JERUSALEM (BP) – The goal of having a large group of American evangelical pastors tour Israel lies in being reminded of its Scriptural roots and the importance of pushing back against a worldwide rise in antisemitism, said Friends of Zion founder Mike Evans.
“For Christians, Israel is not just another country on the map. It is the cradle of our faith. The story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, and Jesus starts here. If you cut Israel out of the Bible, you do not just edit a text, you undermine the foundations of Christian faith itself,” Evans said. “This week we want Pastors to experience Israel first-hand and be reminded of these foundational truths.”
Those comments were provided in a press release prior to pastors visiting the country Dec. 1-8. Friends of Zion and the State of Israel worked together to bring forward “one of the most significant mobilizations of American church leaders to Israel.”
The week consisted of pastors taking part in “an immersive, state-level experience” that included meetings with Israeli officials, generals, intelligence leaders and President Isaac Herzog. The State of Israel covered costs for flights, lodging and expenses for pastors.
O.S. Hawkins, chancellor of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, joined other Southern Baptist leaders and pastors on the trip. Hawkins travels to Israel regularly and has built numerous relationships there.
Hawkins was inducted into the White Rose Society alongside Ambassador (and former Southern Baptist pastor) Mike Huckabee. The award is given in memory of Christians who resisted fascism and fought against Nazi oppression during World War II. An hour-long interview with the two was filmed and will be aired on the Trinty Broadcasting Network in January, he said.
“My wife, Susie, and I have been active in many endeavors there including supporting the Lone Soldier program for those young men and women who returned to Israel to serve in the Gaza war,” Hawkins told BP.
Hawkins cited infiltration of Replacement Theology among evangelicals as one reason the trip was important.
“The first leg is ‘rejection’ [and] teaches that God has rejected the people of Israel because of their unbelief. The second leg is ‘replacement’ – God has replaced the Jews and the promises given them with the Church. The final leg is ‘revoke,’ which states that God has revoked the covenant promises He has given to Israel.”
Scripture does not support the theology, he added, saying, “If God were to break His covenant promises to Israel, what hope do we have that he would not break His covenant promises to us?”
Evans’ testimony is one where, as an 11-year-old, he was strangled by his antisemitic father while attempting to protect his Jewish mother.
“Israel cannot fight this ideological war without a strategic partner: the evangelical movement,” Evans said. “Israelis make up just 0.12 percent of the world – 12 for every 10,000 people – while evangelicals represent 9.2 percent globally. A partnership between the two is the only path forward.”
Ronny Raines, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tenn., was invited by evangelist and Student Leadership University founder Jay Strack on the trip. Raines is also a frequent visitor to the country, leading trips about every two years. He told BP this one was different, being “educational and visionary in many aspects.”
Alongside visiting some sites he hadn’t before, Raines met with Evans, fellow pastors and other leaders. He also heard directly from those impacted by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
“It was both inspirational and painful,” he said. “My heart was broken and convicted to meet many survivors and hostage families. I visited a Kibbutz near Gaza. I saw the burned houses and walked into residences where innocent people lost their lives. I met one of the survivors from that community. He felt his life was spared that Saturday morning in order to tell their stories. My time in Israel exceeded my expectations.
“It was a wonderful trip that I’ll ponder on for days and weeks to come. I’m grateful to have been invited to attend and participate.”
A second trip is already being planned.
“Some of the most strategic pastors in America have already joined this movement,” Evans said. “This is more than a trip. It’s a calling to stand with Israel, speak truth and equip the next generation.”
NOTE: An earlier version of this article, going by information from the FOZ press release, stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be meeting with the group. BP has learned that this particular meeting apparently ended up not taking place.
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