Pastors Council Call with Congressman Mark Harris Highlights Faith, Policy, and Revival

By Collin M. Hain

Chief Operations Officer

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, The Danbury Institute hosted its monthly Pastors Council call, welcoming pastors and church leaders from across the nation for an engaging discussion with U.S. Representative Mark Harris (R–NC). A pastor himself, Congressman Harris spoke candidly about faith in public life, national policy battles, and what he believes could be the beginnings of a spiritual awakening in America.

Faith and Leadership in our Nation’s Capital

Harris opened the conversation by thanking The Danbury Institute for its work equipping pastors to engage faithfully in civic life. Speaking from his district office in North Carolina amid the ongoing government shutdown, Harris described the budget gridlock in Congress and the challenges of returning to “regular order” in the appropriations process.

He emphasized the importance of moral clarity and conviction among national leaders. Harris also highlighted legislative progress on pro-life policy, including efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict the distribution of abortion pills through the mail—something he called “dangerous and deeply inconsistent with the values of life.”

“We can’t put on the brakes,” he said. “That is a battle we have to fight day in and day out.”

Standing with Israel

Turning to foreign policy, Harris recounted his recent trip to Israel with a congressional delegation, visiting Kibbutzim near the Gaza border. The visit, he said, underscored the need for moral and spiritual steadfastness.

“We saw firsthand the importance of never forgetting,” he said. “President Trump has shown remarkable leadership in standing with Israel every step of the way.”

Harris noted that the administration’s partnership with Israel remains strong, and that churches must continue reminding their congregations of the biblical mandate to support the Jewish people.

Encouraging Pastors to Lead with Boldness

As a pastor-turned-congressman, Harris spoke directly to those on the call:

“God has raised you up for such a time as this,” he said. “You’ve got to preach unapologetically, but you’ve also got to impact your communities and elections. The church must be ready for what may be a new spiritual awakening.”

Harris suggested that recent cultural and political turbulence—especially after high-profile moments of public faith—could be part of a broader move of God. “We’ve said for years that we were praying for revival,” he said. “Now we’re seeing signs of it. But we won’t be ready if we just keep doing business as usual.”

Oklahoma Senator Dusty Deevers: Moral Clarity in Law and Culture

Following Congressman Harris, Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers, also a pastor and Freedom Caucus member, joined the call. Deevers spoke about his legislative work to abolish pornography and strengthen state laws protecting life.

“Pornography is both degenerate material and a highly addictive drug,” Deevers said. “It destroys marriages, warps minds, and corrodes the moral fabric of society. A free people must bind liberty to law and responsibility.”

Deevers challenged pastors to speak directly to issues of morality and justice from the pulpit, reminding them that civil liberty cannot exist without moral order. Quoting Francis Schaeffer, he said:

“Every abortion mill should have a banner over it reading ‘Open by permission of the church.’ The same could be said for every pagan institution in our nation. The silence of the church invites the tyranny of the state.”

A Time for Courage and Prayer

The call concluded in prayer, led by Senator Deevers, who asked God to give pastors “boldness and fruit in their pulpit ministry.”

Danbury board member Dr. Brad Jurkovich, who hosted the call, thanked both men and encouraged pastors to keep standing strong: “We’re all in this battle together. Let’s be strong in the Lord and faithful in proclaiming truth.”

The conversation reflected The Danbury Institute’s steadfast mission to equip pastors and churches to engage culture with conviction, courage, and biblical clarity.