WHY WE EXIST
Established in 1995, the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship is a spiritually-based outreach to men and women in positions of influence and authority in our nation’s government. Our mission is spiritual outreach, ministry training, and restoring a vision for Christian statesmanship among our nation’s leaders.
PARTNER WITH US
Do you desire to see Christian statesmen trained and equipped to influnce policy in our nation’s government? Join us today as a financial partner.
DISTINGUISHED CHRISTIAN STATESMAN AWARD
In 1996, Dr. Kennedy and the board of directors of the Center for Christian Statesmanship established an annual award to promote faith, virtue, and excellence in public service. The Distinguished Christian Statesman award was created to recognize men and women who endeavor to live out their Christian faith in public life.
2022 AWARD RECIPIENT
LT. GOV. WINSOME EARLE-SEARS
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Earle-Sears immigrated to the U.S. at age six. She is a successful businesswoman and trained electrician who has proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp, has led a men’s prison ministry and a homeless shelter for women. A former Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education, she has served as a presidential appointee to the US Census Bureau, co-chair of the African American Committee; and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
First elected in 2002 to the Virginia House of Delegates, Earle-Sears is the first female Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first Black female elected to statewide office.
“We’re thrilled to honor Lt. Gov. Sears for her bold and principled leadership and her outspoken Christian witness.”
Robert J. Pacienza, President and CEO of D. James Kennedy Ministries
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
ROBERT J. PACIENZA, President and CEO, D. James Kennedy Ministries
Rob Pacienza is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the President of D. James Kennedy Ministries, and the Founder of the Institute for Faith & Culture. He also serves on the council of the Gospel Reformation Network.
Rob is a graduate of Samford University (B.A. ’03) and Knox Theological Seminary (M.Div. ’12). He is currently pursuing a D.Min. at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Rob’s final project will focus on developing a discipleship plan that equips the North American Church to recapture its prophetic voice in the marketplace and the public square. Rob is married to Jennifer and they have two children – Preston and Lydia.
LAUREN COOLEY, Executive Director, Center for Christian Statesmanship
Lauren Cooley is the Executive Director for the Center for Christian Statesmanship and serves on the Board of Directors for Coral Ridge Ministries. She is also the Executive Director of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church’s Institute for Faith & Culture.
Lauren has appeared on TV and radio numerous times, including Fox News, Fox Nation, Newsmax, and more. Her work has been published in many outlets including USA Today, the Miami Herald, the Tampa Bay Times, Townhall, the Christian Post, and the Washington Examiner where she previously served as Editor. Lauren is a graduate of Furman University (B.A. ’14) and is finishing her Master in Liberal Studies at the University of Miami.
LAUREN COOLEY, Executive Director, Center for Christian Statesmanship
Lauren Cooley is the Executive Director for the Center for Christian Statesmanship and serves on the Board of Directors for Coral Ridge Ministries. She is also the Executive Director of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church’s Institute for Faith & Culture.
Lauren has appeared on TV and radio numerous times, including Fox News, Fox Nation, Newsmax, and more. Her work has been published in many outlets including USA Today, the Miami Herald, the Tampa Bay Times, Townhall, the Christian Post, and the Washington Examiner where she previously served as Editor. Lauren is a graduate of Furman University (B.A. ’14) and is finishing her Master in Liberal Studies at the University of Miami.