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Church Daily1 min read

John Lewis Reminds Us Why Churches Must Make Good Trouble

Civil rights legend John Lewis's legacy challenges pastors to reconsider what prophetic witness looks like in our current cultural moment.

CS
ChurchStacks
July 20, 2026
The News
Religion News Service recently featured historian David Greenberg discussing his biography "John Lewis: A Life," highlighting the late Congressman and civil rights icon's enduring witness. Greenberg explores Lewis's commitment to "making good trouble"—his phrase for moral resistance and prophetic action rooted in faith.
Why It Matters
Lewis's life raises an uncomfortable question: Are our churches equipping people for prophetic witness, or are we teaching them to be comfortable? Small churches especially can sometimes retreat into private piety when the moment demands public courage. Lewis showed that moral action grounded in faith—not political calculation—changes systems and saves souls.
The Takeaway
This summer, teach your congregation Lewis's principle of "good trouble" and ask yourselves honestly where God is calling your church toward prophetic witness in your community.

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