Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - February 27, 2026
INVITING YOUR PRAYERS AS I DISCERN WHAT’S NEXT
Over the years, I’ve had numerous people suggest I run for office. I’ve been told that my experience leading this congregation, my passion for building bridges instead of walls, for seeking to “close the gap” between the world as it is and the world as it should be, and an emphasis on essential human values found in the gospels – loving our neighbor, and our enemy, and treating others the way we want to be treated – is needed in national politics today. From time to time, LaVon and I would talk about the possibility of running for office, but I’ve always felt my vocational calling was to be your pastor, something I’ve been honored to do for the last 36 years.
Yet over the last year, as I’ve seen the polarization in our country reach new heights, with kindness, compassion and common decency often lost in national politics, as well as government policies that seem to widen rather than close the gap, I’ve often found myself thinking “we have to do better.” Once again, over the last 12 months, people would say, “Have you considered running for the US Senate?” LaVon and I talked, and she felt the answer was still no. About six weeks ago, I got home from work, and LaVon said, “I think we should at least consider that you have something to offer, and that perhaps this is God’s will for you.” I had been feeling that, but I never expected her to say this.
So we began praying about my running as an Independent candidate for the Senate from the State of Kansas. We spoke to people who have run, and people who work in politics and have served in the Senate. We spoke with our children, our executive staff team here at Resurrection, our bishop, several United Methodist bishops, our Staff Parish Committee, and clergy friends. We have received a great deal of encouragement to move forward.
Last week LaVon and I decided to take the next step, to do what is called, “testing the waters” – for me that includes fasting and praying, it includes taking five days over the next four weeks to drive across Kansas to listen and hear the concerns hopes of other Kansans, and to do the work of evaluating if there would be support for someone like me running for the US Senate. I am not a candidate, nor am I announcing a candidacy. But only strongly considering this. Our plan is to make a decision ten days after Easter.
I recorded a video last night that goes into a bit more detail about why we are considering this, what would happen if we decide to run, and what role I would play here at Resurrection if I were actually to win. I’d love you to watch the video to the end – I think you’ll find it helpful.
I will share this news at the end of this weekend’s sermon. After that, you won’t hear anything else about it in worship until after Easter. You won’t read any more about it in my eNote after today until we announce whether we’re moving forward. My social media accounts are my own, not the church’s, and I will post on them from time to time, including information about my listening stops and an exploratory website where people can find more information.
I want to say here what I say in the video: There are three loves in my life. The first is my love for God. The second is my love for my family. And third is my love for you, Resurrection. I have devoted the last 36 years to starting, growing and leading this congregation. I am so proud of you. I see this as a possible way of extending our work of bringing people together and “closing the gap.” Thank you for praying for me.
You’ll find on the website here (cor.org/seniorpastor), along with the video, a set of FAQ’s, a letter prepared by our Staff Parish Committee, and a link to a feedback form.
Resurrection, I love you and I’ll see you this Sunday,
Adam
PS – Here are a few things we wanted to make sure you knew about coming up at Resurrection in the week ahead:
OPPORTUNITIES AS WE CONTINUE THE SEASON OF LENT
SPEAKING IN DALLAS NEXT WEEK, TELL YOUR FRIENDS
I’ll be in Dallas next week, leading the Leading Edge – a group we formed at Resurrection made up of the pastors of the largest churches in our denomination – and the Emerging Clergy, a group of 80 young clergy from across the US that we are mentoring. On Monday night, March 2, at 7 pm, I’ll be speaking at First United Methodist Church in Richardson. Texas, on my book Why Did Jesus Have to Die?If you have friends in the Dallas area, please let them know. Here’s the link.
Adam Hamilton
Resurrection Senior Pastor
Reverend Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection and the author of 22 books. He has been married to LaVon since 1982, and she has been a critical partner in every dimension of Adam’s work. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.
Adam’s writings are known for helping readers make sense of challenging theological questions, exploring the significance of the biblical stories, and equipping Christian leaders to be more effective in their work. He earned his MDiv from Perkins School of Theology and graduated with honors from Oral Roberts University with a degree in Pastoral Ministry.
