Thousand Oaks pastor Rob McCoy had been shepherding his Calvary Chapel flock for 13 fruitful years when, in 2014, he was asked to run for the California Assembly. Although he initially responded with "Not doing that," after weeks of prayer, he announced his run. Almost beyond belief, 650 volunteers converged on the campaign over the next 11 months. Yet, despite their best efforts, pastor McCoy lost the race by 4,000 votes out of a total of 130,000 votes cast.

One year later, pastor McCoy was again asked to run, this time for Thousand Oaks City Council. "No thanks," he said, "I'm spent." Undeterred, volunteers drafted their pastor, taking upon themselves much of the heavy lifting in the race.

Among the heavy lifters were a retired policeman knocking on 10,000 doors; a businessman making 12,000 phone calls; and a new citizen from England organizing 150 coffees in homes of residents highly unlikely to ever darken the door of a church.

Pastor McCoy won by 52 votes! "Do you know what they call someone who wins by 52 votes? The winner," he quipped.

On Dec. 11, 2018, pastor Rob McCoy will be sworn in as mayor of Thousand Oaks. We ask for prayers for Mayor McCoy's administration and stewardship.

Many serving in pastorates possess similar skills as elected officials, such as "social astuteness, interpersonal influence and networking ability." Pastoral skills moreover include qualities characteristic of the pastoral calling:

â?¢ Exceptionally perceptive/not easily deceived.

â?¢ Able to perceive truth and reality efficiently.

â?¢ See human nature as it is (Charles Swindoll, A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness: Joseph). read more