The Rise and Fall of the Christian Coalition - The Inside Story (Paperback)

Synopsis: Christian Coalition experienced a meteoric rise in American politics in the 1990s only to see its profile and impact vanish into embarrassing irrelevancy at the end of the decade, leaving many to ask, "Whatever happened to the Christian Coalition?" Joel Vaughan offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Christian Coalition, once the pre-eminent, conservative grassroots political organization in America. Working closely with founder Pat Robertson, President Don Hodel, and wunderkind Executive Director Ralph Reed, the author reveals in a captivating manner the factors that caused the rapid growth of this astonishingly successful organization, and the internal strife that led to its tragic and rapid decline. Containing useful insights for leaders about organizational dynamics and grassroots movements of any kind, The Rise and Fall of the Christian Coalition shows how people of faith can become more effective at making their voice heard in local, state, and national elections, as well as many obstacles and ambitions to avoid. Gilbert and Sullivan wrote a song about a young man who went to work for the British Admiralty and "polished up the handles so carefully" that he became ruler of Queen Victoria's Navy. Joel Vaughan rose from volunteer to Deputy Field Director and, ultimately, to the dual positions of Assistant to the President and Director of Administration. He brings an insider's intimate knowledge of the explosive growth and the ultimate crisis in leadership of Christian Coalition. Full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and revelations, this book is a "must read" for every person interested in American politics who wants a better idea of the pro-family movement and its foremost organization, as well as those interested in the Do's and Don'ts of running a nonprofit organization. Endorsements: "The Christian Coalition's significant influence on American politics as the last century moved towards its close is indisputable. Joel Vaughan was blessed to have played an integral role in the Coalition's growth and had a front row seat to the motives, aspirations, and weaknesses of its leaders. In a thorough and entertaining manner, Vaughan's The Rise and Fall of the Christian Coalition captures the essence of the Coalition, its leaders, and the political environment in which the group rose to prominence, as well as how it ultimately dwindled into insignificance. All students of political history and social movements will benefit from Vaughan's fair-minded recounting of this unique period of our history when Christians were able to mold the political landscape in a manner few would have ever believed possible. And those who witnessed this remarkable organization's dramatic evolution will find Vaughan's 'behind the scenes' insights to be both illuminating and engaging." -Rusty Leonard, CFA, Founder and CEO of MinistryWatch.com "Joel Vaughan relies on neither gossip nor guesswork in this compelling book. His is an insider's account; ten years at the Christian Coalition and an easy writing style provide the reader with a ringside seat to one of the most controversial--and consequential-periods in modern American political history." -Kellyanne Conway, President and CEO, the polling company, inc./WomanTrend Author Bio: Joel D. Vaughan is Assistant to the President of a multi-national, pro-family Christian ministry. He served with the Christian Coalition from 1989 to 1999 in positions ranging from volunteer, to Deputy National Field Director, to Director of Administration, and Assistant to the President. He has been Vice President of a political advertising firm, and has served in political campaigns and organizations. He holds a bachelors degree in economics and business, and a masters degree in biblical studies. He and his wife, Kellie, reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado, along with their kitty, Virginia.