‘God’s man for this job’: 7 conservative Christians react to Mike Johnson becoming speaker

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, October 26, 2023

Newly elected U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on October 25, 2023. Republicans on October 24 made their fourth pick in just two weeks to replace the ousted speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, underlining the chaos engulfing the fragmented party after three previous nominees failed to win the gavel. (Photo by TOM BRENNER / AFP) (Photo by TOM BRENNER/AFP via Getty Images) | TOM BRENNER/AFP via Getty Images

Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives following three weeks of infighting among GOP members.

In his first speech as head of the lower chamber of Congress, Johnson remarked that he doesn't "believe there are any coincidences in a matter like this," but rather "the Bible is very clear that God is the One that raises up those in authority."

"He raised up each of you, all of us," Johnson said to his Republican and Democrat colleagues. "I believe that God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time."

"This is my belief. I believe that each one of us has a huge responsibility today to use the gifts that God has given us to serve the extraordinary people of this great country and they deserve it."

Here's a list of seven Christian leaders' reactions to Johnson becoming speaker. They include a former Southern Baptist Convention president, a prominent Hispanic Evangelical pastor, and the son of the Rev. Billy Graham.