Show notes
Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson
🎙️ On today’s show, Joey welcomed Chad Connelly, the founder and CEO of Faith WINS, a national organization empowering faith leaders to engage biblically and boldly in the public square. Chad joined us to talk about what’s happening across America—and how pastors are stepping up to reclaim their voice.
🏛️ What Is Faith WINS?
Chad gave us his elevator pitch right out of the gate:
“Faith WINS is about helping pastors and church leaders understand their rights, responsibilities, and influence. We’re here to educate and activate the church to stand strong in the cultural and political battles that matter most to our faith and freedoms.”
🙌 2025 Pastor Summit in Washington, D.C.
Chad just wrapped the 2025 Faith WINS Pastor Summit in our nation’s capital—an event that brought together hundreds of pastors and ministry leaders from across the country. These leaders came to be encouraged, equipped, and united around the call to stand for truth.
“We had over 650 pastors in attendance this year. It’s about creating a community of leaders who are willing to speak boldly, lead faithfully, and never sit on the sidelines.”
Since its founding, Faith WINS has worked directly with more than 16,000 pastors—mobilizing them to lead in truth and participate in the public discourse without fear or compromise.
💬 Finding the Church’s Voice Again
One of Chad’s core messages is helping the church “find its voice.” So what does that mean?
“Too many pastors have been led to believe they can't be involved in anything political. That’s simply not true. We show them how to stand firm on Scripture while still shepherding their people to be good stewards of their vote, their voice, and their influence.”
🔥 From Party Chair to Faith Leader
Before launching Faith WINS, Chad served as Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, hosted two nationally televised presidential debates, and helped execute the largest Presidential Preference Primary in the country at that time.
But he says the work with pastors today is both more fulfilling and more challenging than party politics.
“The resistance usually comes from fear—fear of losing members, fear of backlash, fear of the IRS. But now, with the recent IRS ruling affirming that pastors can speak freely from the pulpit without risking their tax-exempt status, the game has changed.”
✅ IRS Ruling Clears the Way for Pulpit Freedom
That IRS ruling is a major shift, affirming that pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit will not risk their 501(c)(3) status.
So the million-dollar question is: Will pastors take advantage of it?
“We pray they will. Because if the church won’t speak truth to power, who will? We have the freedom. Now we need the courage.”
Trump’s Re-Election and the Role of the Church
Chad says the Christian vote was absolutely decisive in re-electing President Trump—and that shouldn’t surprise anyone.
“When pastors lead, people follow. And when they lead biblically, they shape elections and the future of the nation.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, Chad and Faith WINS are already conducting voter registration drives, training local leaders, and building coalitions of engaged congregations ready to make a difference.
⚖️ Balancing the Bible and Civic Engagement
What’s the biggest challenge for churches?
“It’s understanding that teaching the Bible and engaging in public policy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they’re deeply connected. You can’t preach the full counsel of God without addressing the issues tearing our culture apart.”
✡️ A Trip to the Holy Land
Recently, Chad visited Israel, and like so many others who’ve walked where Jesus walked, he was moved beyond words.
“It changes everything. You read the Bible differently. You preach it differently. Standing in those places reminds you that we’re part of a much bigger story.”
🔗 Learn More & Stay Connected
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