This past year, believers saw a whirlwind of activity among the top Christian news stories of 2025. Each segment of this year’s news cycle made an impact on the Body of Christ. Some of these had us worshiping God at the top of our lungs. Others had us bemoaning God’s creation in a personal way.
If you recall those particular headlines that hit close to home, you’ll notice that while Christians have felt those incidents, they haven’t really shaped Christianity. Yet.
What were they? How did they impact Christianity? Let’s take a look back at the top Christian news stories of 2025.
Before we explore this year in review, stay in touch with other faith-based issues that hit “close to home.” Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay informed about what’s happening in the Church, as well as the ways real Christians can contribute to defending the love and work of Christ.
10. Michael Tait Changes His Tune
At the height of his career, Michael Tait touched millions of lives for God’s Glory. His pioneering work in DC Talk and Newsboys laid the foundation for CCM, or the music we hear on Christian Radio each day. Then, sordid details emerged in June that shocked his fans and others. In his allocution, the singer shared he was living “two distinctly different lives.”
That other life entailed prolonged use of cocaine and the sexual assault of several men. The ’80s and early ’90s Christians were floored by this revelation, but what was probably more
“For years I have lied and deceived my family, friends, fans, and even misled my bandmates about aspects of my life,” he wrote. “I was, for the most part, living two distinctly different lives. I was not the same person on stage Sunday night that I was at home on Monday.”
9. AI ~ GOD
This is far from the case, but given how many Christian news stories in 2025 made headlines, it seems AI is getting considerable credit for God’s work. Using AI to facilitate administrative, communication, and discipleship functions for the church or any ministry is not a problem. It’s a blessing. However, when pastors rely on AI rather than the Holy Spirit or the discerning study of the Word, we have a problem.
The new State of AI in the Church Survey reveals a stark reality: 91% of church leaders support the use of AI in ministry, 61% use it frequently, yet 73% have no AI policy. Whoops. Maybe that’s why a pastor in Austin, Texas began the trend of a complete AI sermon. The bum wasn’t even in the pulpit for his ChatGPT sermon, but did have time to share his work on Fox News. Now, many pastors are following suit. The Barna Group surveyed U.S. pastors, and 43% are now using AI to “write sermons.”
Good thing it’s a calling because these pastors are phoning it in for Jesus.
8. Changing of the Guard
We lose Christian leaders each year, but the gravity of this year’s pioneers struck a little closer to home than usual obituary lists. These were global ministries, each affecting countless, nameless hundreds of millions of people.
They were some of the finest minds (e.g., Kay Arthur, Voddie Baucham, John MacArthur), strongest ministers (e.g., Jimmy Swaggart, Coach Bill McCartney) and most prolific examples of God’s love (e.g., Pope Francis, Arthur Blessitt see above) that have ever graced Christendom. And now, they’re gone. It’s more than the passing of these cherished souls, but where is the passing of the torch?
Pastors and evangelists are getting older. It seems a few ministers are stepping up to reach that anointed mantle, but they just aren’t there yet. Who will replace that kind of impact? Will anyone choose not to focus on the pomp and instead focus on the circumstances? Who knows.
7. Scandals, Crime and Pastors, Oh My
This shook Christendom. Robert Morris, the founder and former senior pastor of the Texas megachurch Gateway Church, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The trial was in Osage County, Okla., where he molested a 12-year-old girl, Cindy Clemishire, decades ago. As surprising and depressing as this was, 2025 had a few others.
In November 2025, an NBC News investigation revealed over five decades of sexual abuse within the Assemblies of God involving 200 ministers and 475 victims. The scathing report prompted AG overseers to review and revise their bylaws to prevent a recurrence. Then, there was the bomb dropped at Daystar TV, involving sexual abuse allegations from Jonathan and Suzy Lamb involving their child and an enigmatic “Pete” thought to be a family member. Jonathan, the only son of founders Joni and Marcus Lamb, was unceremoniously fired and erased from the network. Not a good look at all.
From an alarming rise in Christian persecution (e.g., India, Nigeria, China) to a woman blackmailing Thai monks for stunning tawdry behavior and damaging the face of Buddhism, 2025 was littered with plenty of notes that could fill its own list of Christian news stories for the year. Sadly.
6. Sweet Home Chicago
Following Pope Francis’ persistent health issues and passing in April, a new papal conclave gathered and the College of Cardinals was set like a flint to find the next person to fill the Holy See. It took four contested rounds of secret balloting, but history was set when the 267th Bishop of Rome was named.
He was Archbishop Robert Prevost…of Chicago, Illinois. It was the first time since Peter evangelized the lost in Rome that an American had been elected Pope. Prevost had a missiological calling to Peru, where he served people for decades under the Augustinian Province. Only a Cardinal for two years, this Chicago White Sox fan took the name of Leo XIV.
As we noted in “Close to Home,” Leo ranks among the top papal honorifics, behind John (21), Gregory (16), Benedict (15), and Clement (14). That name carries history and purpose, achievement and platitudes. Cardinal Prevost chose “Leo,” Latin for “lion” and U.S.-based Catholics have been roaring ever since. (Sorry.)
5. Christian Music Crossing Over
This year, Lauren Daigle and Forrest Frank were welcomed and honored on “American Idol.” Elevation Worship was nominated for two GRAMMYs. And then, Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake took the world by storm with a rally cry, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Mainstream worship, alternative to rap, and music that proclaims God’s Word have risen to the top of many commercial charts.
The song climbed the Billboard Hot 100, competing with mainstream hits, and became one of the first contemporary Christian songs to hit the all-genre Top 40 in over a decade, according to ABC News. “Hard Fought Hallelujah” surpassed 1 million units in sales/streams, earning RIAA Platinum certification, a testament to its broad appeal, according to the Gospel Music Association.
This just in: Christian music has arrived. Glory to God!
4. USAID No Longer in Support
Despite efforts to defend Christianity and fortify faith nationwide, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was effectively shut down by the Trump administration in mid-2025. This was one of the top Christian news stories of the year because it marked a significant shift for Trump supporters. Christian missionaries and ministry groups were irate at Trump. This is a crucial link between the government and humanitarian aid, but thanks to the failed Musk-led DOGE, it’s gone.
Trump’s officials said the efforts to dismantle it were due to alleged wasteful spending, resulting in severe cuts to global humanitarian and development aid. Never mind the lives saved and the changes made, Elon complained about legal challenges, shady contractors, and questionable decisions. The closure ended USAID’s role as the primary U.S. provider of foreign assistance, sparking significant international criticism and warnings of millions of preventable deaths from reduced health and food programs.
Not one of America’s proudest moments.
3. Stay of Peace in Israel
The date was Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas carpetbombed Israel. During the Gaza War, the particular attack caused 1,195 deaths, including 815 civilians. Another 5,400 people were injured. The retaliation brought on 62,000 deaths among Palestinians.
There was no end in sight, but people in the Trump Administration made brokering a deal a priority. When it seemed possible, it had already become one of the top Christian news stories of 2025.
In late September, Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end Gaza violence amid the ongoing conflict since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The first phase included Hamas releasing hostages, exchanging prisoners, increasing humanitarian aid, and installing temporary governance by an apolitical Palestinian committee overseen by an international body chaired by Trump.
2. Revival in the Land
What began in 2023 as the remarkable Asbury Outpouring in Kentucky has been replicated across the country by notable organizations such as UniteUS and the SALT Company. Consider these “pop-up revivals,” but there is so much more going on. God is anointing Gen Z with a mighty touch of His Spirit. The media has attempted to define each college campus being touched as some counter-culturalist movement, but water and Holy Ghost baptisms aren’t a “movement.”
These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams…and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'” (Acts 2:15-17, 21 NIV)
Each campus creates different headlines, but the story is gloriously the same. “God is up to something. And He’s nowhere near done yet.”
1. Charlie Kirk Assassinated
The second any person makes this is a political story, they missed the point. Charlie Kirk was thought of as a MAGA blowtorch. He wasn’t someone who fits in a silo. This man of faith spoke about his values and God’s Word. Yes, they are “conservative” values, but they are rooted in the Bible. His organization, Turning Point USA, reflects that call for ministry. And he was murdered at Utah Valley University for his beliefs, not his politics.
Only weeks later, Turning Point charters skyrocketed across the country. Sure, that was going to happen. But, so did Bible sales, church attendance, volunteer participation and campus watches. This was the “America’s Comeback” tour, and this senseless assassination set the country back decades. People should be able to disagree without making it personal.
Charlie didn’t “teach us that.” He only reinforced what Jesus already taught us. That righteous example is how this country should learn to debate. Our nation’s leaders are dolts who take their ball and go home any time the heat is on in the court of personal opinion. Corporate executives can’t do it. Most fire anyone who disagrees with them. The youth can’t do it, and neither can most parents.
This country needs more people of Charlie Kirk’s mindset. Agree or disagree, it doesn’t matter. Be present and open-minded for an entire chat. That is progress.
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