Politics

When It Comes to Christians and Policy, Pastor Willy Rice Gets It

Christians in America would be well served if more pastors in churches shared the same convictions as Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Willy Rice.

Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida, since 2004, Dr. Rice has a burning passion to rally fellow ministers in Christendom to engage the culture and their community. Speaking last month to seminarians at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, his alma mater, the SBC leader was blunt.

“The need of the hour is not for executives, celebrities, intellectuals, life-coaches, podcasters, authors or performers,” he said. “The greatest need in our movement is for faithful, Christ-honoring pastors that will take up the task of shepherding the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

According to Dr. Rice, part of that pastoral task includes encouraging Christians to engage in the political process.

“Throughout American history, pastors have had a strong voice at key moments in American political history, even in the revolutionary times—maybe especially in the founding of our country,” Rice said.

Pastor Rice isn’t shy about confronting the mistaken belief that Christian leaders should stay silent on hot-button cultural issues. 

“It’s quite interesting, over the last several years, among many conservatives—and by conservative, I’m not talking politically there as much as I’m talking theologically; I’m talking about historic Christian orthodoxy,” Rice stressed. “Many Bible-believing, conservative evangelicals were actually being encouraged to be more quiet, to withdraw from the political process.”

He continued:

“Some of those voices came externally from pressure saying, ‘You shouldn’t mix religion and politics,’” Rice argued. “But some of those voices came internally from those who said, ‘In order to be faithful in our mission, we needed to decouple, divorce ourselves as it were, from some controversial political issues.’”

Pastor Rice has been calling on pastors and Christian believers to help clarify the rampant confusion that’s seeped into the minds of some believers and churches.

Calling same-sex “marriage” and the gender revolution “assaults on the truth of God and His creation,” Rice has recommended revising the “Baptist Faith & Message” to leave no doubt what the Bible says about both. That document is the official statement of faith and doctrinal guide of the SBC.

Dr. Rice is proposing that the Convention include two new sentences in the document that declare, “I believe that God creates people in His image as either male or female and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice. I believe marriage is instituted by God, not government, is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression.”

Since assuming his role as head of the SBC, Dr. Rice has attempted to debunk the ignorant belief that pastors can’t address cultural issues out of fear of getting political.

“Should pastors engage in the political process? They absolutely should,” said Rice. “Because there are many political issues that are, at their heart, theological issues and moral issues that strike at the very center of what we believe to be true and what we believe people need to know in order to flourish personally and as a culture.”

These theological issues include the sanctity of life, the biblical definition of one-man, one-woman marriage, the biblical distinction between male and female, and religious freedom.

“The abortion issue, the sanctity of human life, has been a critical issue for us,” stressed Rice. “Because what it means to be a human being and whether human life is sacred, made in the image of God is a deeply theological issue. It is at its core a theological issue. And of course, even in this midterm, there are amendments on the ballot in places like Virginia. The issue of the sanctity of human life is as relevant and as critical and as important as it has ever been.”

He concluded: “Pastors need to continue to articulate not just how to vote on these issues but why we need to vote those ways.” 

Please join us in praying for Dr. Rice and for the receptivity of his message to pastors all across America.

Cracker Barrel Walked Back the Woke — and It’s Working

It was just last summer when Cracker Barrel executives offended legions of diehard fans by announcing plans to scrap their logo, deep-six fan favorite menu items and reimagine the vibe of the famed restaurant and country store.

It was all driven by a desire to be perceived as being more hip, less conservative and more politically neutral. 

The strategy backfired badly. 

Naturally, Cracker Barrel didn’t set out to drive their loyal fans away, but that’s exactly what happened. A social media firestorm quickly instigated a public relations crisis. The stock price tanked by more than 40% during the debacle. The revolt only abated after company officials admitted their mistakes, reversed course and worked overtime to reassure customers they were committed to restoring and reestablishing its many traditional touches.

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel,” the company said. “We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon.”

Almost a year later, Chief Executive Julie Felss Masino told company investors that the beloved restaurant and store is thriving again by embracing the very items and attitude so many of its customers cited for driving and establishing their fanatical ties. The stock price jumped 22% this week after the company reaffirmed its commitment to its founding ideals.

Cracker Barrel has restored its popular campfire meal and dinners – and stocked store shelves with patriotic merchandise related to America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration. Walk into any store and you can find U.S. Constitution T-shirts and any number of items featuring the American flag and the colors red, white and blue. 

Unlike the broken woke brigade that loves to run down America, Cracker Barrel is raising it up. 

At the same time, things still aren’t as good as they once were, and customer traffic is still down slightly year-over-year.

The ongoing challenges affirm just how quickly companies can go from “woke to broke” when they abandon their ideals and are either ignorant or indifferent to what their customers want and expect from them.

It appears Cracker Barrel was able to salvage their hard-fought reputation, although it cost them – and may still yet.

Shortly after the PR meltdown, company officials removed “LGBTQ” and “DEI” pages from its sites. As of this writing, unlike its many corporate competitors, Cracker Barrel has yet to acknowledge this year’s “Pride Month.”

In walking back from the “woke” edge, Cracker Barrel has learned some hard lessons that should be instructive and illustrative for other companies and individuals.

First, great companies don’t follow – they lead. It was the corporate sheep mentality that led to them caving last year. Sheep don’t want to be shamed – but there is nothing shameful about affirming founding principles that helped build your company and brand.

Second, only foolish and shortsighted companies are afraid to celebrate America. Our country is a miracle that was forged and founded by many people of deep Christian faith. However imperfect the United States has been over the years, its exceptionalism should be acknowledged and celebrated. We shouldn’t hide our patriotism or apologize for it.

Third, Cracker Barrel’s rebound demonstrates that Americans are a forgiving people if they feel the apology is sincere and heartfelt. If you make a mistake, admit it, correct it, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Like any other restaurant and retail establishment, Cracker Barrel still faces the usual industry headwinds ranging from Americans eating out less to save money to the reality of the declining brick-and-mortar store. It’s impossible to know if Uncle Herschel and Company will still be around for America’s 300th birthday, but avoiding self-inflicted wounds will be one way to help increase their chances of making it happen.

5 Easy Ways Christians Can Get Involved in Politics

If you’ve been a Christian for any number of years, you’ve probably heard a pastor preach on Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world” (ESV).

In America, Christians have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to serve as salt and light in our culture by influencing our nation’s politics. Christians should care about politics because laws and policies impact people. Influencing national, state and local politics is one way that Christians can love God and their neighbor.

The conservative journalist Andrew Breitbart used to say, “Politics is downstream from culture.” That’s true. However, since the law is a great teacher, culture is downstream from politics, too! That means our politics can help shape and influence the culture – and the people – around us.

Some may say politics is “too dirty” to get involved in, or that their vote “doesn’t matter.” But nothing could be further from the truth.

According to one survey, an estimated 41 million born-again Christians chose not to vote in the 2024 election, including 32 million self-identified Christians who regularly attend church, and 14 million church-going evangelicals.

In elections that are decided by a few thousands votes in key states across the country, an increased participation among faithful Christians could easily change the outcome, and therefore the course of our nation.

So, how can Christians take easy, simple steps to get involved? Here are five practical steps to consider.

First, pray! Scripture reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (ESV). Every Christian can take time to pray about the state of our nation, their level of political involvement and for guidance for those in elected offices.

Second, get informed! Most people know who the president is. (You do, right?) But many can’t name their senators, congressman, or elected state and local officials. Get up to speed on who your elected representatives are – and whether they support or oppose your principles and values. Also, begin to learn about important political and moral issues that are being discussed like life, marriage, education, religious freedom and free speech.

Third, stay informed! As you’re able, pay attention to various news sources to know what’s happening in the nation and your community. However, I must add a word of caution. Be wary of most mainstream media sources – we’re looking at you MSNBC, CNN, NPR and The New York Times – that have a distinctly liberal perspective. As former President Ronald Reagan once said, “The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” So be sure to get your news from reputable sources. We suggest The Daily Citizen Morning Headlines – where we deliver a compilation of news stories from a variety of sources each weekday for free – as a great place to start.

Fourth, register to vote! Former President Thomas Jefferson is often quoted as saying, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” You can have all the opinions in the world, but if you don’t vote, you’re letting your voice fall silent at the ballot box. Make sure your voter registration is up to date, and find out when the next election is happening in your area.

Fifth, get engaged! Consider attending your local school board meetings, writing opinion pieces to your local newspaper on important issues, or even running for office yourself! Connect with your state-based Family Policy Council to learn how you can get involved in your state. The best way to learn how to swim is to jump into the pool headfirst! (Ok, that may not be true.) But it is true that if you pray, vote and engage, you can help shape your local community, and our nation, for the better – and you’re sure to learn a lot in the process.

Now go forth, and do great things!

Related articles and resources:

A Hopeful View of America’s Future

Revolutionary Faith in the Birth of America

Christian Faith in American History

Photo from Shutterstock.

Swalwell and Gonzales: The High Cost of Sexual Sin in Positions of Power

News this week of the high-profile resignations of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) is quintessential “tabloid fodder” — scandalous and sensational stories that make headlines and simultaneously intrigue and disgust.

While both situations are somewhat unique, their luridness is not — powerful politicians betraying the public trust on numerous levels. In recent history, you may recall the names of other representatives such as Anthony Weiner, Katie Hill, Tim Murphy, and Mark Foley. It was in 2018 when Senator Al Franken resigned following accusations of sexual harassment. All of them departed Washington under clouds of suspicion and in disgrace.

Rep. Swalwell announced his resignation and suspended his campaign for governor of California following multiple allegations of sexual abuse.

Rep. Gonzales admitted to an extra-marital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Sexual sin is not limited to Washington, D.C., of course, nor is it a recent phenomenon in history. The Bible warns about sexual sin numerous times, both directly and indirectly. From warnings in the Old Testament to not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14) to the Apostle Paul urging believers to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18), it’s obvious that sexual temptation is ever present.

In recent decades, Christian social conservatives have often been mocked for promoting and defending a biblical sexual ethic. In the past, entire social media platforms have even labeled Christians who opposed same-sex marriage as regressive bigots. Shows like Saturday Night Live have portrayed Christians who adhere to a strict sexual code of conduct as intolerant and out of touch. For decades, virgins have been lampooned.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has long been criticized for his practice of not eating or meeting alone in a room with a woman without another person present. After he discussed his prayer life and said that the Lord talks with him, “The View’s” Joy Behar derided and ridiculed him.

“It’s one thing to talk to Jesus,” she said. “It’s another thing when Jesus talks to you. That’s called mental illness, if I’m not correct — hearing voices. My question is, can he talk to Mary Magdalene without his wife in the room?” 

She later apologized, but only after being heavily criticized. In essence, Behar was labeling those who take God’s Word and promises seriously as being mentally ill. 

It’s one thing to disobey God’s laws and commandments regarding human sexuality, but to openly and enthusiastically criticize them belies a fundamental and foundational fact:

They work.

Not to reduce God’s laws and guidance to a prescription or a simple formula to follow, they’re nevertheless deeply practical and wildly effective. God doesn’t forbid extramarital sex to be a killjoy, but in part because He knows it will ultimately kill and destroy those who embrace it.

The late Dr. Vernon Grounds, who served as president of Denver Seminary, once rightly observed, “A source of the intensest pleasure earthlings can experience, sex has also been a source of vexatious trouble for the human family since the beginning of history.”

Representatives Swalwell and Gonzales reflect this reality, but the lessons about the liberation that comes from fleeing from sexual sin are available to anyone and everyone long before it’s too late to do something about it.

Fleeing from sexual sin won’t necessarily make you a successful congressman, but it will protect your marriage and allow you to live free of guilt and shame. 

Because of a fallen humanity, Washington, D.C. will never be a perfect environment. But if our representatives would all adhere to a biblical sexual ethic, it would certainly be a lot less dysfunctional than it currently is. 

Wrote the psalmist, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (19:7). The Swamp is in desperate need of Christian revival.

Families Are Moving to a Better Life … in Red States

Across the country, families are packing up their beloved and settled homes and starting a new life elsewhere. What’s motivating them to go to so much trouble?

The data show it’s politics and beliefs. They are leaving blue states for red states. And married couples are also more likely to start their families with babies in red states.

This is the finding of the 2026 Family Structure Index created jointly by Ohio’s Center for Christian Virtue and the Institute for Family Studies (IFS). They report, “From 2019 to 2024, there has been a steady exodus of families from Blue to Red America – 370,000 families from blue to red states.” In fact, 713,000 married families with children have packed up fromblue states and headed for red since 2008. With numbers like this, it’s likely you know such a family.

That is quite a dramatic national shift and others have noted it previously.

States like Florida, Texas, Utah, Idaho and South Carolina are benefiting from this trend. Husbands and wives are making this move because these states have resisted following crazy policy decisions favored by left-leaning politicians and voters relative to education, sexuality, immigration and economic policy. Affordable housing is another big factor. 

As Aaron Baer and Brad Wilcox, the primary principals of this study explain, “In many blue states, especially on the coasts, restrictive zoning and high costs have pushed homeownership out of reach for young families.” They add, “In much of red America, that dream remains attainable.”

Tax policy has also motivated these blue-to-red migrations. Baer and Wilcox observe, “Lower tax burdens in many red states leave families with more room in their budgets, whether for childcare, a good private school or saving for the future.”

The problem with blue-run cities has gotten so bad even liberal New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof admitted the problem in 2024, reporting “the bluest parts of the country – cities on the West Coast – are a mess.” But of course, it is more than just the West Coast. Our state of Colorado, where Focus on the Family and its employees live, seems to be working overtime to run off reasonable people, as The Babylon Bee recently noted.

But it is not only that strong conservative families are moving into red states. More conservative states are home-growing more families. Red states have been shown to be notably more fertile than blue states. 

The Institute for Family Studies finds, “From 2019 to 2024, red states saw the share of prime-age adults who are married rise 1.8 percentage points and the share of teens in married-parent families rise 0.2 points; blue states saw both figures fall.”

IFS demonstrates these red/blue differentials here:

Yes, fertility has dropped for both, but it has declined much more starkly among blue states.

Baer and Wilcox conclude,

The Great American Family Sort is more than a demographic shift. It is a signal. Families are making their priorities clear through where they choose to live and have children. The question is whether the rest of the country is paying attention.

They should. As IFS observes, “Americans who put family first are increasingly making their home in Red America.” People are paying attention to what various states are doing with their public policy and voting with their feet … and their moving vans.