Senator Tim Scott has been public about his Christian faith for years. Now, in a powerful conversation with Pastor Greg Laurie, Scott is sharing how God led him down the path of politics despite his own personal desire to go into full-time ministry.
“I gave my life to Christ at a FCA meeting on a small scholarship at a school called Presbyterian College in South Carolina,” Scott recounts. “And as soon as I became a Christian I knew my call was to go to the seminary, but there was a clarity in my spirit…that was not my path.”
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While the South Carolina Senator knew that the Lord was not leading him into vocational ministry, he still tried years later to see if the door would open up in this direction.
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“I tried again about fifteen years later, and my pastor allowed me to have a Wednesday night service to myself and I preached and gave my message,” says Scott.
While Scott’s pastor acknowledged that he did a good job delivering his message, he let him know that he still felt that Scott was called into politics, not pastoring a church.
“He said, ‘I think you’re still called to be in politics,'” Scott shares. “I said, ‘I rebuke you in Jesus’ name.'”
When you give your life to Jesus, you soon find out—He’s got plans for you. Big ones.
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) August 14, 2025
I never imagined mine would involve preaching. But that’s what the Lord decided, and it’s been my privilege to do it for over 50 years.
When Tim Scott came to Christ, he thought his calling… pic.twitter.com/m6uI0dOUeJ
This is when Scott says his pastor helped him to see things from a different perspective.
“He said, ‘I think God has called you to a different kind of ministry, and your pulpit might not ever be in a church, but He can use you to have impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ right where He has you,'” Scott remembers.
Tim Scott’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s call isn’t limited to pulpits or church platforms—it reaches into every sphere of life, from classrooms to boardrooms to the halls of government.
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Just as the Lord placed Scott in politics for a kingdom purpose, He can place you exactly where you are to shine His light and advance His gospel. Wherever God has planted you, He has equipped you to be His ambassador, and no position is too ordinary—or too public—for His extraordinary work.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
