponents (Jeremiah 1:17-19, 1 Peter 5:8), and I will
even take contemporary items from the news so as to teach God's
people His perspective on those issues.
- I will bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1
Corinthians 4:15) and speak out loudly whenever I see something
that endangers God's people, whether the danger is spiritual or
temporal, long term or short term (Ezekiel 33:7, Isaiah
56:10).
I commit myself to being a clear voice for God on all
issues and will shepherd His flock on those issues, striving to
follow the footsteps of my distinguished predecessors (the fearless
Black Robed Regiment - so named by the British for the black
clerical robes that ministers traditionally wore), whom
distinguished Bishop and church historian Charles Galloway
described in these words:
"Mighty men they were, of iron nerve and strong hand
and unblanched cheek and heart of flame. God needed not reeds
shaken by the wind, nor men clothed in soft raiment [Matthew
11:7-8], but heroes of hardihood and lofty courage. . . . And such
were the sons of the mighty who responded to the Divine
call."
In short, I pledge myself to be a faithful and courageous member
of the new Black Robe Regiment. I will fearlessly proclaim God's
perspective on all issues, whether spiritual or temporal, and
extend the knowledge and application of His principles not only
throughout my church but also across my community.
