Sen. James Lankford to be Recognized as Distinguished Christian Statesman by D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, June 17

Contact: Debbie Revitzer, Evangelism Explosion International, 954-496-3738, drevitzer@eeworks.org

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, a ministry of Evangelism Explosion International, will honor Sen. James Lankford (OK) with its Distinguished Christian Statesman Award June 17 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

"Sen. Lankford's clear, vibrant, and articulate Christian witness—and his commitment to the highest standard of public service—exemplifies what it means to be a Christian statesman," said Dr. Roller, Director of the Center for Christian Statesmanship, which serves legislators, staffers, and interns on Capitol Hill. "Sen. Lankford's verbal and open embracing of faith in Jesus Christ and Biblical principles has separated him from the crowd."

"He is a diligent servant leader who takes the responsibilities of public office with the utmost seriousness and brings an unashamedly Christian worldview to the task. We're thrilled to recognize him as a Christian statesman and leader."

The award will be given on Wednesday, June 17, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Cannon House Office Building, Room 334. A reception will follow at the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, located at 402 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Sen. Lankford was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 4, 2014 after serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the Appropriations, Homeland Security, and Indian Affairs Committees, as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence. Additionally, Sen. Lankford serves on the Senate Republican Whip Team for the 114th Congress.

Encouraging personal faith, committed families, practical education and the critical need to invest in the next generation has always been important to Sen. Lankford. Before his time in Congress, he served as the Director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp and Director of Student Ministry at the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2009. Falls Creek is the largest youth camp in the United States, with more than 51,000 students and adults attending each summer.

The Distinguished Christian Statesman Award, given annually since 1996, seeks to honor individuals who combine excellence in public service with character and faith in God.

"Our desire is to inspire more individuals to make Christians statesmanship the goal of their public service," said Dr. Roller. "Our nation needs a fresh generation of leaders who will fulfill the duties of public service in the same way as our nation's founders—according to the pattern and principles of Jesus Christ."

The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship seeks to equip a new generation of leaders for service to both God and country through a wide range of ministry activities, including:

• "Politics and Principle Luncheons" at which Christian Members of Congress share their faith testimony;
   
• Bible studies for legislators, staffers and interns;
   
• Special Capitol Hill intern events, such as backyard barbecues, where hundreds of interns gather in a Christian setting; and
   
• Lectures where key Christian leaders and thinkers share a Christian witness to the Capitol Hill community.

Founded in 1995 by the late D. James Kennedy, a minister, author, and evangelical leader, the Center for Christian Statesmanship has impacted thousands of lives by bringing a gospel witness, Christian discipleship, and a vision for Christian statesmanship to leaders in Washington.

INTERVIEWS
To interview Dr. George Roller, Director of the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, please contact Debbie Revitzer, Evangelism Explosion Director of Communications, at drevitzer@eeworks.org, or call 954-496-3738.