Fred Anderson balances pastoral calling with run for public office By HENRY DURAND, The Christian Index Monday, November 2, 2026 BAXLEY, Ga. — After more than 30 years serving Georgia Baptist churches, Fred Anderson is seeking a seat on the Wayne County Commission. The pastor of First Baptist Church Baxley is seeking the District 4 seat against Democrat Harold Michael Stewart Sr. in Tuesday’s general election. In an interview with The Christian Index, Anderson explained that his decision to run for office is an extension of the concern for people that has been the heart of his pastoral calling. "I believe God calls men not only to preach the truth but also to live it out in the communities where He has placed them,” he said. If elected, Anderson said he plans to continue serving as pastor. The commission seat is a part-time position, and he said church leaders support him continuing in both roles. Balancing the two responsibilities, Anderson said, would require scheduling, delegation, and teamwork. His commitment to First Baptist Baxley and its mission will remain his first priority, he said, adding that if public office began to seriously interfere with his pastoral responsibilities, those responsibilities would take precedence. “I did not enter ministry to build a political career, and I would not want a political career to diminish my commitment to Christ or His church,” he said. “Public office is temporary. Faithfulness to God must remain the foundation of my life.” Anderson said he is running as a Republican because the party’s principles and platform most closely reflect his convictions on many issues. But he added, “I do not believe that being a Republican makes someone a better Christian, nor do I believe that every Christian must share my political affiliation.” Members of First Baptist Baxley have been supportive, he said, while acknowledging concerns that political involvement could distract from ministry. “I would never want my candidacy to become a source of division within the church,” he said. “The unity of the body of Christ is too important, and the church’s mission is too significant, for us to allow political differences to overshadow our common faith in Jesus Christ. “The gospel of Jesus Christ must always remain at the center of my pastoral ministry,” he said. “The church is not a campaign headquarters, and the pulpit is not a tool for advancing a political candidate or party.” Anderson said pastors should not avoid biblical teaching simply because an issue has become politically controversial, but political affiliation should not determine how they minister to people. “Jesus Christ did not call me to shepherd only people who agree with me politically,” he said. “He called me to minister to people, preach the gospel, and point them toward Him.” Anderson acknowledged that his faith would guide him in office, while he would still be responsible for representing people who do not share his beliefs. “If elected, I would not be a commissioner only for the people who voted for me,” he said. “I would have a responsibility to represent the entire district and to consider the welfare of the county as a whole.” He also addressed concerns that a pastor in public office might seek to impose his religious beliefs through government. “My responsibility as a county commissioner would be to serve the public fairly, not to use the government to force my religious beliefs on others,” Anderson said. “I believe people should be able to disagree with me on matters of faith and still have confidence that I will treat them fairly as their elected representative.” On county issues, Anderson listed accountable taxation, public safety, housing, responsible economic development, and government accessibility among his priorities. “Taxpayer dollars belong to the people, not to the government,” he said. “Every expenditure should be examined carefully, and citizens deserve transparency about how their money is being spent.” Anderson said economic development should create sustainable jobs and strengthen the local economy while taking into account infrastructure, environmental impact, public costs, property rights, and residents’ concerns. He also said county officials should be accessible to residents. “People should be able to ask questions, express concerns, understand the decision-making process, and receive respectful responses,” he said. “Elected officials should listen before making decisions, not merely explain decisions after they have already been made.” Anderson pointed to his years in pastoral ministry, board service, charitable work, and chaplaincy as experience he believes would help him in office. Whether he wins or loses, Anderson said he hopes people will judge his campaign by the way he conducts himself. “I hope they see a man who is willing to stand for his convictions without mistreating people who disagree with him,” he said. “My greatest hope is that my life will demonstrate that Christian faith is not merely something a man professes from a pulpit. It should be evident in how he treats his neighbors, handles responsibility, responds to disagreement, and serves the people God has placed before him.” --- PHOTOS --- File: 20261102-140931-bc5-1793646384487blob.jpg Caption: Fred Anderson. (Photo/Fred Anderson for Wayne County Commissioner District 4)