Trent Walker

Pastor, Worshipper, Teacher & Musician. I've traveled all over the world in missions with my amazing family of seven.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Pre-save my new single "Pray for Jerusalem" on Spotify: https://t.co/4HSZpZvWSE (powered by @distrokid)

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

So thankful for Virginia. Beautiful weather. Awesome sabbath rest.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

The following article was written for the Conservative Voices of Albemarle County Newsletter:

You’re Not Relevant Anymore

Growing up in the 80’s there was a general sense that everyone went to church. For most, it was more of a cultural thing than a religion, but people still checked the box and were grateful when the pastor didn’t drone on for too long. One of the most important priorities though was to get out of church as fast as possible to beat the long lines at the local buffet so you could be home on time to watch Sunday afternoon football. Unsurprisingly, church attendance began to wane.

In the late 90s, new church trends emerged, and one big question church leaders started asking was: “Is your church relevant?” It made sense at the time (relevant = speaking the language of the people you’re trying to reach). It took a decade or so, but many churches either lost attendance and closed their doors or they caved to the trend of integrating cool new music, big screens, and topical sermon series, making them very attractive to the broader masses. I was part of that trendy, non-traditional church culture for two decades during which “attraction” became the central focus. In fact, for many years I served at a church whose motto was “Attract and Inspire.” This national movement was widely known as the “seeker-sensitive movement.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the attraction wore off. In fact, we no longer wanted people to come to our churches. We wanted them to stay away, and people grew comfortable just going to online church in their pajamas at home.

Then, a strange thing happened. Once churches began reopening, I saw many churches using the same “attractional” tactics to get people back in church. They just returned to the same old prescriptive model as if nothing ever happened. It is my opinion that the movement had already faded over a decade before due to the overwhelming emphasis on getting people to come to church and an underemphasis on the true mission of the local body of Christ.

I am a pastor, so bear with me and allow me to dig into a short Bible story. I’ll be brief (whenever a pastor says this, don’t believe him). In 1 Chronicles 16, King David had finally united the nation of Israel under one banner, and Jerusalem was made the seat of his throne. He also made quite the fanfare out of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city (2 Samuel 6 describes how he placed the Ark in his own tent in Jerusalem). In case you’re unfamiliar, the Ark was considered the very presence of El Elyon (God Most High), and it carried such significance that it melted a German’s face off in the movie Indiana Jones (okay, that part is not in the Bible). One thing that can be easily missed though, in this triumphant story of David bringing the presence of the Lord into the holy city, is that the Tabernacle (the tent that Moses erected to house the presence of the Lord) was left in Gibeon, where, according to 1 Chronicles 16:39–40, priests continued offering sacrifices to the Lord. This continued for approximately 40 years until Solomon, David’s son, built the temple and transferred the holy implements. My point is that the priests (the leaders of the church) continued with their “holy” practices, checking off sacred boxes for 40 years, and the presence of God was not even there. God had moved, and the leaders were oblivious.

Since moving to Charlottesville, it seems to me many churches are still operating from the attraction model. It’s as if some pastors are trying to answer questions no one is asking and are not prepared to answer the ones people are asking right now. It’s almost as if the presence of the Lord has moved, and many are just going through the motions.

Whether we like it or not, large numbers of our people are talking about politics. They are genuinely concerned, and they want clear guidance. Far too many pastors believe it’s not our place to talk about politics, as it can be a very divisive subject. To a degree that resonates with me. For instance, if politics means whether I believe Farmer Joe ought to be able to erect a billboard on his farm, I would likely be apolitical. However, when your state is wanting to pass laws that directly contradict clear Biblical mandates, that’s no longer just politics.

The attraction movement is not actually “moving” anything. We can no longer afford to remain silent about biblical mandates on marriage, life, and gender identity. Hiding behind safe, non-confrontational walls by avoiding difficult issues, simply to retain people, is no longer an option. That time has passed. We now live in the time of the re-emerging Church, where congregants expect you to say what you mean and mean what you say. The cute Sunday sermon series won’t cut it anymore. I truly believe we are living in a time where if you do not say anything substantial, people will leave your church. Do not be oblivious to this.

Virginians, pastors and leaders, this November two diabolical amendments are being placed before us and the people of our Commonwealth: the abortion and marriage amendments. We ought to have a resounding, bipartisan, clear, and concise “NO!” to each of these. If we teach the Word of God, it is not enough for us just to believe it ourselves and not speak it from the pulpit.

Pastors and leaders, please join me on Sunday, September 13th, and speak the truth from the pulpit. Let people know they need to vote and they need to vote NO. My prayer for you is that you will have the boldness to declare that and to not shrink back in fear. If you are not a pastor or leader in your church, but you know what needs to be said, then please encourage your leaders to boldly declare that now is the time to speak up.

Let me just encourage you today that Jesus called his people to be the light of the world and a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We were never called to be relevant to the culture around us. We have always been called to reveal the kingdom of heaven to the world, and that is not relevant; that’s a revelation.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Love this. How true. Though I do appreciate setting the room in a place that is welcoming and inviting to experience the presence of the Lord, I can't help buy laugh at how far we've come sometimes.

[The Babylon Bee @TheBabylonBee]

'Let's Set Aside Distractions,' Says Worship Leader Surrounded By Lasers And Fog https://t.co/MTMTCwXro7

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Jack White playing the half time show at the Packers vs Lions game with Eminem is so good. I wish we had this for the Super Bowl.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

My thoughts on the upcoming year of politics.

Dems are fractured and scared. The crazy left is taking over and moderates have no teeth.

The GOP is desperately trying to splinter itself and their hard work is paying off as we can see by Virginia’s recent elections.

IMO Americans are settling back in to not caring about politics. Next year’s elections will be won by whomever can present itself as less fractured and whomever has the best ideas in economics.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

I may be controversial here but I am a conservative who doesn’t like Morgan Wallen music. Am I the only one?

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

And the church is doing what to lead them to Jesus?

[Leading Report @LeadingReport]

BREAKING: Gen Z males are turning away from Donald Trump but are not aligning with the Democratic Party either, expressing frustration with both sides, per Atrioc.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

How can you have Universal human rights without a “rights giver”?

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

John 17:21 - Jesus prayed to the Father that his disciples would be one. He knew the enemy tactic was to divide.

Don’t be duped by bad actors among you. Follow the word of God. There are good people who believe the wholesome truth of the kingdom of God. You are not alone.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

I just stood up for inerrancy! Here’s what it is and why you should care https://t.co/QIWT4G3Opy #bible #jesus

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

@NickJFreitas @TinaFreitasVA @ChristianHeiens

Just listened to your recent “Making the Argument” podcast episode on the three factions of the right. Really interesting and appreciated how you categorized things. I have a few responses to this and one suggestion if you’d consider and contemplate if my suggestion is valid.

I light of the election this Tuesday I think it’s fair to say that conservatives could totally win Virginia if they come out to vote. But we are faced with the reality and fear that many of them will not (given what’s at stake I pray that I am wrong).

I definitely feel I am I between the second and third categories. I shared at a meeting recently with a local area conservative VA delegate that I was frustrated that conservatives are always playing defense and I’m sick of it. What is the offensive play? I’m tired of losing the Overton Window battle. How do we regain ground?

You said that the third category is so broad and it needs to figure itself out. Like you, I’m all for taking back ground but I am not for throwing the baby out with the bath water.

I feel this is a common conversation among younger conservatives and why Charlie Kirk was so attractive in his messaging with them. Traditional values and modern messaging.

Messaging that worked from many in the movement a few years ago (ie. if you go woke you go broke, Make America Great Again) broke through the noise and resonated with people.

But one thing I still feel is that conservatives suck at messaging. Beyond those two that I mentioned.

What I have noticed is that I feel the liberal/prograssive/socialist movement that is completely taking over the Democratic Party in our nation (via weak moderates democrats, rhinos, and weak pastors) is somewhat gaining ground in their messaging again. I may be hated on the right for saying this but I think “No Kings” is an easy messaging that is understandable and works even though (I agree with you) the people who are in it do not really align with the actually understanding of not wanting a king. What I’m saying is that the messaging is getting people saying “you’re right - I don’t want a king.” And thus those in opposition lose the messaging battle.

Here’s one that I would like to suggest that you and your team with all your influence begin to bring back in your messaging:

Stop saying MAGA. Start saying “Make America Great Again”. I know this seems simple. But to those who don’t understand or care - to those in the middle category who maybe have been reading too much Christianity Today - simply saying MAGA is playing into the hands of those of the left who understand messaging. They want you to say MAGA because it sounds like evil-orange-man-bad. Actually saying the words outright means something so much more to all the people who may have loosely come into this coalition last year and bring back the unity that you speak of.

I believe that conservatism can coalesce when the clarity of that message comes back.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

@NickJFreitas @TinaFreitasVA @ChristianHeiens

Just listened to your recent “Making the Argument” podcast episode on the three factions of the right. Really interesting and appreciated how you categorized things. I have a few responses to this and one suggestion if you’d consider and contemplate if my suggestion is valid.

I light of the election this Tuesday I think it’s fair to say that conservatives could totally win Virginia if they come out to vote. But we are faced with the reality and fear that many of them will not (given what’s at stake I pray that I am wrong).

I definitely feel I am I between the second and third categories. I shared at a meeting recently with a local area conservative VA delegate that I was frustrated that conservatives are always playing defense and I’m sick of it. What is the offensive play? I’m tired of losing the Overton Window battle. How do we regain ground?

You said that the third category is so broad and it needs to figure itself out. Like you, I’m all for taking back ground but I am not for throwing the baby out with the bath water.

I feel this is a common conversation among younger conservatives and why Charlie Kirk was so attractive in his messaging with them. Traditional values and modern messaging.

Messaging that worked from many in the movement a few years ago (ie. if you go woke you go broke, Make America Great Again) broke through the noise and resonated with people.

But one thing I still feel is that conservatives suck at messaging. Beyond those two that I mentioned.

What I have noticed is that I feel the liberal/prograssive/socialist movement that is completely taking over the Democratic Party in our nation (via weak moderates democrats, rhinos, and weak pastors) is somewhat gaining ground in their messaging again. I may be hated on the right for saying this but I think “No Kings” is an easy messaging that is understandable and works even though (I agree with you) the people who are in it do not really align with the actually understanding of not wanting a king. What I’m saying is that the messaging is getting people saying “you’re right - I don’t want a king.” And thus those in opposition lose the messaging battle.

Here’s one that I would like to suggest that you and your team with all your influence begin to bring back in your messaging:

Stop saying MAGA. Start saying “Make America Great Again”. I know this seems simple. But to those who don’t understand or care - to those in the middle category who maybe have been reading too much Christianity Today - simply saying MAGA is playing into the hands of those of the left who understand messaging. They want you to say MAGA because it sounds like evil-orange-man-bad. Actually saying the words outright means something so much more to all the people who may have loosely come into this coalition last year and bring back the unity that you speak of.

I believe that conservatism can coalesce when the clarity of that message comes back.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

I love hearing this. It’s great to see the truth and the gospel flourish in our local high schools. .

[((( Charlottesville ))) @CvilleBubble]

🇺🇸 Western Albemarle HS @TPUSA chapter hosted VA Delegate @NickJFreitas today! The @charliekirk11 influence and spirit are spreading in the Charlottesville area 🇺🇸

🇺🇸200 students packed in to ask questions & hear Freitas' take on the elections. About @jonesjay scandal: "It’s despicable, it’s horrible, it’s inexcusable," Freitas said. "I don’t think there have been significant enough repercussions," referencing Jay Jones' comments about the murder of children he knew

➡️"And if you're going to allow that in a political party, Freitas said, "Well, then you don't get to lecture me about tolerance and kindness."

➡️The WAHS students were excited, curious, strong, confident. Freitas was generous with his time during the speech and after, as students lined up to speak to him individually

➡️Western Albemarle HS TPUSA has more events planned, including the rescheduling of Victoria Cobb and the presentation of "Two Genders, One Truth." These kids are engaging in active learning and leadership -- and the future is bright🇺🇸

🇺🇸Huge THANK YOU to Nick Freitas for sharing his time and wisdom with the students. And to parent Naomi Flam for coordinatingthe event❤️🇺🇸

cc @tpusastudents @TFFVA @naomiflamVA

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Between the heist in Paris and the mofia gambling rings being uncovered at the NBA who needs the movies?

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Hosting a prayer and worship night in Charlottesville, Virginia at Connect Church (off Lambs Rd next to Albemarle HS) on Monday night November 3 @ 7 PM to pray for our Virginia Elections. Come join us.

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

@SpanbergerForVA Will you protect the rights of the unborn to reproduce?

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

@megbasham @realDailyWire Yes!

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

My 18 year old got to vote for the first time today!

I’m making sure I do everything I can to raise strong men in this world.

And no, Virginia, we did not vote democrat. #earlyvoting @winwithwinsome

[Trent Walker @trentonwalker]

Dang. I know way too many people who are out of touch and wondering why. Well, here’s why…

[Erik Reed @ErikReed]

Pastors: if your congregation turns to podcasters, news pundits, or X to figure out “what am I supposed to think about this?”, it may be time to rethink your discipleship strategy in 2025.

People are being discipled. The question is, by whom?