When freedom-loving Americans witness the growing authoritarianism creeping into both federal and state governments, it can be disheartening. What’s even more alarming, however, is when that same spirit of tyranny starts showing up close to home, infecting neighbors and local officials with a petty need for control.
This was clearly demonstrated during the pandemic when heavy-handed local measures felt suffocating, but it didn’t end there. Today, one example stands out: Pastor Mark Driscoll of Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, boldly pushing back against local bureaucrats attempting to suppress his church’s message.
In a recent post shared on the social media platform X, Driscoll revealed that a local government official had requested he remove a sign from church property. The sign in question boldly read “Jesus Christ ’24,” clearly meant to spread a spiritual message, not a political one. Driscoll didn’t just ignore the request—he defied it outright. “We will not comply, but we will multiply,” he declared. This wasn’t just a stand against a single email; it was a rallying cry against the overreach of authority.
As irony would have it, Driscoll was preparing a sermon about civil obedience when the email came in late on a Friday afternoon. The government official’s message claimed that the sign could be subject to removal since it didn’t appear to be for a current political candidate. Driscoll, however, didn’t miss a beat in crafting his reply. With a bit of humor and sharp criticism, he suggested the government focus on more pressing issues: “Before you go around collecting signs, figure out how to close the border and take care of people before signs.”
(WATCH) Pastor Mark Driscoll refuses city order to take down ‘Jesus Christ 24’ sign: ‘We will not comply’ https://t.co/oZLYk3DCHo pic.twitter.com/1zhSlDT0MN
— End Time Headlines (@EndTimeHeadline) September 19, 2024
He pointed out that the streets surrounding his church were littered with political signs, yet the church’s sign had drawn government scrutiny. “As far as I know, it’s still America,” he said, reminding his congregation that freedom of speech should still apply. Driscoll went on to explain the deeper meaning behind the sign, tying it to his latest book, Vote Like Jesus, urging people to consider Christ as their eternal Savior while choosing political leaders.
Got a “take the sign down” email from the city because we’re endorsing Jesus. There’s a better chance of me getting pregnant. #notgonnadoit pic.twitter.com/3nAKwXH199
— Pastor Mark Driscoll (@PastorMark) September 14, 2024
His defiance didn’t stop there. In his message to the local bureaucrat, Driscoll offered grace and forgiveness but held firm in his stance: “We love you, we forgive you, we bless you… we will not comply, we will multiply.” He even went the extra mile by ordering similar signs for his entire congregation, ensuring the message of “Jesus Christ ’24” would spread even further.
The government asked us to take down our Jesus ’24 sign. My response? We will not comply, but we will multiply. pic.twitter.com/uJUpCRuoms
— Pastor Mark Driscoll (@PastorMark) September 17, 2024
The email’s timing—sent just 34 seconds before the end of the workweek—left little doubt that the official hoped to avoid any immediate response or perhaps simply enjoyed flexing their small-town power. But Driscoll’s response serves as a reminder of what to do when local petty tyrants try to mimic the larger authoritarians seen in higher levels of government. Like Driscoll, we must stand firm and refuse to bow to such intimidation.
