The study finds that between 1992 and 2000 there was a drastic 40 percent decline in the number of Christians who went to the polls. Sonja Swiatkiewicz of Focus on the Family Action says the vote bounced back with a vengeance in four years later.

“In 2004 Christian voter turnout increased by 93%, an incredible amount over the 2002 numbers. And, as a result 63% of freshmen congressmen and 77% of freshmen senators were pro-life.”

Those lawmakers confirmed two strict-constructionist Supreme Court justices and for the first time in decades made critical advances in pro-life legislation.

“Not just limiting spending on abortion but have protected life since the Roe v. Wade decision.”

But in 2006 Christian voter turnout decreased by 30% and pro-abortion Democrats took control of Congress. The Baltimore Sun called that class “the most pro-choice Congress in the history of the Republic.” Doug Phillips of Vision Forum Ministries says courageous leaders must speak up to motivate the Christian electorate.

“Voter turnout is down in part because there is little to inspire the Christians to respond by coming to the ballot box. They want to see something that represent hope and principal and hopefully they want to represent Jesus Christ in the ballot box.”

In addition to family values legislation, leaders elected in 2008 will be responsible for confirming judges to the federal bench.