The Need for Church During Political Upheaval
On a cloudy day in Virginia Beach, a small church stands firm, offering a message of hope to weary drivers passing by — a beacon of light reminding all who see it that faith still stands, even when the skies are gray. Photojournalist Howard Langford
In times of political upheaval, is it possible that the church can remains a critical institution for grounding communities? Has political allegiance overtaken moral purpose in moral purpose? Recent studies show how the merging of faith and nationalism can distort Christian identity. According to Saiya and Manchanda (2025), “Christian nationalism is significantly correlated with increased hostility and violence against religious minorities in the United States” (Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion). Similarly, Smith (2024) warns that “Christian nationalism represents old wine in new wineskins, rebranding authoritarian impulses under a sacred banner” (Sociological Forum). The concluding analyses reveal that when faith becomes a byproduct of religious political values, the relational, reconciliatory value of religion is lost, faith becomes politicized, and the teachings of Jesus is all but lost
Bruce Jones and Christopher prays for a young man. The two men are mentoring what it looks lime to share hope to this young man. Photojournalist Howard Langford
Scholars across traditions have long noted that religious influence tends to move in cycles—revival and decline—rather than in a linear trajectory of progress. Polak and Rohs (2023) write that “the interplay between values, politics, and religion in Europe reveals a circular dynamic in which moral renewal repeatedly follows social crisis” (Springer International Publishing). This cyclical pattern underscores the need for continual reformation within the Christian church, especially in politically charged climates.
Bruce Jones of Bruce Jones Love Ministries praying with one of the volunteers Photojournalist Howard Langford
Cheerful volunteers come out to help. As they tirelessly prepare approximately 100 meals at this location in Norfolk Virginia for the homeless. They serve each meal with a side of hope and a slice of pie or cake. Photojournalist Howard Langford
Dr.Bruce Haggertly talking to the volunteers, then giving a word of encouragement to the attendees Photojournalist, Howard Langford
The student of Old Dominion University came out to lend a helping hand- proving that Love Has No Color Photojournalist, Howard Langford
At the community level, new models of church are emerging outside traditional walls. Bruce Jones, founder of Bruce Jones / Love Ministry, began his ministry after experiencing homelessness. One Sunday, he spent his last $90 to feed strangers in a park with chicken, biscuits, and tea. That act became a weekly outreach of food, prayer, and compassion. Jones says, “I do this ministry out of a love for people.” His partner, local dentist Bruce Haggertly, funds the effort and encourages volunteers: “I just want to serve people in any way that I can. I want to let people know that they can get up by ministering hope to people that may not hear words of encouragement during their day.”
Minister William Hinn of Texas ministers hugs Scott Gilbert before ministering at a crusade in Virginia Beach. Photojournalist Howard Langford
Small congregations like theirs represent most American churches and provide much of the tangible community care. As Lifeway Research reports, “two-thirds of churches have fewer than 125 in weekly attendance, yet these congregations lead in local missions and benevolence.”
(Private is respected. A young male is awaiting support and an encouraging word Photojournalist Howard Langford)
In this light, the church’s enduring relevance is found not in political power or grandeur, but in small acts of service that reflect authentic faith.
(The City of Norfolk Virginia is a better place when parks are transformed from violent spaces to sanctuaries of hope Photojournalist Howard Langford)
Featured Image: Bruce Jones praying with volunteers in Norfolk Park.
Image Captioned: Dr. Bruce Haggertly speaks to volunteers before distributing meals with Bruce Jones / Love Ministry, 2025. (Photo by Howard Jr).
References
Lake, E. (2024). A brief history of the “AsaAJew”: Using your faith tradition to slander your people—quite a thing.Commentary, 157(3), 38–42. https://www.commentary.org/articles/eli-lake/a-brief-history-of-the-asajew/
Polak, R., & Rohs, P. (2023). Values – Politics – Religion: The European Values Study (Vol. 26). Springer International Publishing. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-28254-9
Saiya, N., & Manchanda, S. (2025). Christian nationalism and violence against religious minorities in the United States: A quantitative analysis. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 64(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/jssr.12942
Smith, J. (2024). Old wine in new wineskins: Christian nationalism, authoritarianism, and the problem of essentialism in explanations of religiopolitical conflict. Sociological Forum, 39(4), 328–340. https://doi.org/10.1111/socf.13014