Tim Echols:
His TeenPact Trains Christian Youth
For Cultural Leadership

One of the unique things about the program is that most of the training is accomplished by teens teaching other teens who have graduated from the program. This is truly an application of II Timothy 2:2: “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

TeenPact provides hope that God will yet have mercy on America as this stream of well-equipped young leader-servants continues to flow into the halls of government. Tim was kind enough to respond to a few of our questions in a recent interview.

With apathy as rampant as it is, students need to be inspired these days. Our program is taught by teens to teens, so young people feel like their knowledge and understanding can make a difference.

2. Are you the founder of TeenPact, Tim? What motivated you to get involved like this?

I founded TeenPact in 1993 in a meeting with pastors at the Georgia State Capitol. It was not something I was seeking, but something God placed on my heart in a prayer meeting. Bill Clinton was the President, and mood in the Christian community was somewhat depressed. Families were motivated to do something.

3. I understand the “State Class” is the foundation of your program? What’s that all about?

4. After a student graduates from the State Class, then what?

Students can return as an alumni, then a state staffer, and then other levels of responsibility and leadership. We have also developed specialized classes for our alumni including a moot court program in conjunction with a Christian Law School in Virginia.

5. Is the National Convention a Christian version of “Boy’s State?” What all is involved with the National Convention?

Boy’s State as well as the YMCA Youth Assembly programs were always in the back of my mind as I developed TeenPact. They are secular though, and provide a nice overview of the system. TeenPact is for “our” side, and I don’t want to share our trade secrets with just anyone. Our Christian young people need to be aspiring for high leadership positions, working for good candidates, and making a difference in the public square. They will probably not do that by accident. We need organizations like TeenPact, Summit, Worldview Academy and many others building these young people into great leaders. Our future depends upon it.

6. Can you give me an example of an Alumni who has gone on to a career in government?

The Senior Producer on the Sean Hanity Show is a TeenPacter. Many, many of them have served as campaign managers and assistants. Others have been personal assistants to people like Ollie North, the Lt. Governor of Colorado, The Governor of South Carolina, and US Congressmen. Several have been elected to small offices like City Council. I am sure as they come of age, many will have a great impact.

7. How do you handle the question of women in office from a Biblical standpoint in the training of Christian girls?

Our parents are very conservative in many ways. I think most of our parents want both their boys and girls to have a good handle on citizenship and activism—even if it is just so they can raise those grandchildren right. Most people we run into at state capitols are part-time legislators—genuine public servants who are there for the right reason. Besides voting, they do very mundane things like attend meetings and give speeches. At the end of the day, it is more about serving than being a rock star. That role is far different than that of a pastor or teacher over a church. I think we often forget that. I am not trying to turn anyone into a legislator though. I want students, moms, and dads to be effective influencers in this culture—wherever God may lead them.

8. How does your mission and activities relate to the prevailing eschatological teaching that the world must get worse and worse before Christ returns? If that is true aren’t your efforts ultimately doomed to failure?

We teach that “rendering unto Caesar” in this day and place is “being a good citizen.” That not only includes voting and paying taxes, but effectively influencing your elected and appointed officials. The Lord will return just as He said, and hopefully we’ll be watching. Until then, we need to be salt and light in every sphere of this culture—including government and politics.

9. How can our readers get involved in your ministry, Tim?

Go to www.teenpact.com and sign your child or student up for our program if they are 8 to 18. We need sponsors in most states as well. They can donate at the same location and we’ll make sure to use it for their state program if they request such.