Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, has sparked controversy by using his pulpit to encourage his congregation to vote for Donald Trump, framing it as the “Christian” choice in a sermon titled “How to Vote Like Jesus.”
Howerton argued that, while no candidate is perfect, Christians should see Trump as the better option due to his stance on certain culture war issues like abortion and transgender rights. He downplayed Trump’s character flaws, instead focusing on policies that align with evangelical views.
Howerton framed his support by referencing biblical figures, comparing Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to Ahab and Jezebel, and suggesting Trump was akin to a “flawed leader” used by God for good.
According to him, sometimes a flawed leader is preferable to “wicked” opponents. He praised Trump for appointing justices who overturned Roe v. Wade but falsely claimed that Trump had moderated on abortion, despite his ongoing support for restrictive measures.
On transgender rights, Howerton criticized Walz for signing Minnesota’s transgender healthcare shield law, inaccurately suggesting that it could lead to children being removed from their families.
This distortion reflects broader fears within some evangelical communities that equate support for trans rights with a breakdown of traditional values. Howerton argued that supporting gender transitions is a rejection of God’s order, calling it harmful rather than a form of care.
Howerton’s sermon has drawn criticism for spreading misinformation and for what some see as a violation of the church’s non-profit status.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has asked the IRS to investigate Lakepointe Church for potentially violating 501(c)(3) rules, which prevent non-profit organizations from endorsing political candidates. The FFRF has argued that churches should face the same restrictions as other non-profits when it comes to political endorsements.
Despite not explicitly endorsing Trump, Howerton’s statements clearly nudged his congregation toward voting for him. The sermon mirrored themes from Mark Driscoll, a controversial evangelical pastor known for his right-wing political views, underscoring Howerton’s alignment with a politically engaged segment of evangelical Christianity.
The Houston Chronicle noted that Howerton’s messaging has been shaped by mentors like Driscoll, showing a direct line between this Texas pastor and the wider network of evangelical leaders promoting Trump.
This isn’t the first time Howerton has faced backlash. Earlier this year, he was criticized for a comment about wives “obeying” their husbands on their wedding night, and his church has previously been accused of manipulating traffic data to benefit its interests.
These incidents have raised questions about the church’s integrity and motives, particularly as it positions itself as an influential voice in Texas politics.
For many critics, Howerton’s approach exemplifies a trend where churches act as political extensions of the Republican Party, often blurring the line between faith and partisan politics.
If the IRS does not act on FFRF’s complaint, it may open the door for other religious organizations to endorse candidates openly, undermining the Johnson Amendment’s purpose of maintaining a separation between religious institutions and political campaigns.
In the end, Howerton’s sermon reflects a broader evangelical struggle: how to reconcile Trump’s flaws with a desire to influence cultural issues through political power.
Whether or not the IRS responds to the complaint, Howerton’s sermon has brought attention to the ways some religious leaders are navigating their congregations’ votes—and it has also reignited the debate over the role of churches in politics.
