In today’s highly polarized political climate, few issues are as emotionally and ideologically charged as immigration. For pastors across the United States, this poses a particular challenge. Churches are traditionally seen as sanctuaries—both spiritually and, in some cases, physically. But in 2025, navigating the social and political waters of immigration policy puts many pastors between a rock and a hard place, especially in diverse congregations that span the political spectrum. As with the COVID-19 pandemic, which similarly divided Americans and left church leaders grappling with questions of authority, public health, and spiritual duty, immigration is testing the boundaries of pastoral leadership once again.
The current immigration debate is multifaceted and deeply divisive. On one side are those who advocate for strict border control, citing national security, economic burden, and the rule of law. On the other hand are proponents of more compassionate and humanitarian approaches, emphasizing the moral imperative to help refugees and asylum seekers, especially those fleeing violence or poverty.
Pastors in the U.S. find themselves caught between these perspectives, especially in churches where political views range from conservative to progressive. Many pastors want to uphold biblical values such as compassion, hospitality, and care for the stranger. Yet, they also fear alienating congregants who see immigration primarily through a lens of law and order.
This division is not just theoretical; it plays out in real time in pews and pulpits nationwide. A sermon referencing Jesus’ refugee status as an infant in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) might resonate deeply with some members but offend others who interpret such messages as veiled political endorsements. The result is often pastoral paralysis: the fear of saying too much—or too little—leading to division, loss of trust, or even empty pews.
Many pastors are striving to thread the needle. They attempt to be biblically faithful without being overtly political. Some focus on the personal stories of immigrants in their community, humanizing the issue rather than discussing policy. Others organize prayer vigils or support immigrant families quietly, out of the spotlight.
Yet even these actions can be fraught. Providing food or shelter to undocumented families can be seen as taking sides. Advocating for immigration reform might provoke backlash from those who believe the church should “stay out of politics.” Conversely, silence on the issue can be interpreted by others as complicity or cowardice.
The tension becomes especially acute in border states or sanctuary cities, where immigration is not a distant debate but a daily reality. Pastors in places like Texas, Arizona, and California are not just discussing immigration, they’re experiencing it. Their congregants include undocumented immigrants, border patrol agents, and local officials. The pastoral challenge is not only theological; it’s relational.
This isn’t American pastors’ first time in a no-win situation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches became battlegrounds over public health mandates. Mask requirements, social distancing, and vaccination campaigns all provoked fierce reactions. Some pastors were criticized for closing churches or enforcing safety protocols. Others were condemned for defying health orders in the name of religious freedom.
Like COVID-19, the immigration debate pits moral imperatives against institutional stability. During the pandemic, pastors had to decide whether to risk their congregants’ health or their church’s unity. With immigration, the stakes are different but equally complex: Whether to speak prophetically and protect vulnerable people or to maintain peace and preserve relationships within their communities.
Both crises reveal the deep entanglement of American Christianity with political ideology. The pandemic showed how public health could become a political issue, and immigration shows how a biblical ethic of hospitality can become a wedge within the church. In both cases, pastors are asked to navigate cultural minefields with grace, wisdom, and courage.
Theologically, many pastors are torn between competing biblical themes. On one hand, there are clear scriptural mandates to care for the foreigner and the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Matthew 25:35). On the other hand, some Christians emphasize passages about the importance of law, order, and submitting to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7).
For pastors, interpreting these texts in a way that is both theologically sound and pastorally sensitive is a significant challenge. The Bible doesn’t offer a neat immigration policy. It provides principles—justice, mercy, hospitality, and truth. Applying those principles in a politically charged environment requires more than biblical literacy; it requires pastoral finesse.
Some churches have tried to create space for dialogue, holding forums or discussion groups where congregants can respectfully share their views. Others have leaned into service, finding common ground in acts of mercy that transcend political disagreement. However, while noble, these approaches are time-consuming and often emotionally draining for leaders who have already been stretched thin.
For many pastors, silence feels safer. Saying nothing, after all, may maintain peace. However, silence also has consequences. It can alienate marginalized groups, including immigrants, who may feel the church doesn’t care about their struggles. Additionally, it can reinforce the perception that the church is out of touch with real-world issues.
On the other hand, speaking out can come at a high cost. Some pastors have lost members—or even their jobs—for taking a stand. Others have received threats or been accused of politicizing the gospel. In today’s polarized America, even quoting Scripture can be seen as a political act, depending on the passage and the context.
So, what can pastors do?
First, they can commit to listening—truly hearing the concerns and stories of immigrants and skeptical congregants. Understanding doesn’t require agreement, but it does require humility.
Second, pastors can cultivate a theological response to immigration rooted in Scripture rather than political talking points. This means studying and teaching what the Bible says about justice, borders, nations, and neighborly love.
Third, pastors can lead by example in showing compassion without compromising convictions. This might mean advocating for just policies, supporting local immigrant families, or simply being a safe presence for those caught in the system.
Lastly, pastors can embrace the discomfort of the middle space. Being between a rock and a hard place is often where real ministry happens—where empathy, truth, and courage are most needed.
The immigration debate, like the COVID-19 crisis before it, is not just a political issue but a pastoral one. It challenges church leaders to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Jesus in a divided world. There is no easy path forward, but perhaps that’s the point. In the tension, there is an opportunity for growth, grace, and the
church to be what it has always been at its best: a place of radical welcome and prophetic witness, even when it costs.
How is your church or ministry responding to the current immigration issues?
