Who’s Obama Missing?
A recent article written by Daniel Burke, of RNS, profiles the seven members of President Obama’s “Spiritual Cabinet.” President Obama reportedly uses this informal team to bounce ideas off of and regularly calls on them to personally pray for him. They are…
– Joshua DuBois, a Pentecostal Pastor, head of Obama’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, who sends daily devotionals to Obama’s Blackberry.
– Denis McDonough, a Catholic who serves as Deputy National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff of the National Security Council. Burke says he’s “a crucial player in Obama’s quest to engage Muslims, find common cause with the Vatican, and restore the country’s moral authority.”
–Rashad Hussain, a White House lawyer and a hafiz (someone who has memorized the Quran), who Obama has named as his envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
– Melissa Rogers, Chairman of the Director of the Center for Religious and Public Affairs at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, she chaired the Faith-Based office’s advisory board, which this week released 60 recommendations for revamping the office.
–Rev. Joel Hunter, an Orlando, Fl., megachurch pastor, who Burke says, is “pushing to broaden the evangelical agenda to include issues like poverty, immigration and the environment.”
–The Rev. Sharon Watkins, President and General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who gave the homily at the post-inauguration National Prayer Service last year.
–Navy Lt. Carey Cash (whose great uncle was Johnny Cash) an Iraq War Veteran and Southern Baptist Pastor who has led the worship at Cap. David’s Evergreen Chapel.
My question for you is this: If you could add one member to Obama’s “Spiritual Cabinet” whose spiritual influence would you want him to seek and why?
Craig Groeschel…Never met him, probably won’t ever get to. But I think that he would put things in a way that would be easy for them to understand. I also believe that he would work well with this group because of its diversity.
Just my 2 cents Pete.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Are You Cancer Or An Antibiotic? =-.
Yes. He’s awesome.
.-= katdish´s last blog ..Reading Backwards =-.
Billy Graham…I think that says more than enough
).
.-= Shelley´s last blog ..I’m A Failure =-.
Tim Keller
Dr. Keller would be an excellent choice.
.-= katdish´s last blog ..Reading Backwards =-.
John Piper or Mark Driscoll
.-= Lynsey´s last blog ..Update on Guinnenthon =-.
Driscoll…I think it would make my father-in-law hate Obama even more
I’d pay big money to sit in on those conversations.
I’d pay you big money to take my place on those conversations!
After Driscoll called out the other cabinet members for being heretics, where would the meetings go from there?
.-= jermtech´s last blog ..A Post I Wish I Had Written =-.
Mary Ann Brown or Bishop Tony Miller and, if he was still alive, Pastor Kelley Varner
.-= Jen´s last blog ..When New England Prays =-.
It’s sad that we’ve replaced the role of the Holy Spirit with human advisors. The Holy Spirit was sent to us to be a helper and advisor, all too often we turn to other people. During Jesus earthly ministry, He sought only the counsel and help of the Holy Spirit. He had Christian friends (disciples) but why seek advice and counsel from a fallen, sinful man that could harbor his own hidden intentions and agenda. Im not saying don’t seek a fellow Christian’s advice, Im saying that since our President is obviously unrepentant and without a relationship with Jesus Christ, his only help for an advisor is the Holy Spirit.
Prov 12:15 “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Prov 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise.”
I agree with Joseph.
And Prov. 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Billy Graham- I think he could use some wisdom of the older generation and quite honestly- He’s Billy Gramham- who wouldn’t want his advice, prayers, and help. At the end of the day those, these people are all humans and are flawed. What he really needs is to spend time alone, by himself in prayer and seek the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God- only God can turn the king’s heart.
How about Jesus Christ. Spiritual advisors are necessary but seems like the one he needs to listen to the most is non existent. It really makes me sad, especially for his kids.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Show us your life- Your typical day =-.
This is exactly what I was thinking! He needs to listen to Jesus and not just people. Won’t someone please introduce them?
.-= Cindy Graves´s last blog ..Comfort Isn’t Always #1 =-.
Advisors are one way to help a person see what they are missing. Saying Jesus and Me and that is it, often means you aren’t listening to Jesus either. If you look at a lot of people that are serious about their faith, they regularly meet with people to hold them accountable and to pray for them. Shouldn’t we all hope for the same for an important political leader?
.-= Adam Shields´s last blog ..Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) by Jim Butcher =-.
Oh, I totally agree that we should walk with those who walk with God and have godly people hold us accountable. However, if they are listening to God but I’m not, we’re never going to be on the same page. I don’t care if Billy Graham himself moved into the White House, if the president doesn’t have his own conversations with God then all the spiritual advisors in the world won’t be able to influence his decisions.
.-= Cindy Graves´s last blog ..Comfort Isn’t Always #1 =-.
Amen Erin – Jesus is the “ONE” Obama has to hear from.
John 6:45
It is written in the prophets,
And they shall be all taught of God.
Deuteronomy 4:36
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice,
that he might instruct thee:
Psalms 32:8
I will *instruct thee and *teach thee
in the way which thou shalt go:
I will *guide thee with mine eye.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things…
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…
1 John 2:26
These [things] have I written unto you
concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing
which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you…
how do you all know that he isn’t seeking the advice of Jesus? Or personally speaking with Him on his own time? Did he tell you that he doesn’t know him? We shouldn’t assume.
Nothing ground breaking here, but I’d love to see Hybels or Warren.
Take your pick… Groeschel, Driscoll, Piper, Noble, Young, Burke, shoot, maybe even Mr. Wilson?!
.-= Rob´s last blog ..Sunday Morning Bombs =-.
Shane Claiborne…though I’m not sure he would oblige!
His wife and kids. That’s where I find I get a lot of my spiritual strength.
.-= Rodney´s last blog ..Wednesday 9-2-09 Day Nine =-.
Well….IF I had to choose a human, I’d choose Francis Chan…
.-= DEb´s last blog ..SNOWFLAKE 5K Race/…BRRRRRRRRR =-.
Andy Stanley.. He has the intellect and communicative skills to relate and to accept. Its not for me to judge whether the President has a relationship with God but one of Andy’s strongest assets is to bring people to or to grow people’s relationship with God and without them feeling they are being manipulated or “preached to” so that the growth comes from within as it should. I think Andy could help the President either have or grow his relationship with God so the Counsel would be more for praying for him to give him Wisdom in his actions and decisions.
Couldn’t agree more. You guys have all listed some great ones.
Carey Cash is an incredible man. He has family in Memphis who I’m familiar with. What an incredible opportunity! Praying for these men who are in such a unique situation.
Rob Bell – smart and boundary pushing
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Car Talk =-.
Wally. And I’m not kidding.
I would love to see Andy Stanley or Louie Giglio. And shoot, why not add Beth Moore in and diversify the group a bit more!
Somebody give him a call and let him know our ideas.
.-= Darla Baerg´s last blog ..The Princess and the Frog =-.
I’d go for anyone who would present the truth of Christ for every situation and not have it colored by a political or socio-economic slant. Unfortunately, we’re looking at human beings here who are…well…human.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..It’s showtime! =-.
Dr. Tony Evans , Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible College in Texas. Very grounded, highly respected and wise man.
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
oops that should have said Bible Fellowship not college! HAHA
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
I don’t think that I would want someone to simply give him a religious opinion or some sort or another. I would add someone who has years of real-world experience with huge numbers of people. Someone with a great deal of wisdom, who is just, prudent and loving. Someone who commands worldwide respect. I think that Billy Graham was that person for many past presidents. I don’t know of such a person who is capable today (though there may be many who are not so famous). However, if I was to simply pick a personality, I would choose Ravi Zacharias for the value of his critical thinking skills.
I totally don’t know enough about anyone in ministry or anything about this to be a real part of this conversation. And what I’m about to say has nothing to do with my political views, either.
The one thing that is bothering me is when people say, “Someone should introduce him to Jesus Christ… He needs to meet Jesus.”
I’m quite sure none of us know the man’s heart or his relationship [or lack thereof] with Jesus. He may talk to Him every day for all we know. And I don’t think any of us can say that every one of our actions, as much as we wish they did, reflect our knowledge or love of Jesus Christ, either.
I just wish not every conversation like this turned into judgement of a person’s heart.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Beauty: Unqualified =-.
Thank you for this comment – I thought the same thing! Just because he is asking advice of others doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own relationship with the Lord. No one knows his heart but God and him, and it’s not our place to judge.
.-= diane´s last blog ..Snow Day Again! =-.
I thank you also.
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
AGREED!!!!!!!!
Thank you Gitz. You said exactly what I thought–how awful would it be if we were judged the way we often judge others, especially when we judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
I think people are misinterpreting my comment about Jesus Christ. I guess I should have been more clear. I am not judging wether or not he has a personal relationship with Christ. I am saying I wish I saw more evidence that he was relying on Jesus Christ as his spiritual advisor. He doesn’t have to prove his relationship with Christ to me but it would put me more at peace with the direction of this country if I saw more of it. I pray for our president that he does seek God for the right decisions to lead this country. I never meant for my comment to come across as a judgement but an observation, how sad now that I feel judged.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Show us your life- Your typical day =-.
I was actually trying not to single anyone out, but since there is confusion, I was referring to the direct comments about him not knowing Jesus: “Im saying that since our President is obviously unrepentant and without a relationship with Jesus Christ, his only help for an advisor is the Holy Spirit.”
And this one: “He needs to listen to Jesus and not just people. Won’t someone please introduce them?”
I’m just saying that jumping to conclusions as direct as these bothers me. Maybe they didn’t mean to draw such lines in the sand… but they are pretty direct conclusions about a man who has said aloud on many occasions that he believes in Jesus.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Beauty: Unqualified =-.
I would add Pastor T.D. Jakes. He is a god fearing Pastor who does not candy coat the truth. He is straight forward, open, honest, and extremely direct. He has been a part of my foundation of faith for a very long time.
Tim Keller would by far be the best choice….
Excellent choice Matt.
hmm not a single rabbi, or am I missing something? Seems weird.
.-= tracey solomon´s last blog ..I’m Irish, Who Knew? On Identity and Grandma Having More Credibility Than God…” =-.
I noticed the lack of Jewish influence. I wish he would add a religious Jewish leader to the mix.
With all due respect, Obama says he is Christian. So why would a Christian seek spiritual advise from someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus?
Billy Graham…or Richard Stearns… Loved “Hole in our Gospel…”
.-= tracey solomon´s last blog ..I’m Irish, Who Knew? On Identity and Grandma Having More Credibility Than God…” =-.
I think he ought to add Dr. Al Mohler, a theologian who has an unusual grasp of history as well as our current political enviroment. Don’t figure he’d accept the appointment though.
Definitely Andy Stanley, or Louie Giglio! They both have such insight into the Word and our culture.
Andy Stanley
Beth Moore
Don Miller
All would ADD to the group without speaking “Christian-ese”. There is nothing like being relevant to a seeking people – who don’t even realize that they’re looking.
just wanted to point out that Donald Miller is already on one the president’s boards, not sure what they official title is, but it concerns The Mentoring Project, addressing the fatherless issue for young men in America.
Ergun Caner, no other words needed.
.-= Tony Grogan´s last blog ..Hello world! =-.
Barbara Brown Taylor and Ruth Hailey Barton and N.T.Wright.
Wow, somebody who reads BBT! As one of Pete’s sidekick pastors, I’m impressed. BBT is a great story teller and teaches at my alma mater Columbia Seminary in Atlanta. N.T. Wright is getting to be on a lot of folk’s list. Thanks!
.-= Tom´s last blog ..A moment for inventory =-.
The first people I thought of are already on the named (Driscoll, Bell, Stanley), but if you wanted to continue down that same vein, how about Mark Batterson (he’s already in DC anyway). If you wanted a different line, go with Dallas Willard.
Billy Graham, John Piper, or Ravi Zacharias
T.F. Tenney, Smartest, most insightful minister anywhere.
Me. Or someone like me who is a normal, everyday person. Someone who lives and participates in their community. Goes to work. Loves their family. Loves their God. I think we rely too much on the BIG names (who are all awesome), but we have the same Holy Spirit in us. I would apply for that job…
great point Bethany.
Haddon Robinson, Rick Warren, Luis Palu. Seasoned guys, well known enough. I like the names mentioned above in other replies. Eugene Peterson would offer a lot to a President.
I’d like for the President to come under the spiritual influence of Jesus Christ through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Should the Lord decide to bring others across the President’s path to understand his true need, then I would hope that they would preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If the advice that they are giving him isn’t grounded in that truth, then they shouldn’t be giving him advice.
Philippians 2:21 – For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Well Said !!!
Eugene Peterson
.-= Jim Kane´s last blog ..Review of “What’s In the Bible?” =-.
Rick Warren…who prayed at Obama’s inauguration where is Rick?
Hmmmm….
I was surprised he wasn’t on there as well.
Tony Campolo
I vote for Andy Stanley
Definitely Tony Campolo!
Anyone know what Tony has been up to lately. Haven’t heard much from him.
Craig Groeschel. Because under his spiritual influence, one learns authenticity, Truth, encouragment, and how to speak into the lives of others.
What about me? I am a minister and have a lot I would like to talk to the President about, not to mention, congress, the media . . .
Jeremiah Wright. And I’m not being facetious. He was Obama’s pastor for the last 20 years at the Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago’s south side. You’d think with that history and length of the relationship Wright would be the go-to guy. But then, Wright is probably too radioactive at this point. So then I go with DisneyCindy’s suggestion of Tony Evans or Bryne’s suggestion of T.D. Jakes. Both are indeed men who teach the Word well and without apology.
Does anyone else think it is odd that the First Family still doesn’t have a church in D.C.?
Mike can you imagine what its like to be the President (whomever that is) and trying to find a church that you feel comfortable at and could actually worship without being approached because you are the president? I can’t imagine this will ever be an easy choice ever again. And then if you actually choose a church the circus the media and others would have with the fact that you didn’t choose a particular church (one they felt you should for whatever reason they felt whether its to make a political, racial,social statement, etc )?
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
That’s a great point Cyndi, in fact, I think I’ve heard something about this very point from a White House spokesperson – that the Obama family doesn’t want to cause disruption for any particular congregation. Indeed, their presence at Trinity United in Chicago was probably cause for a little more media attention than they would have preferred. The spotlight must be tough to live in. I hope Michelle and the President are having some kind of devotion or worship time with their daughters on regular basis.
Keep in mind that there is ample space in the White House to have a small service, and not shortage of military chaplains with sufficient clearances to be allowed in the White House.
There is also a chaplain assigned to Camp David.
The question is: is the First Family routinely and regularly worshiping as and with a Body of Christ?
.-= Buddy Knight´s last blog ..Pastors & Counselors: Is Your Office Cyber-Secure? =-.
My point is that even if he did that someone would find fault!
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
I vote for Andy Stanley. Andy has incredible insight & communication abilities. On top of that, he would focus on giving the President principled insights, not just partisan insights.
Another guys would be David Nasser. Ask him about Iran. He can give you 1st hand testimony.
.-= Matt Bowman´s last blog ..Dear Southern Baptists…Part 3 =-.
How about a pastor whose church he attends weekly, whenever he is in DC. Not an “important” person, but someone that he is accountable to in spiritual matters.
I read all the big names and agree with a lot of them, but as I try to think who I would want to be there, the thing that keeps coming to mind is this:
The best person to fill the void would be someone Obama trusts and is willing to receive guidance from who is also led by the Holy Spirit. It may be a recognized spiritual leader or it may be his neighbor who we have never heard of.
.-= Dusty Rayburn´s last blog ..Unfaithful =-.
True that! Trust is key.
Jesus?
what’s really interesting is the utter judgment that fills this comment page. frankly, i am surprised at how much people on here are suggesting that he “needs” to meet jesus. i think we all might want to revisit how much jesus does not expect for us to be judge and jury over the personal relationship that one may have with HIM. as a believer who still finds myself to be turned off, still, by the seemingly ugliness that comes from other believers. some of these comments come across as we are believers, but we’re believers in what we think is right and how we judge as christians. gosh, guys, let’s be careful with how we are towards who we may or may not agree with. there’s a lot hidden in what is being said here. but…it reads blatantly ugly. i’m surprised, but i don’t know if i should be…and a little sad at this.
I don’t think that having a desire for someone to “meet” Jesus is judgmental. When you have a relationship with someone who is worth knowing, don’t you want to introduce them to others?
Maybe the wording was a little off, but as the most influential leader of the free world I think it’s a good idea for that person to “have a direct and well used line” to the Creator of all. He may very well have that. I’m not suggesting that he doesn’t, however as I kind of said above, all the religious advisors in the world won’t help if the Spirit isn’t working in the heart.
I’m not trying to be defensive either. To me the President’s personal relationship with God is more important than any political issue that could ever come up. After all, this world and all the political powers are going to be done away with some day, right?
.-= Cindy Graves´s last blog ..Comfort Isn’t Always #1 =-.
I think the point that anyonomous was getting at is that you and others are assuming that he is not a Christian. He has spoken about his faith fairly openly and in more “evangelical” language than most recent presidents. He may not be the type of Christian that you want, but that does not mean he is not a Christian.
.-= Adam Shields´s last blog ..Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) by Jim Butcher =-.
Thank you Adam!
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..Getting off of the Roller Coaster! =-.
Andy Stanley
Louie Giglio
Rick Warren
and…. PETE WILSON!!! I think he should read Plan B, haha
Of course.
I think Mohler is a solid choice. What about CJ Mahaney? A humble guy who never forgets the importance of the cross.
Andy Stanley,
If he could get any political leader to just listen to his “letters to the president” series the world would be better positioned to be better.
.-= brad´s last blog ..9 of 52: What He Must Be….if he wants to marry my Daughter =-.
Steve Jobs…..
I could list a number of top evangelicals but it looks like he is going for diversity in his council. I find it odd is such a diverse group that he is missing a Rabbi.
.-= Jeff Miller´s last blog ..Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain =-.
Yeah, that hit me, too.
Puzzling.
.-= Buddy Knight´s last blog ..Pastors & Counselors: Is Your Office Cyber-Secure? =-.
I’d have to say Benny Hinn.
At least he knows how to raise plenty of cash…something that Obama, the Democrats AND the high-spending neoconservatives (they are all addicted to other people’s money) will need to pay for their respective agendas.
Did I just rant?
.-= Nate VZ´s last blog ..The Transformation =-.
Rick Warren
Max Lucado
Those are the first two that came to mind.
.-= Buddy Knight´s last blog ..Pastors & Counselors: Is Your Office Cyber-Secure? =-.
Ravi Zacharias, hands down. (I personally cannot get enough of his teaching)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Just Ducking In… =-.
Billy Graham came to my mind first…he has served as spiritual adviser to so many presidents over the years. But, I think it would be helpful for him to have the humble perspective of the pastor of a small church in a forgotten part of our country to give him spiritual advice with the perspective of the average American.
.-= Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..Christ in All Things =-.
I note there aren’t enough fish in the cabinet. I’m just saying…
<
.-= Sharkbait´s last blog ..Preaching, take one. =-.
Matthew Barnett or Joyce Meyer. People who are serious about doing good for others- they both have amazing outreach through the Dream Center and foreign missions. Also outspoken for the truth and passionate about getting the message across with no compromises.
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Joy (3) =-.
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned DAVE RAMSEY! He’s a Christ follower AND financial genius. Kill two birds by picking him!
.-= Scott Mooney´s last blog ..Marathon (part 2): Everything is Spiritual =-.
Good call
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Just Ducking In… =-.
I havent understood why he didnt add a Rabbi, Lama, Shaman, Taoist priest and a Pundit. I would add one form each of these religions too so that he has a perspective of all the people who are presently citizens of this Nation.
I’d say Pete Wilson to help advise in authenticity spiritually, heck, I’d even push for a websi…oh never mind, I’ve already gotten myself in enough trouble
.-= Nick´s last blog ..There’s Been A Leprechaun Sighting AGAIN =-.
Should have typed, “spiritual authenticity”
.-= Nick´s last blog ..There’s Been A Leprechaun Sighting AGAIN =-.
Warren, Piper or McLaren
Brennan Manning. RIch Mullins too, but he’s unavailable.
Great post, Pete, as I have met Joel Hunter at Northland Church. Guess I’d add Eugene Peterson to O’s cabinet (rooting for the token OLD white and white-haired guy here).
.-= Tom´s last blog ..A moment for inventory =-.
Matt Chandler
Just to mix things up a little bit.
The well versed, as in Bible and life, as in common man, as in grandma or grandpa, that’s been and seen what our country has been though. That has Godsense and commonsense.
fyi, Joels my pastor