What Adam Hamilton said to church Sunday as senator-elect

Key Points:

• Rev. Adam Hamilton, founding pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S., addressed his congregation after becoming the first Kansas Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate since the Great Depression, receiving standing ovations and expressing gratitude for prayers and support.
• Hamilton, who founded Church of the Resurrection in 1990 and grew it to over 24,000 members, described his campaign journey as "amazing, terrifying, exciting, and exhausting," and emphasized his intention to model a kinder, more caring Christianity in Washington.
• He plans to reduce his preaching schedule to balance his roles as senator and pastor, highlighting moments on the campaign trail where his pastoral care deeply impacted individuals, including an emotional prayer for a dying woman at a medical center.
• Congregation members praised Hamilton's authenticity and faithfulness, with some crossing party lines to support him, while acknowledging hopes that he can bring positive change to the often divisive political environment in Washington.
• Despite attacks from opponents labeling him a left-wing extremist who misused religion, Hamilton's supporters describe him as a good person dedicated to his faith and community, hoping he can help reset the tone in politics.