Paul Smith
Founder of Citizen Impact USA
Citizen Impact’s founder, Paul Smith, has been involved in public policy work since 1996, advocating on behalf of Christian education as well as moral and religious liberty issues. Prior to that he was a youth pastor and pastor. In 2009 he founded Citizen Impact as a response to the direction of American culture and political environment. He is dedicated to being a full-time advocate for these issues. He also speaks to churches, schools, and community groups on how “regular” citizens can make an impact in this area.
Mission
Vision
Doctrinal Statement
Core Values
Distinct Leadership
Mission
As a Christian public policy advocate, we exist to educate and connect citizens, pastors, and ministries with state representatives in order to protect Christian liberty and champion Biblical values. By being well-informed, discerning Christians we have a powerful impact as salt and light in our state and can flourish as God-honoring citizens.
Vision
We aspire to be known as the most trusted voice in Georgia public policy for a Biblical worldview. Through Christ-honoring, compassionate advocacy and increased civic participation, we aim to see our laws affected by Biblical values and our religious liberty safeguarded for every generation to come.
Doctrinal Statement
We believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God and that it is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21
God is a Person, eternally existing, as a Trinity in unity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three Persons and yet one God. Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, I Corinthians 8:6
Jesus Christ, eternally existing, is the only begotten Son of God, who became a sinless man to redeem us. He was born of a virgin and is true God and true man. Luke 1:30-55, John 1:1-15, Philippians 2:5-8
Man was created in the image of God but fell through sin, bringing not only physical death, but also spiritual death or eternal separation from God. Now all of mankind exists as a fallen race with an inherited sinful nature. Genesis 2:16, Genesis 3:16-19, Romans 3:10-23, Romans 6:23
The Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died as a substitutionary payment for the sins of the whole world. He physically arose from the dead and then ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of His Father as our Heavenly High Priest. The salvation of men is by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Luke 24, Acts 1:9-11, Ephesians 2:8-9; I Peter 3:18
The local church is a group of believers baptized by water, banded together for edification, exhortation, and evangelism as commanded by Christ in the Great Commission, preaching the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15, I Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 1:22-23
Jesus Christ Himself will soon come again in the air to catch up His Church to reward their service. The unbelievers left behind will go through a period called the Tribulation, after which Christ will return literally and bodily to the Earth to set up His Kingdom of one thousand years of righteous rule. After this, the unbelievers of all ages will stand at the Great White Throne to be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever, while the believers spend eternity in the fullness of joy in Heaven with the Lord. Matthew 24:29-42, I Thessalonians 4:16-18, Revelation 19:11-20:13
Core Values
Courage
Standing up for right no matter what the cost.
Love
Always speaking (Biblical) truth with compassion.
Trust
Able to be counted on for honest answers and consistent followthrough.
Service
Ministering to those around us with a Christ-like spirit.
Excellence
Striving for the best within our means.
Eternally-minded
Living like Kingdom citizens in a world in need of hope.
Distinct Leadership
Independent
We are an independent, Georgia-based organization, founded by a pastor.
Vocal
We aim to champion our faith and preserve Scriptural values in the laws of our state and our nation. It is critical that we make our voices heard for religious liberty.
Proactive
We believe that by proactively, positively, and passionately entreating our legislators, we can influence the laws of our state for righteousness. It is to that end that we have established, long-term relationships with Georgia legislators.
Preaching
We partner with conservative pastors in Georgia, and their ministries, to encourage members toward active participation. We use regular preaching, itinerant ministry to stir up God’s people to pray, act, and give.
Education
We involve students, pastors, and citizens in our ministry to provide a perspective into how our legislature functions and the issues at hand.
Conservative
We are conservative in our theology, careful in our practice.
The objectives of Citizen Impact:
- To encourage Americans to participate in the democratic process.
- To evaluate public policy positions and existing or proposed legislation.
- To minister to those in public policy fields.
- To educate people about America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.
- To train students to be effective in public policy.
Executive Board Members
John Anderson, Pastor
Dr. Jamie Oakman, Ophthalmologist
Glenn Aldridge, CPA
Troy Boley, Ph.D.
Loren Regier, Pastor
Joe Bowker, Pastor