This article is not written to stir fear or breed anxiety; quite the opposite. It serves a twofold purpose: first, to demonstrate clearly to those who deny or mock the idea that Christians in America face real persecution that such hostility exists and is escalating; second, to proclaim that wherever persecution rises against the Church and the body of Christ, revival inevitably follows!
From the explosive growth of underground churches in Iran and China amid severe oppression to the awakening now stirring in America, history and Scripture both confirm: persecution doesn’t extinguish the gospel but only serves as an ignition of revival.
Christian persecution in the U.S. has often been debated, usually being viewed as caused by mere cultural shifts, legal pressures, or isolated acts rather than widespread oppression. Yet recent violent incidents have shifted the conversation. Mean words and negative social media posts have been a large portion of the backlash Christians in the West have faced, but things are shaking up, and it’s important for us to take notice.
Examples:
In St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026, anti-ICE mobsters stormed Cities Church during a Sunday service, disrupting worship and intimidating attendees over a pastor’s alleged ties to ICE and potentially violating federal law.
Authorities called this incident a coordinated riot, and rightfully so! The Department of Homeland Security, along with the FBI have arrested three ringleaders thus far: Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly. Their charges include conspiracy under 18 USC 241 and FACE Act violations for interfering with religious rights. Thankfully, officials stressed that there is no First Amendment protection for obstructing worship.
Days later, in Parkland, Washington (January 25, 2026), 54 years old man named Eddie Nitschke was approached in a parking lot by a stranger who asked his religion. When Nitschke said “Christian,” the suspect stabbed him repeatedly (causing severe injuries including a punctured lung) and also stabbed his dog which tried to intervene. After the suspect advanced on deputies, they annihilated the threat.
Adding to the pattern, on July 31, 2025, 28-year-old Christopher “LeBron” Castleberry was fatally shot in a targeted assassination outside Pursuit NW (Pursuit Church) in Seattle’s University District while arriving for a worship event with his family. Police described a suspect firing from a white Hyundai Elantra (later found torched); the church offered a $50,000 reward. Hundreds mourned at a vigil for the man who had turned from a past in gangster rap to faith.
Pursuit NW’s lead pastor, Russell Johnson, has also endured repeated credible death threats, most likely tied to his bold biblical teaching, past resistance to pandemic restrictions, and unwavering support for Israel. He has informed congregations that there have been daily, if not weekly, threats which have forced his family to be relocated by the FBI at least three times.
What’s The Point?
From the Minnesota church invasion to the Parkland stabbing to the Pursuit assassination, and threats against Johnson’s family, there appears to be a heavier toll of hostility arising towards outspoken Christians in America.
Here is what to take note of: a sleeping, toxically empathic church (one that compromises truth for comfort, bows to culture, and avoids confrontation) invites attacks from workers of darkness. The truth is that passivity allows evil to advance where light dims and resistance to it fades away.
But here’s the great part: a remnant church is rising, one that is bold, unafraid of chaos, and refuses to cower or compromise. This church is empowered by Christ’s indwelling authority; they drive out darkness, stand firm in prayer, unapologetically proclaim truth, confront evil, and advance the Kingdom with conviction.
As Scripture promises, “the gates of hell will not prevail” against the church built on revelation’s rock (Matthew 16:18). The remnant is rising, and she won’t merely survive; she will conquer (Joshua 1:3). This church turns persecution into purification and chaos into breakthrough by the same power that raised Christ.
These cases remind us that regardless of how persecution takes its form, it is no match for the divine awakening underway!
The true Church of Jesus Christ won’t just endure in these times, we will overcome.
