2026 is the second leg of Delaware’s 2 year Legislative Session. The Legislators reconvened this week, and the Church Ambassador Network resumed its ministry.
What a great start it has been. It initially felt slower as we reconnected with elected officials we haven’t spoken to since session adjourned last June. But this week alone, we held 11 impactful Shepherd-to-Shepherd meetings.
Two meetings in particular stand out.
On Wednesday, Pastor Manny Figueroa from Charis Community Church in Bear spent the day with me as we met with several elected officials. In our meeting with Representative Bryan Shupe, we introduced our vision for recognizing and breaking the bondage that is so evident in Delaware. It has been encouraging to see Representative Shupe continue to grow in his faith and recognize that God has not forgotten our state. Momentum is building around the vision and heart of the Church Ambassador Network as we inspire the Church to care for our elected officials, and embrace their role as God’s institution of transformation.
The second highlight took place Thursday at Legislative Hall. Pastor Jeff Pinder joined me for the day, and the first Shepherd-to-Shepherd meeting occurred between Pastor Jeff and his representative, Frank Burns. While both leaders openly acknowledged that their personal values and perspectives differ – Representative Burns describing himself as having a more left-progressive viewpoint – there was a shared recognition of the value of the Church’s ministry in the community, and a willingness to work together. Their conversation focused on specific community issues and how the Church is uniquely positioned to reach and serve those in need.
I would like to personally thank the pastors who came and invested their time this week:
Aaron Betts, Youth Director, Crossroad Community Church – Georgetown
Eli Gonzalez, Pastor, Crossroad Community Church – Georgetown
Jim Apgar, Pastor, Crossroad Community Church – Dagsboro
Manny Figueroa, Pastor, Charis Community Church – Bear
Jeff Pinder, Pastor, Faith Baptist Church – Wilmington
As we continue through this legislative session, pray with me for each Pastor who visits Legislative Hall. Time moves quickly, and session will end before we realize it. Each Pastor’s presence matters; our elected officials need to hear from the shepherds of the communities they represent.
Grace and Peace,
Jonathan M. Quatela, Director
Church Ambassador Network – Delaware
302-604-2833 I JonQ@DE-CAN.org