When Dr. Joel C. Hunter offers the benediction at next week’s Democratic National Convention, he may feel like the proverbial “elephant” in the room. That’s because Dr. Hunter is not only a pro-life Evangelical, but also a registered Republican.

So why would the pastor of a swing-state church, who isn’t endorsing either candidate, accept such an invitation?

“Because I was asked,” he explains. “When our elected officials call upon us to serve, then it is our duty and honor to do so. As Evangelicals, we need to make ourselves available, because the church has untold resources that can help solve the problems of the world.”

A firm believer that life begins at conception and must be protected, Dr. Hunter has challenged both Democrats and Republicans to expand into compassion issues—such as combating poverty and caring for creation—while continuing to stand for traditional values.

He believes that people with differing views can work together and can ultimately further their agenda without compromising their core moral convictions.

“We need the differences!” he says. “Both spiritual and intellectual maturity grow from differences.”

Working with people of differing perspectives is nothing new for Dr. Hunter. A longtime bridge builder who seeks common ground for the common good, he has worked with non-religious members of the scientific community to reduce pollution and preserve the environment for future generations. Additionally, as a delegate to the US-Islamic World Forum held in Doha, he has sought to build a dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities that will ultimately eradicate terrorism.

Since June 1985, Dr. Hunter has served as senior pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed. During his tenure, the church has grown from 200 faithful souls to a congregation of 12,000 that worships at several physical sites throughout Central Florida and at hundreds of “virtual” sites around the world via the church’s innovative Webstream Worship application.

In his latest book, A New Kind of Conservative, Dr. Hunter outlines a non-partisan approach to political involvement, encouraging readers to “vote and voice their values.” The book frequently makes Amazon.com’s top 100 lists in several categories.

To learn more, visit www.northlandchurch.net.

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Questions and Answers With Dr. Joel C. Hunter

Q: Why are you offering a benediction for the Democratic National Convention?

A: Jesus told us to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). I’ve always believed that when our elected leaders call upon us and we answer, that we are fulfilling that command from Scripture. That is why I accepted their gracious invitation. I would accept an invitation from the Republicans as well, or any major government activity that would feature prayer, as was included in the founding of our country.

Q: Are you still pro-life?

A: I am completely pro-life, which means I am about protecting the vulnerable—inside the womb, and outside the womb. For example, poverty worldwide results in the death of 30,000 children every single day. This, too, is a pro-life issue.

Q: What do you mean when you talk about “reducing the number of abortions”?

A: I have talked to people on both sides of the abortion issue. And all of us would like to see the number of abortions reduced. I hope we can build on that common ground in order to save babies’ lives.

I am decidedly pro-life. But I will work with the pro-choice camp to reduce the number of abortions throughout the world. Research has indicated that we could reduce abortion by as much as 50 percent by supporting mothers who want to carry their children to term. By working together instead of arguing, lives can be saved and Kingdom progress can be made. To me, that is pro-life! This is also the essence of how we make progress. We don’t compromise our values, but we find ways in which we can cooperate that will express our values.

Q: You’ve met with Senator Obama several times. Are you endorsing him for president?

A: No. I’m not endorsing either candidate. I’m encouraging people to voice and vote their values as I always have.

Q: Why haven’t you met with Senator John McCain?

A: Because he hasn’t asked me.

Q: Any final thoughts about this election season?

A: The kingdoms of this world will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will not. Therefore, our priority is always how we make Kingdom progress in every realm of our lives, including politics. We need to do our part, but we never need to panic: God is sovereign. He has promised that He will make all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). That’s not just a nice theory; it works in real life.