U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has initiated a new monthly Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, reflecting his personal faith and commitment to integrating spiritual reflection into the life of the Department of Defense. The inaugural service was held on Wednesday, May 21, in the Pentagon auditorium and broadcast live on the department’s internal network—a highly unusual move that underscores Hegseth’s desire to bring faith to the forefront of his leadership.
“This is precisely where I need to be, exactly where we need to be as a nation at this moment—on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Hegseth said in opening remarks. “This is something we plan to do on a monthly basis, on a voluntary basis, here in the auditorium.”
The service featured a sermon by Brooks Potteiger, pastor of Hegseth’s home church, Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Tennessee. Hegseth introduced Potteiger as a long-time spiritual mentor, highlighting the personal significance of the event. During his sermon, Potteiger offered prayers for national leaders and emphasized the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life, including military operations and decision-making.
The event was promoted internally at the Pentagon, with invitations sent to Department of Defense employees and printed brochures bearing the title “Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service.” While voluntary, the initiative marks a visible expression of Hegseth’s belief that national strength is closely tied to spiritual grounding.
Acting Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson affirmed that no government funds were used for Potteiger’s visit and emphasized the voluntary nature of the service. “Many different faiths have regular services in the Pentagon Chapel or elsewhere in the Pentagon,” Wilson said. “This service was an opportunity for believers to appeal to Heaven on behalf of our great nation and its warfighters.”
Hegseth, a long-time advocate of Christian values in public life, has frequently spoken about the role of faith in guiding his worldview and leadership. His new initiative appears to reflect a desire to foster a space for religious expression and prayer within the Department of Defense, drawing on a tradition of faith in American public service dating back to the nation’s founding.
As the services continue monthly, Hegseth’s effort may shape a new spiritual rhythm within the Pentagon—one rooted in his personal convictions and aimed at uniting like-minded personnel in prayer and reflection.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Picture on Flickr by U.S. Secretary of Defense
