Douglas Wilson, a Moscow, Idaho, pastor, preached at the Pentagon on Feb. 17. The monthly worship service began under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in May 2025. Wilson urged soldiers to show bold faith, and he framed the moment as a possible national turning point. He said a “black swan” revival could bring America under God, because God can change history in unexpected ways.
Wilson’s Message Focused on Boldness and Victory
Wilson spoke for about 16 minutes, opening and closing with prayer. He told troops that bearing Jesus’ name offers unmatched protection, and he mocked the devil’s inability to pierce that “armor.” He said boldness is a gift of the Holy Spirit, so believers should never feel ashamed. He also said Jesus “purchased all the nations,” and he included the United States in that claim.
Hegseth’s Services Draw Prominent Evangelical Speakers
Wilson was the tenth minister invited since the Pentagon services started. Previous speakers included Franklin Graham and several Southern Baptist pastors from the Washington area. Hegseth’s former pastor, Chris Durkin, preached once, but his current pastor, Brooks Potteiger, has preached twice. Potteiger belongs to a church network co-founded by Wilson, and he is organizing regular services in Washington, D.C.
Complaints Cite Coercion and First Amendment Concerns
Some active-duty soldiers and contractors say they feel pressured to attend. Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation argues the events violate First Amendment protections, even if attendance is optional. He says troops can be “voluntold,” and that dynamic can harm morale, cohesion, and discipline. Supporters counter that prayer helps willing participants and that religious expression belongs in government workplaces.
Pentagon Response Defends Voluntary Attendance
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson rejected claims of coercion. She said no one tracks attendance, and that the services are “100% voluntary.” She also said they improve morale for those who choose to attend, but critics say the setting alone can feel implicitly mandatory. The Pentagon plans another worship service in March.
Hegseth’s Christian-Nation View and Wilson’s Controversies
Hegseth rejects the idea that the First Amendment created church-state separation, and he has called that concept “leftist folklore.” He has described America as a Christian nation and tied the services to “spiritual readiness,” including comments about eternal life for warriors. Wilson identifies as a Christian nationalist and argues pluralism is a lie, but he has also faced scrutiny for past writings on slavery and women’s voting. He has been accused of enabling abuse, and he denies wrongdoing.
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