Guidance on Christian Nationalism: When to Consider Leaving Your Church

Since the start of 2024, our church’s pastor has increasingly mixed political views with church operations and messaging. Recently, the church advertised an event featuring a pro-Trump movie. During this time, the pastor made the following statements:

“I know I’ve been accused of being a Christian nationalist. Don’t let that term fool you. It used to be called Patriot. Our founding fathers were patriots who believed in a nation based on Christian principles. I’ve often replied to those who call me a Christian nationalist: What are you? Jesus said, if you’re not with us, you’re against us. If you’re not for a Christian nation, then you’re a Luciferian nationalist, right? You’re a satanic nationalist.”

This rhetoric is increasingly upsetting my teens and causing my wife and me to pause. I’ve been trying to educate myself on Christian nationalism, but nothing positive seems to emerge from it. Is it time to consider finding another church? This has been our home for over 20 years.