Pastor Travis Johnson is carrying a biblical defense of children and the family directly into the heart of downtown Mobile.
Throughout September, banners declaring “Protect Our Children From Gender Ideology” are displayed along Government Street, around City Hall and near several of the city’s prominent landmarks. The signs recognize Child Awareness Month and feature a family walking toward a church alongside an American flag and an Alabama cityscape.
“I don’t know why anyone would be upset about defending the family and defending children,” Johnson told CBN News interviewer Billy Hallowell. “Standing for children, standing for family is such a great win.”
The campaign began after Johnson learned that privately funded Pride Month banners had been permitted on Mobile’s public light poles. He decided Christians should have the same opportunity to publicly express a biblical message about children and the nuclear family.
“I figured if somebody could be ideological and put up their Pride Month banners, then I could be ideological and defend children and the nuclear family,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents, members of Congress and other political leaders have expressed support, while some officials have asked to keep a banner after the campaign concludes.
“We are a family-oriented community, a faith-oriented community,” he said. “As long as they’re going to be attacking kids, bringing harmful ideologies against kids, there’s going to be a lot of people here that stand in the gap, stand with our children.”
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Calling Pastors to Courage
Johnson’s public advocacy began in 2023 when evangelical pastors across Mobile signed a letter affirming free speech, calling people to repentance and opposing taxpayer support for drag performances involving children and other LGBTQ initiatives.
He said pastors cannot allow fear of criticism or conflict to keep them silent on issues clearly addressed by Scripture.
“These kinds of things aren’t one-time publicity stunts,” Johnson said. “What these are is this is a faithful walking out of Christian faith.”
Johnson connected the campaign to the earliest Christians, who cared for abandoned orphans and widows outside the city gates. His church continues that mission through orphan care, pregnancy resources and programs supporting children with autism and dyslexia.
Hallowell praised Johnson’s willingness to lead, noting that one courageous pastor can inspire others to stand.
Johnson said he hopes the banners force politicians and residents who have remained neutral to choose where they stand. His message to fellow pastors is equally direct: Trust the Holy Spirit, proclaim biblical truth and protect the next generation.
“Step up,” Johnson said, “and let’s go.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
