Faith in Politics: A Texas Church's Push for Christian Leaders

A Texas megachurch is making waves in the political arena with a unique training program for Christian candidates. Mercy Culture, based in Fort Worth, has launched Campaign University, an online course designed to prepare Christians for roles in local and national government. The course, led by Texas Rep. Nate Schatzline, emphasizes the importance of bringing Christian values into politics and government. The program teaches participants that they don't need to be experts in government or the Constitution to run for office. Instead, it focuses on building a platform, navigating the campaign trail, and maintaining a strong family and church life. The course also encourages participants to interpret the First Amendment's establishment clause in a way that allows for more religious involvement in government. Campaign University is part of a broader effort by Mercy Culture to increase its political influence. The church's political nonprofit, For Liberty & Justice, has been endorsing candidates and pushing for policies that align with its conservative Christian values. The nonprofit's website states that it supports "candidates who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect our God-given liberties and take a stand for Biblical Justice! " The course has already attracted a number of participants, including Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George and several campaign managers. However, none of the graduates have responded to requests for comment. Schatzline, who is also a pastor at Mercy Culture, has said that he plans to take the nonprofit to the national level. The church's political activities have not gone unnoticed. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, has noted that it's unusual for a church to run a candidate training academy. She has also expressed concern about the potential for harm if the goal of engaging in partisan politics is to impose religious views on others. Despite these concerns, Mercy Culture continues to expand its political reach. The church has opened additional campuses in Dallas, Waco, and Austin, and plans to open a San Antonio campus next year. For Liberty & Justice also plans to open chapters in other states, with the next one scheduled to open in Arizona at the start of 2026. The church's political efforts come at a pivotal moment in Tarrant County, where Fort Worth is located. Republicans are seeking to maintain control of the county, which has shown occasional signs of turning purple. Schatzline has encouraged attendees at For Liberty & Justice events to rise up and get godly men and women in office. Campaign University is just one example of how religion has played a historic role in major American political movements. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Moral Majority, religious leaders have long been involved in politics. However, the extent to which Mercy Culture is involved in politics is unique and raises questions about the separation of church and state.