Recently, I’ve found myself reflecting on the state of our nation—both where we’ve been and where we’re headed. The last celebration of Independence Day reminded me of how deeply God’s hand has shaped America’s history.
From the earliest settlers seeking religious freedom to the faith-inspired vision of our founding fathers, it’s clear that biblical truth and Christian conviction have played a powerful role in forming the foundation of this country. And yet, as we look around today, it’s just as clear that the need for the Church in America remains as urgent as ever.
I’m inspired by the way God used the desire of ordinary men and women who hungered and thirsted for religious purity to leave the corruption of a morally secular country and traverse the Atlantic with hopes of establishing a colony rooted in God from which the gospel of Jesus could be proclaimed. I marvel at how our founding fathers drew upon their Biblical knowledge to envision a tri-fold form of government vested in three branches, inspired by and modeled after the judicial, legislative, and executive aspects of God’s authority depicted in Isaiah 33:22.
I am awestruck by the probability that two of our nation’s first presidents – pioneers, patriots, and Christian men of faith who played pivotal roles in the conception of America, would not only pass away on the very same day, but on the anniversary of our nation’s independence no less, fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Clearly, the Lord’s involvement in the affairs of the United States through God-fearing Christians is nothing short of undeniable.
The Enduring Cultural Influence of the American Church
Were it not for the existence and impact of the Christian Church in America, our country would not be what it is today. The abolition of slavery, the women’s suffrage movement, the cessation of racial segregation, and acquisition of civil liberties for African Americans are just a few examples where the Church’s influence on American culture helped to positively shape the morals, values, and policies of our nation.
Beyond our borders, the United States has long been one of the foremost nations in advancing the Gospel of Jesus across the globe—through Bible distribution, Christian media, online platforms, and global missions. The impact of the American Church, both at home and abroad, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Why the Gospel is Still America’s Greatest Need
Yet for all the incredible contributions the Church has made, many Americans today view it as outdated—an irrelevant relic of the past with little to offer modern society. Others see it as a threat: an institution whose moral convictions stand in contrast to the ever-evolving “virtues” promoted by many academic institutions, media outlets, and political movements.
Because many local churches still hold to a biblically faithful worldview, they are often accused of being intolerant, uninformed, or harmful—especially when standing against cultural trends like abortion, relativism, spiritual syncretism, and DEI ideologies. But I would argue that now more than ever, America needs the Church. And here are three reasons why.
Standing for Truth in a Culture of Confusion
1. America Needs the Church to Preach the Gospel
When Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (Mt. 28:19),” it didn’t come with an expiration date. That includes our nation today. Despite America’s long legacy of Gospel proclamation, large portions of the population are still unaware, uninterested, or misinformed about Jesus.
According to a 2025 research study led by renowned Christian statistician George Barna, “Americans are increasingly minimizing the role and influence of God in their lives – with a minority of only 40% who believe He exists or influences human lives.” That makes our mission more important than ever. Every Christian in America has a role to play in sharing the good news of salvation in Christ.
2. America Needs the Church to Stand for Truth
Before His crucifixion, Jesus warned that deception would increase in the last days (Mt. 24:4,11,24). We’re watching that unfold in real time. Truth is being redefined as something personal and subjective, while biblical wisdom is mocked and dismissed.
The Church must be a pillar of truth—preaching the Word boldly, correcting false ideas with love, and refusing to compromise on God’s standards. When we stand for truth, we preserve the very values that make flourishing possible.
3. America Needs the Church to Protect Our Heritage
Our founders understood that human rights come from God, not government. But as belief in God declines, so does belief in objective, unalienable rights. That’s dangerous. If government becomes the source of liberty, it can also become the source of oppression.
That’s why the Church must be involved—not just through prayer and preaching, but also through civic engagement, support for righteous causes, and leadership in local and national arenas. Protecting our heritage means standing firm in truth, promoting biblical justice, and resisting apathy.
A Call to Action for Today’s Church
The Church has had an undeniable impact on America’s past—and our country needs it just as much in the present. The question is whether we’ll rise to meet that need. Will we continue to preach the Gospel? Will we stand for truth? Will we protect our spiritual and cultural heritage?
Every believer has the opportunity to influence this nation for Christ. Whether through conversations at work, faithful service in the local church, or courageous leadership in the public square—God uses ordinary Christians to accomplish extraordinary things.
As Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Mt. 9:37).” May we be counted among the workers—faithful to the call, bold in our witness, and unwavering in our mission. Let us demonstrate why America still needs the Church.
