I LOOK FORWARD TO 2022!!!!
It is easy to see the world as an unmitigated disaster… yet some of us are seeing the world as a glorious opportunity to serve people so they might know about the marvelous yet scandalous grace of God that is available to all. Some are worried about the future of the Kingdom of God. I am not. The work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is unstoppable. Many are turning away from idolatrous forms of cultural and political Christianity. People are tired of fabricated religion and many in this post-Christian culture are being drawn to the amazing person of Jesus and His movement that is not based on politics, fear, and rage.
I am finding open doors locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. These are redemptive windows. I am believing that our best days are ahead. My dream is for walls to break down between Political, Business and Faith Leaders. Where trust filled relationships develop … anything is possible. I tell leaders all the time that things can happen in Jesus that can never happen through pure politics.
Yes, 2021 was hard. Trouble is around every corner. However, wherever there is Jesus, there is hope. May we each love, live and lead well in the coming year. I look forward to 2022!! Happy New Year.
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Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures, which reaches out to political, business and spiritual leaders in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge region and beyond. Michael is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing and speaking. His non-profit helps leaders think through the “Big Questions” of life and thrive as a whole person: spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally. Michael wants leaders to not only win at politics or career, but at life. He often serves as a “non-political” friend to people in the halls of leadership.
Michael spends lots of time at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana working with Legislators, lobbyists, administration and Capitol staff in a non-political, non-partisan pastoral/chaplain role. The focus is not to lobby for legislation (as important as that is) but to help leaders with their faith and life. Days are filled with Bible studies, prayer, listening, caring appointments and many surprises. Michael loves to help people know the Jesus of the Scriptures.
Michael has spoken at political and community events, has preached at both megachurches and small churches, and has lead retreats and workshops on topics including: influence, leadership, global mission, faith and politics, faith and vocation, courage, hope, and dealing with disaster. He has been featured on such programs as Fox and Friends and Fox Business Risk and Rewards, Moody Radio and Christianity Today.
Michael holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, a Master of Divinity degree from Capital Bible Seminary (Lanham, Maryland) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Church in Covington, Louisiana for 11 years, and formerly served for 15 years at Forcey Bible Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he helped launch the Touch Global Crisis Response Ministry for the Evangelical Free Churches of America, and wrote two books – DISASTER: Betting the Farm on God in Life’s Storms and Stories from Katrinaland.
Michael does life with his wonderful wife and partner Donna. They have one son, Jonathan who is married to Patricia, and have a beloved grandchild. Donna and Michael reside in Mandeville, LA. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, reading and traveling. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.”
Article Published With Permission
Photo Published With Permission – Paul Scewczyk – Unsplash
I pray for this on a Daily Basis” My dream is for walls to break down between Political, Business and Faith Leaders. I ask God to provide all Belivers with Moral and religious values and for them to make Godly decisions and not worldly decisions. A majority of our leaders are afraid of making a statement that would cause them to lose thier jobs and income or friendships. We need to pray for this on a daily basis to make Leaders that are belivers accountable for thier actions. I also ask this of non-belivers as they may accept God in near future.
Thanks for your prayers, Patrick! I agree that as the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, it should be a priority in our prayer lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Imagine the power behind prayer if every believer spent time praying for those who lead us!