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As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July beneath fireworks, around barbecue grills, or simply enjoying a quiet day of rest, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the incredible blessing we have as Americans: the freedom to worship God openly and without fear.

At Cedar Creek Ministries, we are profoundly grateful to live in a country where ministry leaders can preach, teach, pray, and serve without government interference. This freedom shapes the heart of what we do and today, we want to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

A Brief Look Back: How Religious Freedom Shaped America

The Fourth of July marks the birth of the United States in 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, what we often overlook is that many of the earliest settlers came to America seeking not just political freedom but religious freedom.

• The Pilgrims (1620): Fled England to escape religious persecution and founded Plymouth Colony, seeking a place to worship freely.
  
  
• The Puritans (1630s): Followed with the Massachusetts Bay Colony, desiring to build a “city upon a hill” that reflected biblical principles.
  
  
• The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s): A revival movement that swept across the colonies, laying spiritual groundwork that influenced the push toward independence.
  
  
• The Bill of Rights (1791): Just years after the Revolution, the First Amendment was adopted, guaranteeing freedom of religion, speech, and assembly.
  
  

From the very beginning, the right to worship freely has been woven into the fabric of American life. While our country has always been imperfect, this foundational freedom remains a precious gift.

Why Religious Freedom Matters to Ministry Leaders

As ministry leaders, we know how easy it is to take this freedom for granted. But around the world, many believers risk imprisonment, violence, or even death simply for gathering in Jesus’ name.

Here’s why we believe it’s worth pausing this Independence Day to reflect on and give thanks for religious freedom:

• It allows us to gather publicly without fear.
  Churches, Bible studies, worship events, all possible because of this freedom.

• It allows us to share the Gospel openly.
  We can preach, teach, publish, and disciple without censorship.

• It allows us to train and equip leaders.
  The very work we do at Cedar Creek Ministries, equipping leaders with resources and encouragement, is only possible in a free society.

• It reminds us to pray for those without it.
  As we enjoy freedom, we are called to remember and pray for the persecuted church around the world.

Freedom and Responsibility: How We Steward This Gift

With great freedom comes great responsibility. (Thank you Uncle Ben) As Christians in America, we are not only free to worship, we are free to serve, love, and lead in ways that reflect Christ to a watching world.

Here are a few ways to steward this freedom well:

• Pray boldly. Let’s use our freedom to pray in our homes, churches, and communities.
  
  
• Lead faithfully. Whether you serve in pastoral ministry, nonprofit work, or lay leadership, let freedom fuel your courage and consistency.
  
  
• Speak graciously. In a divided world, we have the freedom to speak life, hope, and truth.
  
  
• Equip others. Our ability to write, publish, and share leadership resources is a gift, let’s use it to build up the body of Christ.