Rev Adam Hamilton, who co-founded the largest United Methodist church in the U. S., shares his reasons for running for Senate and believes he has a shot at winning. KATHRYN POST from Religion News Service reports…
United States
RNS Thirty-six years ago, Rev Adam Hamilton started a church with just a few people in a funeral home chapel. Now, that congregation is the biggest United Methodist church in the country, and Hamilton is aiming for a new challenge: the United States Congress.
Rev Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection, officially announces his plans to run as a Democrat for US Senate on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, in Prairie Village, Kansas. PICTURE: Video screen grab. At 61 years old, Hamilton announced his Senate campaign on Thursday morning during a press conference held in Prairie Village, where he grew up. Calling himself an “independent-minded Democrat,” he highlighted his church’s community outreach and charitable efforts while stating that his long experience in ministry has prepared him to foster collaboration in Congress. “For me, this feels like a calling. It feels like a calling I’m willing to take great risks for, make great sacrifices for because I care about our country and I care about the people in my community and I care about the people in Kansas.” – Rev Adam Hamilton “In a world that feels more and more divided, I’ve had the privilege of being a pastor for 36 years of a church that’s roughly equally divided between Republicans, Democrats and independents,” Hamilton remarked during the press conference. “Our people love each other precisely because of their differences.” With over 24,000 members across nine locations in Kansas City area, Resurrection A United Methodist Church has gained respect for its civic involvement and inclusive ministry approach. An accomplished writer and well-known preacher, Hamilton has more than 30 books and hosts the Making Sense of Faith podcast; he gained national attention when he preached at President Obama’s inaugural National Prayer Service in 2013. He also served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. “For me, this feels like a calling,” Hamilton told RNS Friday morning. “It feels like a calling I’m willing to take great risks for make great sacrifices for because I care about our country and I care about the people in my community and I care about the people in Kansas.”
Rev Adam Hamilton preaches on atonement at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas on March 29th, 2025. PICTURE: Video screen grab. The announcement follows an extensive listening tour around Kansas where Hamilton said he heard worries regarding rising costs, limited healthcare access as well as tariffs impacting workforce shortages due to immigration policies. He told RNS that he aims to address these concerns throughout his campaign while striving to bring back “decency” to Washington D. C. He mentioned that feedback from this tour played into his decision to run as a Democrat instead of an independent-people were concerned that if he ran independently it would split votes potentially allowing Republican Senator Roger Marshall (who aligns with Trump) an easier path to victory. “For me, that was an easy decision to make,” he explained to RNS. Even with his strong following though; gaining entry into the Senate won’t be simple. The last time Kansas elected a Democrat into this position was back in 1932; several other Democratic candidates have already declared their intent ahead of the August primary set for August 4th. Just last week, the Kansas Republican Party filed an election complaint against Hamilton alleging that he violated federal rules regarding corporate donations by using church resources such as email lists or You Tube channels related to campaigning activities.
The sanctuary at United Methodist Church of Resurrection located within Leawood , Kansas. PICTURE : RNS photo / Kit Doyle. If successful , he’d join another active pastor serving alongside him – Rev Senator Warnock representing Georgia also belonging to Ebenezer Baptist Church situated Atlanta. Currently there exists multiple Christian clergy candidates emerging democratically seeking congressional seats leading into elections occurring later within same year including James Talarico whose progressive views resonate strongly amongst Texans too. According To Him large number religious leaders have stepped forward this cycle citing disparity between faith principles versus current actions seen taken place inside Washington D. C.” “I think many moderates belonging both sides are acknowledging ‘This isn’t right'” He conveyed further adding ,”Be it treatment meted out towards immigrants fostering fear within borders alike rhetoric emanating from governmental bodies whilst slashing funding toward programs aiding low-income families particularly children living stateside increasingly appears contradictory.” Before stepping foot into political arena firsthand , H amilton navigated heated discussions around LGBTQ+ inclusion inside United Methodists especially considering ongoing schism dividing denomination itself ; being vocal early supporter changes allowing various congregations determine stance concerning same-sex marriages & LGBTQ-related ordinations.” “People often tell me : ‘I can’t seem figure you out.’ Are you liberal or conservative ?’ My response always remains consistent : why should i choose one over other since both hold significant value recognizing importance embracing change whilst preserving foundational beliefs central our faith.”
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RNS Thirty-six years ago, Rev Adam Hamilton started a church with just a few people in a funeral home chapel. Now, that congregation is the biggest United Methodist church in the country, and Hamilton is aiming for a new challenge: the United States Congress.
Rev Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection, officially announces his plans to run as a Democrat for US Senate on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, in Prairie Village, Kansas. PICTURE: Video screen grab. At 61 years old, Hamilton announced his Senate campaign on Thursday morning during a press conference held in Prairie Village, where he grew up. Calling himself an “independent-minded Democrat,” he highlighted his church’s community outreach and charitable efforts while stating that his long experience in ministry has prepared him to foster collaboration in Congress. “For me, this feels like a calling. It feels like a calling I’m willing to take great risks for, make great sacrifices for because I care about our country and I care about the people in my community and I care about the people in Kansas.” – Rev Adam Hamilton “In a world that feels more and more divided, I’ve had the privilege of being a pastor for 36 years of a church that’s roughly equally divided between Republicans, Democrats and independents,” Hamilton remarked during the press conference. “Our people love each other precisely because of their differences.” With over 24,000 members across nine locations in Kansas City area, Resurrection A United Methodist Church has gained respect for its civic involvement and inclusive ministry approach. An accomplished writer and well-known preacher, Hamilton has more than 30 books and hosts the Making Sense of Faith podcast; he gained national attention when he preached at President Obama’s inaugural National Prayer Service in 2013. He also served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. “For me, this feels like a calling,” Hamilton told RNS Friday morning. “It feels like a calling I’m willing to take great risks for make great sacrifices for because I care about our country and I care about the people in my community and I care about the people in Kansas.”
Rev Adam Hamilton preaches on atonement at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas on March 29th, 2025. PICTURE: Video screen grab. The announcement follows an extensive listening tour around Kansas where Hamilton said he heard worries regarding rising costs, limited healthcare access as well as tariffs impacting workforce shortages due to immigration policies. He told RNS that he aims to address these concerns throughout his campaign while striving to bring back “decency” to Washington D. C. He mentioned that feedback from this tour played into his decision to run as a Democrat instead of an independent-people were concerned that if he ran independently it would split votes potentially allowing Republican Senator Roger Marshall (who aligns with Trump) an easier path to victory. “For me, that was an easy decision to make,” he explained to RNS. Even with his strong following though; gaining entry into the Senate won’t be simple. The last time Kansas elected a Democrat into this position was back in 1932; several other Democratic candidates have already declared their intent ahead of the August primary set for August 4th. Just last week, the Kansas Republican Party filed an election complaint against Hamilton alleging that he violated federal rules regarding corporate donations by using church resources such as email lists or You Tube channels related to campaigning activities.
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Hamilton told RNS these allegations are baseless stating it was crucial that his congregation heard directly from him regarding potential election plans. “I really think this is just evidence of Republicans being scared by my candidacy. Before even becoming an official candidate they seemed eager to prevent us from moving forward,” he noted. This past Thursday via email sent out among Resurrection members, Hamilton confirmed he’ll remain senior pastor but will cut back on preaching duties during campaign season after finishing up current sermon series commitments. If elected , he intends continuing part-time pastoral work with plans towards retirement by year-end 2030 according to information provided through church website.The sanctuary at United Methodist Church of Resurrection located within Leawood , Kansas. PICTURE : RNS photo / Kit Doyle. If successful , he’d join another active pastor serving alongside him – Rev Senator Warnock representing Georgia also belonging to Ebenezer Baptist Church situated Atlanta. Currently there exists multiple Christian clergy candidates emerging democratically seeking congressional seats leading into elections occurring later within same year including James Talarico whose progressive views resonate strongly amongst Texans too. According To Him large number religious leaders have stepped forward this cycle citing disparity between faith principles versus current actions seen taken place inside Washington D. C.” “I think many moderates belonging both sides are acknowledging ‘This isn’t right'” He conveyed further adding ,”Be it treatment meted out towards immigrants fostering fear within borders alike rhetoric emanating from governmental bodies whilst slashing funding toward programs aiding low-income families particularly children living stateside increasingly appears contradictory.” Before stepping foot into political arena firsthand , H amilton navigated heated discussions around LGBTQ+ inclusion inside United Methodists especially considering ongoing schism dividing denomination itself ; being vocal early supporter changes allowing various congregations determine stance concerning same-sex marriages & LGBTQ-related ordinations.” “People often tell me : ‘I can’t seem figure you out.’ Are you liberal or conservative ?’ My response always remains consistent : why should i choose one over other since both hold significant value recognizing importance embracing change whilst preserving foundational beliefs central our faith.”
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