Andrew Brunson Warns: Prepare for Greater Pressure on Christians
American pastor Andrew Brunson, who spent nearly two years imprisoned in Turkey on terrorism-related charges that the U.S. government and many international observers rejected, is warning that Christians in the United States should prepare spiritually for increasing cultural hostility toward those who openly follow Jesus Christ. Drawing from his own experience of suffering for his faith, Brunson argues that believers should not assume religious liberty will always be free from growing social and cultural pressures.
Brunson’s concern is not simply that Christians may face disagreement, but that public identification with biblical Christianity could carry increasing personal and professional costs. He has urged believers to settle their commitment to Christ before those moments arrive, warning that fear often leads people toward compromise if their convictions have not already been established.
Speaking after returning from Turkey, Brunson said Christians must prepare their hearts now rather than waiting until hardship comes, adding that “not being prepared is very, very dangerous.”
His warning echoes a theme found throughout the New Testament. Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated because of His name (John 15:18–20), while the Apostle Paul wrote that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
These passages do not teach believers to seek conflict or respond with hostility. Instead, they call Christians to remain faithful, love their enemies, pray for those who oppose them, and continue proclaiming the gospel with humility and courage.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between disagreement, discrimination, and persecution. Around the world, many Christians continue to face imprisonment, violence, and even death because of their faith. In the United States, legal protections for religious freedom remain significant, though debates over religious liberty, free speech, employment, education, and public expression of faith have intensified in recent years. Brunson’s point is not that every Christian is currently experiencing persecution comparable to believers in countries with severe restrictions, but that cultural pressures can gradually increase if believers are spiritually unprepared.
Brunson’s own testimony gives weight to his message. During his imprisonment in Turkey, he has spoken openly about seasons of fear, discouragement, and even spiritual struggle. Yet he also describes how God strengthened his faith through suffering and taught him perseverance. Rather than encouraging Christians to respond with fear, his appeal is for deeper trust in Christ before difficult circumstances arise.
For Christians today, the practical application is straightforward. Build your life upon God’s Word before the storm arrives. Develop consistent habits of prayer. Become actively involved in a faithful local church. Teach your family biblical truth. Know why you believe what you believe. A faith that is exercised only when life is comfortable is often unprepared when hardship comes.
The church has always grown strongest when believers remained faithful under pressure. From the apostles in the first century to persecuted Christians around the world today, history repeatedly demonstrates that God is able to sustain His people through every trial.
As Jesus reminded His followers:
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Whatever challenges may come, Christians are called not to fear the future, but to trust the One who already holds it.
Andrew Brunson’s Urgent Warning
Andrew Brunson Warns: Prepare for Greater Pressure on Christians
American pastor Andrew Brunson, who spent nearly two years imprisoned in Turkey on terrorism-related charges that the U.S. government and many international observers rejected, is warning that Christians in the United States should prepare spiritually for increasing cultural hostility toward those who openly follow Jesus Christ. Drawing from his own experience of suffering for his faith, Brunson argues that believers should not assume religious liberty will always be free from growing social and cultural pressures.
Brunson’s concern is not simply that Christians may face disagreement, but that public identification with biblical Christianity could carry increasing personal and professional costs. He has urged believers to settle their commitment to Christ before those moments arrive, warning that fear often leads people toward compromise if their convictions have not already been established.
Speaking after returning from Turkey, Brunson said Christians must prepare their hearts now rather than waiting until hardship comes, adding that “not being prepared is very, very dangerous.”
His warning echoes a theme found throughout the New Testament. Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated because of His name (John 15:18–20), while the Apostle Paul wrote that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
These passages do not teach believers to seek conflict or respond with hostility. Instead, they call Christians to remain faithful, love their enemies, pray for those who oppose them, and continue proclaiming the gospel with humility and courage.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between disagreement, discrimination, and persecution. Around the world, many Christians continue to face imprisonment, violence, and even death because of their faith. In the United States, legal protections for religious freedom remain significant, though debates over religious liberty, free speech, employment, education, and public expression of faith have intensified in recent years. Brunson’s point is not that every Christian is currently experiencing persecution comparable to believers in countries with severe restrictions, but that cultural pressures can gradually increase if believers are spiritually unprepared.
Brunson’s own testimony gives weight to his message. During his imprisonment in Turkey, he has spoken openly about seasons of fear, discouragement, and even spiritual struggle. Yet he also describes how God strengthened his faith through suffering and taught him perseverance. Rather than encouraging Christians to respond with fear, his appeal is for deeper trust in Christ before difficult circumstances arise.
For Christians today, the practical application is straightforward. Build your life upon God’s Word before the storm arrives. Develop consistent habits of prayer. Become actively involved in a faithful local church. Teach your family biblical truth. Know why you believe what you believe. A faith that is exercised only when life is comfortable is often unprepared when hardship comes.
The church has always grown strongest when believers remained faithful under pressure. From the apostles in the first century to persecuted Christians around the world today, history repeatedly demonstrates that God is able to sustain His people through every trial.
As Jesus reminded His followers:
Whatever challenges may come, Christians are called not to fear the future, but to trust the One who already holds it.