WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - NOVEMBER 4, 2026
In this week's Intersect, read about:
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Hegseth Launches Free Seminary Path for Future Chaplains
"Service members who feel called to ministry no longer have to leave the military to answer that call. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the Pentagon will pay for active duty troops to attend seminary and return to the force as chaplains." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- Until now, troops called to ministry had to leave, pay for seminary alone, and hope to return. That system pushed out the very people who understand troops best. The Chaplain In-Service Procurement Program removes that barrier and is the first major win for the Office of Religious Affairs Hegseth created in September.
- Chaplains are woven into America's founding. In 1776, George Washington ordered chaplains for his regiments, writing that "the blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger." Chaplains make the free exercise of religion real on a base, a ship, or a battlefield.
- Federal law requires competitive selection and does not promise tuition to every applicant. Still, the need is urgent: "And how can they hear without someone to preach?" (Romans 10:14). The Church should pray that God raises up faithful shepherds to answer this call.
PRAY.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the men and women who serve our nation and for those You are calling into ministry among them. Guide every future chaplain as they study Your Word, and make them shepherds who point troops to Christ in the hardest places. Amen.
ACT.
Pray by name for the chaplains and service members you know. If someone in your church serves and senses a call to ministry, encourage them to explore this new path. Thank your congressional representatives for protecting religious freedom in the armed forces.
Military Boards Vote to Keep Transgender Troops
"Military review boards tasked with carrying out the Pentagon's policy on transgender service members are, in many cases, refusing to do so. Navy and Marine Corps boards have voted to keep transgender-identifying troops in uniform in nine of 12 cases, despite instructions directing them to recommend discharge." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- These board votes are recommendations, not final rulings. The secretaries over each branch can reverse them, and a 2025 Pentagon memo lets commanders overturn a decision to retain. The real test is whether civilian leaders will enforce the policy the commander in chief set.
- The Constitution gives Congress the power "To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces" (Article I, Section 8). An executive order can be undone by the next president, and these boards show how easily policy bends. Lasting standards for military service belong in law, because "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33).
- Christians can hold truth and compassion together. "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27). Every service member bears God's image and deserves respect. Policy should rest on that truth, and the Church should stand ready to love those who struggle with it.
PRAY.
Lord, we lift up our military leaders and every man and woman in uniform. Give our commanders courage to lead with integrity. Comfort those struggling with their identity, and draw them to the truth and love found in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ACT.
Stay informed about how military policy is carried out, not just announced. Ask your representatives to support clear standards for military service. Pray for our troops and ask your church how it can serve military families.
America's Baby Bust Deepens as Birth Rate Hits New Low
"America's birth rate has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded. Final federal data released this week shows the nation's general fertility rate dropped again in 2025, extending a decline that has now lasted nearly two decades. The report adds to growing concern about what fewer babies will mean for the country's families, economy, and future." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- The birth rate for women ages 20 to 24 fell 6% in a single year. A century ago, the nation's fertility rate was double what it is today. Fewer children means fewer workers to support retirees and fewer young people to carry the faith forward.
- The Lord says He formed the earth and "did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited" (Isaiah 45:18). Modern culture often treats children as a cost that slows a career. Scripture says the opposite: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward" (Psalm 127:3). The baby bust is a sign of a culture that has forgotten what it values.
- There is hope. Birth rates rose for women ages 30 to 44, showing many Americans still want children but are waiting longer. Churches can help by celebrating marriage, supporting young parents, and making it easier, not harder, to say yes to children.
PRAY.
Father, You are the Giver of life. We pray for young couples who long for children and for those who are afraid to start a family. Give them hope and provision. Turn our nation's heart back to valuing marriage, motherhood, and fatherhood as gifts from You. Amen.
ACT.
Offer young couples in your church practical help like meals, childcare, or mentoring. Support your local pregnancy resource centers. Ask your lawmakers to back policies that strengthen marriage and make raising a family more affordable.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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