From Vision to Victory: The God-Sized Story Behind Alliance Defending Freedom
The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its 2025-2026 term late last month with its usual array of blockbuster decisions, including two cases where a majority of the justices ruled that states can prohibit men who are pretending to be women from competing on girls’ sports teams.
Writing for the majority, Justice Kavanaugh stated, “Title IX does not require an overhaul of women’s and girls’ sports throughout America.” You may recall that “Title IX” is the federal law that has long prohibited sex-based discrimination in educational and school sporting activities.
Other cases of significant interest to socially conservative Christians included Chiles v. Salazar, where the majority ruled that a Colorado law prohibiting Christian counselors from helping individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction was a violation of their First Amendment speech rights.
Then there was Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic at the end of last term where six justices, led by Neil Gorsuch, ruled that South Carolina could exclude the leading abortion provider from the state’s Medicaid program. In addition, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously this past term that a Christian pro-life pregnancy center couldn’t be forced to turn over its donor records to state officials.
All of these high-profile cases were significant victories for Christians and religious freedom, and all of them share a common thread: our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) were instrumental in arguing and winning the cases before the Supreme Court.
Including this past term’s victories, since ADF’s founding in 1994, this remarkable organization has played a role in 87 Supreme Court wins.
To paraphrase President Donald Trump, “Are we tired of winning yet?”
Given the 32 years since ADF’s founding, entire generations have likely come to take the legal defense organization as a given force today. That’s a sign of its staying power, but it’s also a reminder to not take its extraordinary success for granted.
Many may not know that Focus on the Family played a pivotal role in its creation. Originally known as the Alliance Defense Fund, Focus founder Dr. James Dobson was becoming increasingly alarmed with how many Christians were getting rolled by radical judges and a legal system hostile to the Christian worldview. At the time, the ACLU was on the march and making significant strides in its efforts to bully and silence believers in the public square.
Dr. Dobson decided to pledge some of his own money to the effort, and the Focus board authorized the ministry to also contribute to the new organization. Other founding donors included Campus Crusade’s Dr. Bill Bright, Dr. D. James Kennedy and Larry Burkett.
“Dr. Dobson told me that he was extremely committed to this idea and very serious about it,” reflected Alan Sears, a then-federal prosecutor who would be hired to head up the fledgling group.
Beyond mere money, though, Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family lent its credibility, authority and significant reach via the radio airwaves and the ministry’s print publications. People trusted ADF because they trusted Focus and its founder.
Looking back on those days, Alan Sears observed, “He (Dr. Dobson) gave us the greatest gift any person can give: his name and reputation.”
Writing to Focus constituents in 1995, Dr. Dobson shared, “We provide exposure and assistance to other worthy endeavors throughout the year … Where did many of you first hear about Promise Keepers, Moms in Touch, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), the “Angel Tree” ministry of Prison Fellowship, Summit Ministries, the National Day of Prayer, DC/LA ’94 youth gatherings, Gary Bauer’s Family Research Council, Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts, Alan Sears’ Alliance Defense Fund, Don Wildmon’s American Family Association, Tony Evans’ Urban Alternative, Dr. Jerry Kirk’s National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families and the homeschooling movement?”
He then added:
“From the beginning, it has been our objective to publicize and generate support for worthy causes such as these.”
Focus on the Family has never wanted to be territorial. The ministry has simply wanted to be effective and use whatever means it has to serve the Lord and its people.
The exponential growth and unprecedented success of ADF is a testimony to that commitment and trust in the Lord. It’s a reflection of what can happen when God’s people see a need and step out in faith to try and address it.
Now led by Kristen Waggoner, who serves as CEO, President, and Chief Counsel, please join us in continuing to pray for their extraordinary team as they prepare for the 2026-2027 term.
