First Baptist Orlando faces a “Make Heaven Crowded” tour controversy after leaders booked a Turning Point USA stop next week. A campus pastor, Chris Ogden, went on administrative leave, and a worship leader reportedly resigned. Critics say the tour blends Christian nationalism and politics with evangelism, prompting staff to push back.
Ogden Apologizes After Internal Meeting
Ogden appeared in a Feb. 14 YouTube video and apologized for opposing the senior pastors in a Feb. 3 staff meeting. He said he spoke out “inappropriately,” and he asked the congregation for forgiveness. He also said he entered a process to rebuild trust with leaders and the personnel committee. He urged members to continue attending but described the season as “tough.” He said he never intended harm, but acknowledged that confusion had spread among members.
Senior Pastors Defend a Wide-Tent Church
The church is led by three senior pastors: David Uth, Danny De Armas, and Trey Hildebrant. De Armas previously drew far-right criticism inside the Southern Baptist Convention after highlighting broad diversity in the pews. He listed groups across identity, immigration status, and politics, and he emphasized worship and service together. That history now shapes reactions because some see the new event as partisan. Others argue that diversity encompasses political differences, so hosting external groups is not new.
Concerns Grow as Leaders Promise a Jesus-Only Night
Some members reportedly are leaving because of the decision to host TPUSA. Horizon West did not post last Sunday’s services online, citing sensitive content. The TPUSA Faith Florida page calls the Orlando stop an evangelistic outreach with baptisms afterward. Detractors warn TPUSA promotes MAGA politics under Christian language, and they cite past tour rhetoric from leader Erika Kirk. Uth told the church the night would focus only on Jesus, not a party, so leaders required assurances and the right to vet speakers. He said ministers Jarian Felton and Trey Hildebrant will speak, and he invited members to bring friends for an evangelistic call. Church leaders also say they will measure the fruit afterward, because credibility matters to the community.
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Orlando pastor on leave after questioning TPUSA ‘revival’
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