Faith, Freedom, and the Future: Reflections from the National Prayer Summit
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that sentiment rings true here. Thanks to my friends Matt Brown, Malachi O’Brien, and the Think Eternity team, I had the privilege of being one of 1,000 pastors and faith leaders invited to attend the inaugural National Faith Summit in Atlanta on Monday afternoon, featuring President Trump. The event, hosted by the National Faith Advisory Board, showcased a remarkable lineup of speakers. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be powerful.
Selfie with President Trump
Here are my reflections on the event and thoughts on the forthcoming election.
Faith Over Politics
The overarching theme of the Summit emphasized that our faith rests not in any candidate. Trump is not our savior—Jesus is the Answer. Jesus is King! That being said, people vote for politicians, and politicians create policies that impact lives. We should vote for leaders whose policies align with our Christian values.
While I’ve sometimes been accused of bringing politics into church, my focus isn’t on Trump as a personality but rather on the values he supports that align deeply with my own: the sanctity of life, family, parental rights, gender identity issues, fair sports policies, and economic stability.
If I needed heart surgery, my priority wouldn’t be whether the surgeon was a fruit-bearing Christian; I’d want the most qualified person for the job. Similarly, I vote for the leader who I believe will implement policies that protect the people and values I care about, regardless of personal flaws.
Biblical Foundations for My Choice
My vote is rooted in biblical principles that shape my values and priorities. This post isn’t an attempt to bring politics into the church or to tell anyone who to vote for. Rather, it’s an opportunity to share why I’m voting as I am. I believe it’s our responsibility as Christians to view policies through a biblical lens and consider how they align with our faith.
Memorable Quotes from the Summit
Here are two powerful quotes I took away from the National Faith Summit. Unfortunately, with so many speakers, I didn’t catch who said each one:
““David wasn’t planning on getting into politics when he brought his brothers lunch.””
““When we step forward, the giant steps back.””
Summit Highlights
Some of my favorite moments—outside of National Faith Advisory Board President Paula White’s interview with former President Trump—included insights from Jonathan Cahn, Jentezen Franklin, Samuel Rodriguez, and Eric Metaxas, as well as Danny Gokey’s performance of My America. Another unforgettable moment was when every speaker gathered around President Trump, laid hands on him, and prayed over him.
So, How Was President Trump?
If you’re interested, you can watch the entire interview for yourself by clicking here. I was impressed by his calm demeanor, kindness, and his acknowledgment of God’s divine protection. I was surprised, but also found it notable that he doesn’t drink alcohol. Overall, he displayed strong leadership, unexpected humility, and a genuine joy. It was a lively, enjoyable interview, and it was clear that Donald Trump deeply loves America.
President Trump | National Faith Summit | Atlanta, GA
Addressing Misunderstandings
1. Christian Nationalism
The term “Christian Nationalism” is often wielded as a label to discredit people who hold biblical values and genuinely care about our country. Loving our country and holding fast to faith-based principles doesn’t make someone a “Christian Nationalist”—it’s simply a commitment to values that benefit everyone. I love our country deeply!
2. Separation of Church and State
For anyone concerned about pastors discussing political views due to the term “separation of church and state,” here’s some historical context:
The concept of “separation of church and state” was established to protect religious freedom by preventing government interference in church affairs—not to remove faith or religious expression from the public sphere.
Historical Background
Many settlers in the American colonies had fled religious oppression in countries where governments enforced specific state churches, such as the Church of England. This experience led to a deep desire for religious liberty and protection from state interference in matters of faith.
The First Amendment
Ratified in 1791, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution enshrined this principle into law, stating, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This dual protection, known as the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, aimed to prevent the government from establishing a national religion or infringing on individuals' right to freely practice their faith.
Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptists (1802)
The phrase “separation of church and state” originates from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. Jefferson reassured the Baptists, who were concerned about government overreach, that the First Amendment had indeed built “a wall of separation between Church and State.” His message emphasized that the government’s role was to protect religious freedom, not to interfere with it.
Protecting the Church from Government Control
The primary intent behind this separation was to prevent government control over religious institutions or mandates on specific beliefs, allowing people to worship freely. This was designed to protect the church's integrity and independence. The intention was not to exclude religious voices from public matters but to ensure the state wouldn’t exert power over the church.
Religious Expression in Public Life
It’s also important to remember that this principle doesn’t mean excluding religious values from public life. Throughout American history, religious leaders and individuals have significantly influenced social movements, from the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement. The goal was to prevent the government from infringing on religious liberty, not to eliminate religious influence in the public square. Standing on Scripture means we bring biblical truth into every sphere of influence.
Bunni Pounds on Jesus and Politics
“We need more God-fearing people to take a leap of faith and engage in politics and public service.”
Andy King and I recently had the opportunity to interview Bunni Pounds on the Revival Town Podcast, and I was delighted to run into her at the Summit. Here’s the photo!
Chuck Tate and Bunni Pounds | National Faith Summit
Faith & Freedom Coalition
Below is a voter guide directly from the Faith & Freedom Coalition. Read it carefully, and remember—make your voice heard and vote!
Faith & Freedom Coalition
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Summit and the challenges and opportunities facing our nation, let’s remember God’s promise to us in Scripture—a call to prayer, humility, and a commitment to live by His truth.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
May we also be reminded that when God is at the center, our nation is truly blessed.
“What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”
Together, let’s stand in faith, pray with expectation, and trust God’s promise to restore, heal, and bless.