Speaker 1 0:07

Welcome to the Intersection of Faith and Culture. It's the Wall Builders Show, taking on the hot topics of the day from a biblical, historical and constitutional perspective. I'm Rick Green, america's Constitution Coach with David and Tim Barton. David's America's premier historian and our founder at Wall Builders. Tim Barton's a national speaker and pastor and president of Wall Builders. You can learn more about all three of us at wallbuilderscom.

Speaker 1 0:27

Now I want to encourage you to visit that website today for a lot of reasons. At the very least, you need to go to wallbuilderscom just so you can learn more about American history, learn more about the founding formula that made America great. All kinds of tools, all kinds of gifts you can get for friends and family to get them fired up. Check it all out at wallboulderscom. But then there's also a great resource for events that are coming up. There's a lot of cool stuff that's going to happen in 2025 that Wallboulders is making happen Now. One of those is our pastor's briefings. Got to check that out. Go to the website and look at the different dates for the pastor's briefings and consider sending your pastor to that. Or, if you're a pastor listening, what a great opportunity for you to join us in Washington DC for one of those. And then, in addition, this summer there's so many different activities the teacher's trainings, the Summer Institute for the Young Leaders, 18 to 25, and on and on and on. It's all there at wallbuilderscom, so check it out. And then, of course, wallbuildersshow. That's also the link to share. If you like what you hear today, you want other people to hear this, make sure you go to wallbuildersshow. Just grab the share links. You can post it immediately to your social media feed, send it out on email, text it to your friends and family. Whatever you can do to be a force multiplier, you're helping us to spread the word, helping us to teach a new generation about these principles and get them engaged in being good biblical citizens that can make a difference.

Speaker 1 1:48

Now, speaking of that, there's a guy that became a biblical citizen, stood his ground in this case, knelt his ground, and it absolutely changed the world. Because of what Coach Joe Kennedy did, it has benefited all of us. We now have more religious liberty in this country than we've had in my lifetime. We have the opportunity to restore a God consciousness all throughout the culture, with the Ten Commandments, with the national motto in God we trust, with the nativity scenes, with all of the public expressions of faith. All of it because of Coach Kennedy's case that our friend Kelly Shackelford won at the Supreme Court. It's just changed everything. Total game changer, literally pun intended since he was sort of a football coach I say sort of, because you got to really hear the guy's testimony understand what I mean by that. But you're going to love today because it's Coach Joe Kennedy speaking at our Pro-Family Legislators Conference.

Speaker 1 2:42

Now, I know I'm throwing a lot at you here at the beginning of the program, but if that sounds weird, pro-family Legislators Conference what that is is an opportunity once a year for legislators from across the nation. So that's state reps, state senators or some states like West Virginia call them delegates, basically your state representation. So these are not congressmen that go to the federal represent you at the federal level, go to Washington DC for you. These are not necessarily your local county commissioners or city council or that sort of thing. These are the folks that you elect and send to your state capitol and they go make law for your state. And so think about it If they're going to go make law for your state, you want them to be grounded in a biblical worldview, to understand the jurisdictions of government to understand how to apply biblical principles and the wisdom of the ages to all of the issues that are such a big deal in your state, and you want them to have the integrity and the fortitude and the backbone to stand for truth and do what's right. Well, one of the best ways for a legislator to be that guy or gal is to lock shields with and spend time with other legislators from across the country that are also like that, are striving to be like that, and so we created the Pro-Family Legislators Conference 20 years ago as a way for legislators to come together and have that opportunity. And it has been amazing.

Speaker 1 4:05

I remember when we first started it I had been kind of frustrated as a state rep or former state rep in Texas, at not having anything like that, not having a gathering where I knew everybody was at least striving to come from a biblical perspective, doing their best to represent God's word and represent the Lord and their constituents. And you know I'd go to these conferences while I was a legislator, hang out with all these, but there just wasn't a place to do that and I found so many people across the country that I met that said I ran for the legislature, or I ran for city council. I ran for Congress because I read David Barton's book Original Intent, or I watched David Barton's this is VHS tape. Okay, so I'm aging myself. Remember that I said 20 years ago on America's Godly Heritage, or I listened to a cassette tape of David Barton. So all these people that were in office because David had taught them a biblical worldview, had taught them how to be a biblical citizen, and so we had the idea of saying, look what if we got people together that had had that kind of influence from wall builders, from David Barton, and we had a chance to iron, sharpen and iron. So we did the first one 20 years ago, in 2004, 2005, can't remember now and Mike Huckabee came, spoke at the dinner.

Speaker 1 5:20

I don't think we had that many. I think we maybe had 70 or 80 legislators, if I remember right, and spouses and a handful of people. It was a great opportunity to just kind of find out what was going on in other states, find out what other legislators were doing and find ways that you could duplicate that. No-transcript wanted you to hear directly from Joe. I've had him on in the tavern on my show on Warrior Poet Society Network and we've shared those interviews with you. But this is him live at the Wall. Builders Pro-Family Legislators Conference. Let's jump in with Coach Joe Kennedy we're about to have.

Speaker 2 6:27

Uh, coach joe kennedy, come join us. Uh, do a little q a on the stage, but I want to show you the trailer. If you haven't seen the movie average joe, you need to. It's incredible. I want to show you the trailer and then we're gonna invite coach joe to come up and join us. You guys roll the trailer for us we're ready I've been fighting my whole life.

Speaker 5 6:49

Joseph Anthony Kennedy.

Speaker 3 6:51

I was a hellion of a kid who nobody wanted.

Speaker 1 6:56

One, two, three, four United States Marine Corps.

Speaker 3 7:01

So you told me that saying a prayer on the 50-yard line was the thing that was going to get me in the biggest fight of my life. You cannot tell me that God doesn't have a sense of humor. Denise, could I see you in my office for a minute please? I want you to play in the locker room. Do you not see how?

Speaker 5 7:19

absurd. This is Kennedy. Do your job and get them in the locker room.

Speaker 3 7:23

I get it. That's not fair. Nobody cared for seven years. Now they do. I bet you can guess where this is going. I made a promise to God. God is wrong. I can't let him down.

Speaker 5 7:42

I believe they violated your rights.

Speaker 2 7:43

How do you think the superintendent looked at me when I didn't even know my husband had filed a complaint? You can't quit now.

Speaker 3 7:48

But God doesn't need you to defend him. I'm not defending God, I'm defending the people of this country yeah, the same people who are sending us hate mail, and that is their right.

Speaker 5 7:57

This case is going to take years to litigate and there's no guarantee a judge is going to rule in your favor. Are you up for that kind of fight?

Speaker 3 8:11

You're appealing to the Supreme. I can't stop, not now. It's been three years of our lives turned completely upside down. I have been the collateral damage to this whole thing. Will you finish this with me, because I can't do it without you? What is it going to take before your husband gives up this ridiculous crusade of his?

Speaker 5 8:29

I really don't appreciate your tone and don't you ever speak to me about my husband that way again.

Speaker 3 8:42

Hold on, I don't remember any fireworks. That's exactly how I remember it. No, no, you can decide later which way to film it. I'm proud of you, no matter what happens. The one thing everyone needs to know is that it's all her fault what You're the one who taught me that there are still things worth fighting for, hoorah.

Speaker 5 9:22

Sit down, sit down, sit down. You're going to embarrass Kelly.

Speaker 2 9:29

If you haven't seen it. You got to. It's like a more modern Princess Bride, because there's something for everybody. It's got the romance, it's got the action, the adventure. They break that fourth wall. It's so fun, coach, we're so honored to have you with us. Thank you for joining us. I want to start to have you with us. Thank you for joining us. I want to start. If people aren't familiar, the movie kind of shows your journey is quite fascinating.

Speaker 1 9:57

All right, folks got to interrupt for a second. Going to take a quick break, We'll be right back. You're listening to the Wall Builder Show.

Speaker 4 10:05

Have you noticed the vacuum of leadership in America? We're looking around for leaders of principle to step up, and too often no one is there. God is raising up a generation of young leaders with a passion for impacting the world around them. They're crying out for the mentorship and leadership training they need. Patriot Academy was created to meet that need. Patriot Academy graduates now serve in state capitals around America, in the halls of Congress, in business, in the film industry, in the pulpit, in every area of the culture. They're leading effectively and impacting the world around them. Patriot Academy is now expanding across the nation, and now's your chance to experience this life-changing week that trains champions to change the world. Visit patriotacademycom for dates and locations. Our core program is still for young leaders 16 to 25 years old, but we also now have a citizen track for adults. So visit the website today to learn more. Help us fill the void of leadership in America. Join us in training champions to change the world at patriotacademycom.

Building Faith Through Life Challenges

Speaker 2 11:10

This is Tim Barton from WallBuilders, with another moment from American history. After the final victory at Yorktown, the Continental Army awaited the outcome of peace negotiations with Great Britain. Pastor Israel Evans, a chaplain in the Army, proposed to George Washington that they build a structure where church services could be held during the months of waiting. Washington approved the plan and urged his officers to ensure that the soldiers attended service. Pastor Evans further knew if we were to secure the liberties they had fought for, sound education would be crucial, he declared. Every parent and every friend to the freedom of his country ought to be attentive to the improvement of our youth and the principles of freedom and good government, and then the people will stand fast in their liberty for a long time. Our schools today need to return to teaching the principles of freedom and good government in order for America to survive and prosper. For more information about Pastor Israel Evans and other colonial patriots, go to wallbuilderscom.

Speaker 1 12:10

We're back here on the Wall Builders Show, jumping right back in with Coach Joe Kennedy at the ProFamily Legislators Conference.

Speaker 2 12:16

I think most of us know you because of the Supreme Court case, but the movie does such a great job of showing details leading up to it. So will you walk us two or three minutes through early life, because it showed very tough life. Even some of your faith journey were early on. Maybe questions you don't know and I'm sorry I should have introduced hero of the movie as well. His wife, denise, is in attendance with us. So, denise, thank you for being as well in as well. So, coach, can you tell us some of your background?

Speaker 5 12:57

early life challenges even some of the faith journey where skeptic, atheist, whatever you were. How did it all start for you? Yeah, I'm in the movie and it is streaming now so you could get it on any of the platforms, because they don't stay in theaters very long. So watch it and tell us how you like it. But yeah, I was unwanted birth, so at the very beginning I was unwanted, which caused a lot of hate, a lot of anger. And I was a terrible, terrible kid. And I met with my wife when we were nine. We were both nine years old. I proposed to her that day that I met with my wife when we were nine we were both nine years old. I proposed to her that day that I met her. She thought I was a creepy kid.

Speaker 5 13:37

But that's how cool it is that God, even when I was in the womb and all the things that we went through as kids. She went through a lot of abuse as a child. I went through a lot of stuff as a child, through a lot of abuse as a child. I went through a lot of stuff as a child and our paths just kept crossing and it was amazing how the common theme was always God. And I didn't realize that because I was a heathen, I was an atheist. Even until I got out of the Marine Corps I was like, yeah, that fairy tale God that you guys talk about. And she was going to church all the time. She knew the word. She grew up in the church knowing she had a relationship with Christ from the very beginning. So it was just really cool to look back after all this time and all the things that I've been through, and we look at it together and we see God's fingerprints on every single bit of it, from the womb all the way into sitting on this stage today. That's all, God.

Speaker 2 14:33

So you go from tough childhood and the movie I mean it's so fun, I don't. I don't know how much is correct in the movie. You were there on set, you have a cameo in it, so I assume probably fair and accurate in some regards. But in your journey you go through, finally y'all are married, you are out of school, you're a coach. What is the inspiration? I know kind of shows in the movie.

Speaker 2 15:01

I was a little bothered that there weren't maybe kindred release to actually things, yeah, you know, but for those that don't, what was the inspiration for you that led you to say I'm going to go kneel on the 50-yard line? How did that happen?

Speaker 5 15:15

So as soon as I got out of the Marine Corps, we weren't evenly yoked. I was failing in my marriage horribly and I finally ended up going to church, surrendering myself to God and saying God. Ended up going to church surrendering myself to God and saying God, if you give me my wife, I'll give you my life. That's how he got me into coaching, where I just actually applied for the job, where God started calling me. I heard his calling and I went home. I got interviewed on a Friday. I went home over the weekend, denise and I talked about it. Our kids talked about it, our kids. That's probably the only place our kids have a sanctuary for me is at school. So now I'm going to be on campus with them all the time and my my son wasn't the happiest, but my daughter thought that was cool. And now I'm going to be working for Denise, who is in the HR department. She is running the HR department.

Speaker 5 16:08

So nepotism got me hired because it wasn't about football at all. And it was just an amazing thing that that weekend, after doing or taking the interview, I was up in the middle of the night flipping through channels and there's nothing on at any given time. Thousand channels you have on your TV and there's never anything on. But at one o'clock in the morning, only thing that is on is probably not good stuff, but this football movie comes on Facing the Giants, and you know I mean the budget was what? $38 or something for the movie. But let me tell you, even a movie of that quality changed the entire spectrum of my life.

Speaker 1 16:59

Another break, folks. We'll be right back. That was Joe Kennedy you were listening to. We'll have more from him when we return here on the Wall Buller Show.

Speaker 2 17:13

Hey guys, it's Tim Barton and I want to tell you about our new book, the American Story Building the Republic. We start with George Washington as president and we've already become a nation. So really now it's how do we function as a nation? And if we look back in American history, the stability, the prosperity, success we enjoyed as Americans is because of the foundation that our early presidents laid, because the examples they set. How do we live in America under the Constitution? What is the role of federal government? And really what part did each one of these early presidents play? We go through the first seven presidents and a lot of people probably know the names Washington, adams, jefferson and Madison. Very few people know about Monroe or John Quincy Adams or Andrew Jackson. Now, we might know some of their names, we really don't know their stories. We want you to relearn, rediscover American history and see how it applies to today. Go to wallbuilderscom and get your copy of the American Story Building the Republic.

Speaker 1 18:12

Welcome back to the Wall Builder Show. Thanks for staying with us Jumping right back in with Coach Joe Kennedy at the Pro Family Legislators Conference.

Speaker 5 18:19

It was like God reached his hand through the TV, through the Kennedy brothers, grabbed my heart, threw me onto my living room floor and I was just sitting there just praying and crying, sobbing, and said God, I hear your calling. For the first time I hear the calling and I will give you the glory after every game win or lose, right there on the battlefield. So I stole it directly out of the movie. But the odds of all of that happening, you know, it's just. Yeah, I'm sure it was all coincidence, right.

Speaker 2 18:51

So not to get into the details of your wife firing you, which is great in the movie as well. So, kelly, as this happens, at what point do you get connected and realize there's something here?

Speaker 3 19:07

I mean literally, it was a God thing. What happened is one of our volunteer attorneys, who lived in Oklahoma, happened to see a Facebook post by Coach Kennedy because he used to go to that high school. And this coach says I think I'm about to be fired for praying. And so this guy, you know, reaches out to us and says, hey, there's a guy that needs help in Bremerton, washington, and within an hour one of our attorneys is a Marine. We had him on the plane to go see the fellow Marine and that started really the case. And um, and that started really the case. But to be honest, I don't think anybody knew. Uh, we knew it was going to be difficult through where we were, seattle, very hostile. Well, he didn't, but we did. But, uh, he had no idea how hard it was going to be.

Speaker 5 20:00

You win 90% of our cases. We do. Yeah, we won yours. Yeah, tell them how long. Well, it took seven and a half years, but that's okay.

Speaker 3 20:10

I didn't say it was going to be quick, but the thing that was great is we knew that this would be really important because there never had been a case on the rights of teachers or coaches and their faith Never in our history a case on the rights of teachers or coaches and their faith Never in our history. So we knew that affect a lot of people, but we had no idea that this would be the vehicle to get rid of lemon. That's the thing it's. I mean, this is the. You know, and I've said this before. I didn't say this today, but I'll say it now. Because of that alone, every American alive today has more religious freedom than they've ever had in their lifetime. And that's it All because of a dumb football coach.

Speaker 2 20:58

Coach, you had the courage to do what you think God called you to do in that moment and, jokingly, you didn't know how long it was going to take to get this victory. I would assume looking back, you would say fight a dude all over again. It was especially knowing what we know. It was worth it. There's a room full of legislators following what they think God's called them to do. Following what they think God's called them to do, what would you say as a word of encouragement for everybody in the thought of perseverance, the courage, the fortitude to stand up? How would you encourage them today?

Speaker 5 21:34

Well, I have to stand up for that because I got to do my coaching stuff. Now Can't sit there like these lawyers. You know, I was actually at breakfast this morning and I was talking to this preacher dude from alabama and we had the perfect conversation and it came down to you guys need to do what is right. It is the most simplest thing in the entire world. You just do what's right our friends.

Speaker 1 22:04

One more interruption, then we'll get the conclusion of Coach Joe Kennedy at the Pro Family Legislators Conference.

Speaker 2 22:15

Hey, this is Tim Barton with WallBuilders, and, as you've had the opportunity to listen to WallBuilders Live, you've probably heard the wealth of information about our nation, about our spiritual heritage, about the religious liberties, about all the things that makes America exceptional. And you might be thinking, as incredible as this information is, I wish there was a way that I could get one of the Wall Builders guys to come to my area and share with my group whether it be a church, whether it be a Christian school or public school or some political event or activity. If you're interested in having a WallBuilder speaker come to your area, you can get on our website at wwwwallbuilderscom and there's a tab for scheduling and if you'll click on that tab, you'll notice there's a list of information, from speakers' bios to events that are already going on, and there's a section where you can request an event to bring this information about who we are, where we came from, our religious liberties and freedoms. Go to the WallBuilders website and bring a speaker to your area. This is Tim Barton from WallBuilders, with another moment from American history.

Speaker 2 23:22

Founding fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson originally worked closely together but later became ardent opponents. This troubled Dr Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration who knew both of them very well. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 5.18, tells us that God has given each of us the ministry of reconciliation. Dr Rush believed this and set out to bring the two back together. It took a while, but Adams and Jefferson once again became close friends. And looking back on his role in helping bring about this reconciliation, dr Rush stated it will give me pleasure, as long as I live, to reflect that I have been in any degree instrumental in effecting this reunion of two souls destined to be dear to each other and motivated, with the same dispositions, to serve their country, though in different ways. For more information about Dr Benjamin Rush and his other remarkable achievements, go to wallbuilderscom.

Speaker 1 24:18

We're back, folks. Let's jump right back in with Coach Kennedy for the conclusion of his presentation at the Pro Family Legislators Conference.

Speaker 5 24:29

Now, we're not saying it's easy. We know it's not easy, because after you do what's right, you always have the consequences to that right. But we don't have to worry about this. I have this Bible verse. I had to tattoo it on my arm because I don't know the Bible very well, so it's the only way I can remember it. But it's 2 Timothy 4, 7, and it says fight the good fight, finish your race and remain faithful. Nowhere in there does it say we have to win, because God's got that win. He's already won that victory. So only thing we have to do is show up. So look at yourselves as individual legislators or people of influence in your community, even just the people that are fathers I like to pick on dads a lot Definitely look at yourselves and say am I fighting the good fight? Are you willing to finish the race? And the only thing we have to do is just remain faithful, and God has got our back. So that's how simple it is.

Speaker 2 25:34

Coach, we're so grateful for you. We praise God for how he used you in an amazing way. I think Daniel, shadrach, meshach and Abednego some of the heroes of the Bible had no idea how God was gonna use them, but they just knew I gotta stand, and to see what God has done is incredible. We are so grateful for you. Thank you for taking time to be with us, even this weekend. We appreciate you.

Speaker 5 25:59

Thanks guys, Love you all Thanks.

Speaker 1 26:06

All right, folks. That was Coach Joe Kennedy speaking at the Pro-Family Legislators Conference. You can, of course, get this program at our website, wallbuildersshow. You can share it from there to your friends and family. Be that force multiplier. Make sure they know about their religious liberty and get them to watch Joe's movie. Get them to tune in their religious liberty and get them to watch Joe's movie. Get them to tune in, get them to take biblical citizenship so they can learn how to actually take that ground in their communities and restore that religious liberty. Now that we have this opening what a wonderful, wonderful season that we're living in in America it's time to rebuild liberty. Let's do it this year, in 2025. Thanks so much for listening to the Wall Builder Show.