The Australian Pastor Influencing US Politics

On Sep 22, 2023

TL/DR –

In 2024 election campaign, Florida governor Ron DeSantis is focusing on wooing the evangelical vote, a key demographic that was highly supportive of former president Donald Trump. As DeSantis’s popularity plummets ahead of the Iowa caucus, Australian pastor Jesse Newman, who leads a thriving megachurch in Des Moines, remains one of the few church leaders who still support the governor. Newman has become a key figure in this political landscape, attracting attention through his conservative viewpoints and support for DeSantis, despite his reservations about being in the spotlight and his complex relationship with his faith.

Florida Governor DeSantis’ Bid for 2024 Presidential Election: An Australian Pastor’s Role

In late May, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis targeted the evangelical vote for his 2024 presidential campaign at an in-person rally in Des Moines, Iowa’s Eternity Church. The rally was led by Jesse Newman, an Australian pastor known for his strong faith and powerful oratory.

Newman’s prayer for unity in the GOP and the fight against globalism and socialism struck a chord with the audience. He later had the chance to meet former President Donald Trump, a leader he respects immensely.

Despite DeSantis’s declining popularity ahead of next year’s Iowa caucus, Newman stands among a minority supporting him. With Trump’s solid backing from white evangelical voters, DeSantis’s campaign strategy seems to be working, particularly in Iowa, where he is performing better than nationwide. Read more about this in a recent New York Times report.

Newman’s journey from an unknown Australian pastor to a political influencer in the US has been overwhelming for him. He has transformed the small local church into a thriving community with 4500 members, attributing his success to showing unconditional love.

Newman’s early life in rural Victoria, Australia, was a far cry from his current position. Raised in a large family with a single father, his life was transformed after his grandparents became born-again Christians and he started attending Pentecostal churches.

Now, he is a prominent figure in America’s religious landscape, known for his contemporary style, relatable sermons, and strong views on political and cultural issues. Newman’s public persona contrasts with his humbleness in private, where he often deflects attention and credits his faith for his success.

Navigating through the ups and downs, Newman’s journey mirrors that of Hillsong founder, Brian Houston. Newman publicly supported Houston during his trial and expressed his disappointment at how Houston was removed from the church he founded.

Newman’s outspoken conservative beliefs have attracted crowds and donations to his church. Although he supports DeSantis and Trump, he opts to express his endorsements over social media rather than the pulpit. His commitment to Christianity and belief in strong moral codes resonate with the church goers, many of whom are drawn to his church because they want to lead a better life.

For Newman, sharing his spiritual doubts along with political certainties is part of helping people live better lives. This approach has earned him the respect and admiration of America’s influential people.

Find the original article on The Saturday Paper.

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