During the revival, with worship music playing softly, Mr. Frederickson, in a vest and cuffed skinny jeans, urged the crowd not to believe “the lie” of the separation of church and state.
Speakers included Heidi St. John, a homeschooling advocate running for Congress in Washington State. She praised Moses’ mother – “she failed!” — and urged people to leave their churches if their pastors were too politically “timid.”
Mr Ahn, the pastor, who also spoke at the event, said he didn’t see it just as a worship service or a political rally. “It’s both,” he said. “My understanding of Jesus’ kingdom is that he is Lord, not just over the church, but over every aspect of society. That means family, education, arts, entertainment, especially business and government.”
Worship is increasingly becoming a central feature of right-wing events that are not aimed exclusively at a Christian audience.
Hosted by an Oklahoma talk show personality and entrepreneur, ReAwaken America events are being touted as gatherings of “truth seekers” who resist pandemic precautions, believe the 2020 election has been stolen, mistrust Black Lives Matter, and want to investigate “what really is.” happened” on January 6. Most of the events are organized by major churches, and the main sponsor is Charisma News, a media outlet serving charismatic Christians.
In February, a ReAwaken event opened at the Trinity Gospel Temple in Canton, Ohio, featuring a set of worship music by Melody Noel Altavilla, a songwriter and worship leader at Influence Church in Anaheim, California. “Your presence fills the temple when we worship you,” sang Ms. Altavilla. The music echoed in the darkened sanctuary.
In an interview, Ms. Altavilla said she was excited to be asked to perform because it was an opportunity to “create space for God” at a secular event.
