“You don’t have to choose between following Christ and a life of public service.”
Vice President Mike Pence spoke to a packed Centennial Chapel, emphasizing the importance of faith in public life. In his address, Pence shared personal stories of his own faith journey, struggles in politics, and lessons in servant leadership.
Pence pulled from wisdom shared in his most recent book, So Help Me God, in which he details the challenges and victories of integrating faith into political life. A key theme of his message was that integrity and faith are not separate from leadership, but are essential to it. “I would submit to you with deep humility that now more than ever, America needs men and women of faith and integrity in every leadership role in the nation.”
Pence spoke about the influence of late pastor Tim Keller, recalling the time they discussed 2 Timothy 3:12, a verse that states, “Anyone who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This reminder, Pence noted, is significant for all who seek to live out their faith openly. “There’s a bit of a challenge in that verse,” Pence recalled Keller saying. “If you’re not being persecuted, you maybe better check your life.”
Reflecting on his own path, Pence recounted his early years in politics and the mistakes he made. “In 1988, I ran for Congress at 29 years old. We ran a negative campaign, and we lost. But I didn’t just lose an election—I lost a measure of my self-respect.” He explained that it was only after realigning his political career with his faith that he found success. “When we follow Christ as Lord and Savior, we agree to do things His way,” Pence said. He ultimately served in Congress, as Governor of Indiana, and as Vice President of the United States.
“Adversity doesn’t create character. Adversity reveals character.”
Pence urged students to embrace faith in their careers, whether in politics, business, education, or public service. He emphasized that living with integrity may bring opposition, but it is necessary. “If you’re letting people know that you follow Jesus Christ, that you’re men and women of integrity, the time of testing will come. And when it does, you will be the man or woman you’ve been preparing to be on every quiet day before.”
He shared a personal moment with his son, who serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I told him, ‘The Bible says, teach me to number my days aright that I may gain a heart of wisdom. None of us are promised tomorrow, son. So keep God first, honor your family, and pursue excellence.’”
Pence reflected on his time in the White House and the criticism he faced for his personal values, particularly the so-called “Mike Pence Rule,” which originated from evangelist Billy Graham. “I woke up one morning to see the Washington Post criticizing me for a decision my wife and I made years ago—that I would not dine alone with any woman who was not my wife. It was a way of protecting our marriage and honoring our family. The President saw it, looked at me, and said, ‘After everything they’ve said about me, can you believe they’re attacking Mike for being faithful to his wife?’”
The Vice President also drew from scripture, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith. “As Hebrews 12 says, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’”
He concluded with a challenge: “Aspire to be men and women of integrity. Be the kind of people this country has always relied on. But be prepared—taking a stand will bring opposition. Yet as the Bible says, ‘Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do so with gentleness and respect.”
“Keep God first, honor your families, pursue excellence. And have faith—God is going to put you right where we need you and give you a hope and a future to be a blessing for America.”
