In a time of intense political polarization, finding examples of faith-informed leadership that brings people together rather than pushing them apart can feel rare. That’s why this recent conversation between Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) offers such a refreshing perspective on how Christian faith can shape public service.
From Youth Pastor to Sen. James Lankford
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sen. Lankford’s story is his unusual path to politics. Before being elected to Congress, he served for 22 years as a youth pastor. This transition caused people to question his family’s decision.
Lankford’s response is a challenge to us all. Rather than seeing politics as separate from his calling, he and his wife experienced a clear calling from God to run for Congress. As he puts it, “God just kept saying to us over and over, ‘Come follow me.'” This led him to examine Scripture more deeply about the relationship between faith and politics.
He points out that 36 of the 39 books of the Old Testament were written to, by, or about political leaders, and that a third of the New Testament (Luke and Acts) was addressed to Theophilus, a political leader. Far from seeing politics as something Christians should avoid, Lankford sees it as a natural extension of the biblical mandate to be light in dark places.
“ Anger is not going to drive us towards what’s better. Scripture is very clear about that. But following God’s calling and actually representing who He really is in every place in society is a right calling.”
Sen. James Lankford
Love Your Neighbor – No Asterisks
What stands out in this conversation is Lankford’s commitment to treating political opponents with respect and dignity. When asked about Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Lankford is unequivocal:
“Jesus didn’t put an asterisk on that and say, ‘unless you’re elected, this doesn’t apply.'”
He distinguishes between the “cable news principles” that encourage division and “Jesus principles” that apply everywhere and in every occupation. This doesn’t mean Lankford is a “squishy moderate”—he describes himself as having a “very strong conservative perspective.” But he believes you can hold strong convictions while still treating others with dignity.
“I should be able to [voice disagreement] in a way that understands that’s a person created in the image of God who has value and worth inherently . . . that’s my Samaritan neighbor, and I’m going to love them as I love God, as I love myself.”
“Jesus didn’t put an asterisk on that and say, ‘unless you’re elected, this doesn’t apply.’ The cable news principles are not the Jesus principles.”
Sen. James Lankford on applying biblical commands to love your neighbor in politics
Bridging Partisan Divides
The Senate, according to Lankford, provides a unique opportunity for finding common ground. Unlike the House, which can pass legislation with a simple majority, the Senate typically requires 60 votes to advance legislation—meaning bipartisan cooperation is necessary.
This mirrors the dynamics of church life, where people with different political views regularly worship side by side. As Lankford notes, “In normal life, you sit down with people that many times you disagree with, and you figure out how to be able to do life together.”
Leatherwood notes that Lankford’s reputation as someone who can work across the aisle while maintaining his convictions precedes him. People regularly name him as someone who can help convince others of the rightness of their cause through respectful dialogue rather than combative rhetoric.
Sen. James Lankford Highlights Current 2025 Legislative Priorities
As a member of Senate leadership in a Congress where Republicans control both chambers and the White House, Lankford highlighted several priorities:
- Tax Policy Reform – Current tax policy expires in December, and without action, taxes will increase across all brackets.
- Government Efficiency – Addressing waste in government spending.
- Defunding Planned Parenthood – Using the budget reconciliation process (which requires only 51 votes instead of 60) to remove funding from the nation’s largest abortion provider.
- Protecting Girls’ Sports – Ensuring biological males cannot compete in girls’ sports competitions.
The Mirror of American Politics
Perhaps most compelling is Lankford’s forthcoming book (set for April release) called The Turnaround, which addresses the connection between our political culture and broader society.
“When people look at D.C., a lot of times they’ll say we’re angry, divided, yelling at each other. I was like, yeah, how’d it go at Thanksgiving last year at your house?”
“D.C. is really a mirror to the country that the country doesn’t want to admit. When people look at D.C., they’ll say we’re angry, divided, yelling at each other. I was like, yeah, how’d it go at Thanksgiving last year at your house?”
Sen. James Lankford on America’s political divisions
Lankford sees Washington as a mirror reflecting the divisions in American society. The solution, he suggests, isn’t just changing who we vote for but changing how we engage with one another in our communities.
“You turn around the country, not just with a vote, but with engagement with your community in a different way.”
Sen. James Lankford on Daily Bible Reading
When asked how serving in politics has challenged and strengthened his faith, Lankford shared a personal practice: reading a Psalm every day. Many psalms were written by political leaders like David, addressing the challenges of leadership and opposition.
“Every morning as I read through the Psalms, it is a reset for me to go, ‘God, I know you see . . .This is the battle I’m in, but the battle is the Lord’s.'”
Sen. James Lankford
A Call to Prayer
Lankford closed with a powerful challenge to those frustrated by today’s political climate:
“Those folks that drive you crazy on TV . . . stop and pray for them. That’s my mission field . . . If we can just shift as believers from praying for those that frustrate us rather than just yelling at the TV . . . that will make a huge difference in each of us. And I believe as we pray, we make a difference in the nation.”
Sen. James Lankford
In a time when politics and faith often seem in tension, Sen. Lankford offers a vision of public service guided by a commitment to Christ and to biblical principles of dignity, respect, and love of neighbor. For those seeking to engage politically without sacrificing their Christian witness, his example provides a compelling roadmap.
Sen. James Lankford’s new book The Turnaround will be released in April 2025.
