The pulpit and political power are about to collide in Washington, and one of America’s most controversial progressive pastors isn’t planning to leave his church behind.
According to the Christian Post, Democratic Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton will continue serving as senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection, one of the largest congregations in the United Methodist Church, even as he prepares to take his seat in the U.S. Senate.
But Hamilton’s political victory is only part of the story.
The 62-year-old pastor will transition from full-time to “quarter-time” employment at the church, preaching about 12 to 18 weekends a year, including Christmas and Easter. He also plans to continue mentoring church leaders.
As Charisma previously reported, Hamilton has become an icon of controversy, including the outrage that followed a 2020 sermon that resurfaced in which he called his congregation to repent of behaviors contributing to climate change, including fossil fuel consumption and beef-based dietary choices.
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Hamilton also faced backlash over comments about white privilege. As Charisma shared, he urged his congregation to repent during a 2020 sermon following the death of George Floyd.
Yet perhaps one of the most significant controversies stemmed from his statements about one of Christianity’s foundational doctrines.
In October, Charisma reported on Hamilton’s remarks about Jesus’ virgin birth. Although Hamilton affirmed his personal belief in the virgin birth, he suggested that Christians could follow Jesus without accepting the doctrine as historically true.
His campaign maintained that he believed in the virgin birth and encouraged people struggling with doubt to continue pursuing Christ.
Now, the same pastor whose teachings have raised questions about biblical authority is preparing to enter one of the world’s most powerful legislative bodies.
His victory represents more than a political upset in a traditionally Republican state. It places a prominent voice of progressive ideologies in a position of national influence, while leaving him at the helm of a major American congregation.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
