Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)
- Why Should Christians Be Involved in Politics? (00:04:40)
- Why Are Many Pastors Afraid to Speak About Politics? (00:09:02)
- What Kind of Leadership Is Required from Pastors Today? (00:12:59)
- Why Did Ché Ahn Defy California’s Church Shutdowns? (00:15:17)
- Is Gavin Newsom a “Devout Catholic”? Evaluating Leadership by Fruit (00:19:35)
- Can a Born-Again Christian Vote for the Political Left? (00:24:20)
- Who Was Charlie Kirk and Why Did He Matter? (00:27:23)
- Is Ché Ahn Afraid of Losing Followers or the Governor’s Race? (00:32:41)
Why Should Christians Be Involved in Politics? (00:04:40)
Gustavo Vargas:
Why should a Christian be involved in politics—especially a pastor like you?
Ché Ahn:
The foundation goes back to Genesis 1:28. God created humanity in His image and gave us two primary mandates: to multiply and to subdue evil. The Hebrew word kavash literally means to subdue or conquer evil. From the beginning, God intended humanity to rule with Him in a governmental capacity.
Jesus reinforced this when He said He came to restore what was lost—not just people, but authority (Luke 19:10). Through the cross, our authority was restored. Ephesians 2 tells us we are now seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all rule and dominion.
So how could Christians not be involved in shaping society, government, and policy? The idea that faith and politics should be separate comes from Greek dualism, not biblical thinking. In Scripture, everything is sacred. God is King over all of life—family, government, church, business, and culture.
Why Are Many Pastors Afraid to Speak About Politics? (00:09:02)
Gustavo Vargas:
If this is so clearly biblical, why are so many pastors afraid to speak about politics?
Ché Ahn:
Scripture says God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When pastors fear people, it’s often because they’ve lost the fear of God.
Many are afraid of losing church members or financial support. But when we take our eyes off Jesus and put them on people, we compromise truth. God is our provider—not donors or tithers.
The Greek word used for “fear” here actually means cowardice. God calls us to courage. Perfect love casts out fear, and pastors must return to their first love if they are going to speak truth with compassion and boldness.
What Kind of Leadership Is Required from Pastors Today? (00:12:59)
Gustavo Vargas:
How can pastors lead their flock if they are afraid or conforming to culture?
Ché Ahn:
Jesus is our model. Hebrews says He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He knew the suffering that was coming, yet He laid down His life willingly.
Pastors are called to do the same. That doesn’t always mean physical death—but it does mean dying to approval, comfort, and popularity. If Jesus laid down His life for the Church, then leaders must be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep, even when truth is rejected.
Why Did Ché Ahn Defy California’s Church Shutdowns? (00:15:17)
Gustavo Vargas:
Why did you decide to open your church during the COVID shutdowns?
Ché Ahn:
In 2020, California deemed abortion clinics, marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, and strip clubs “essential”—but closed churches and small businesses. That was a moral contradiction.
People were depressed, isolated, and anxious. The Church is the most essential institution in society during times of crisis. God told me to open the church, knowing I could be arrested.
We sued Gavin Newsom, and by God’s grace, the case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In February 2021, we won a 6–3 victory and a $1.3 million settlement. Pastors are called to lay down their lives for their people—and I was willing to go to jail if necessary.
Is Gavin Newsom a “Devout Catholic”? Evaluating Leadership by Fruit (00:19:35)
Gustavo Vargas:
Do you believe Governor Newsom is a devout Catholic?
Ché Ahn:
Jesus said you will know people by their fruit. Governor Newsom codified abortion into California’s constitution through Proposition 1, legalizing abortion up to the final days of pregnancy.
That is incompatible with biblical Christianity—and Catholic teaching. California has become a sanctuary state for abortion, funded by taxpayer dollars. This isn’t about party politics; it’s about moral clarity and constitutional responsibility.
Can a Born-Again Christian Vote for the Political Left? (00:24:20)
Gustavo Vargas:
Can a true follower of Jesus vote for the political left?
Ché Ahn:
Scripture speaks of sins of commission and omission. When believers vote for leaders who promote abortion, radical gender ideology, and the erosion of parental rights, they become complicit.
I’m an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, and I take citizenship seriously. Since 1973, I’ve committed to voting biblically—not by party, but by values. Life is foundational. When a leader gets that wrong, everything else follows.
Who Was Charlie Kirk and Why Did He Matter? (00:27:23)
Gustavo Vargas:
How would you describe Charlie Kirk?
Ché Ahn:
Charlie Kirk was brilliant, courageous, and deeply committed to Jesus. I met him several times and was always struck by his boldness and generosity.
In 2024, he invited 300 pastors to meet Donald Trump, and I was honored to be one of four leaders who prayed for him. Charlie had a heart for Gen Z and understood the importance of discipling young people with a biblical worldview. I believe I’m carrying forward part of that legacy here in California.
Is Ché Ahn Afraid of Losing Followers—or the Governor’s Race? (00:32:41)
Gustavo Vargas:
Are you afraid of losing church members—or losing the California Governor election in 2026?
Ché Ahn:
I’m here to please Jesus, not people. Galatians 1:10 has guided my life. If I were trying to please people, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
Yes, the odds are against any Republican in California—but God is a God of miracles. We’re seeing shifts: parental rights, crime, cost of living, wildfire mismanagement. Californians are waking up.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a pastor who loves California. If God wants me to win, He will make a way—just like He parted the Red Sea.
Watch full intereview here