Thread by @k_mahlburg

I used to be a local church pastor.

Now I speak far more boldly about politics, justice and truth.

Some people don’t like that.

But here’s why I made the shift — and why staying quiet no longer feels like faithfulness: 🧵

As a pastor, unity had to be a top priority.

That meant compromising on certain views — or staying quiet about issues that could divide a congregation.

Now, in Christian advocacy, I have more freedom to speak clearly and directly.

So yes my tone has changed. And it needed to.

One turning point? The 2019 Israel Folau case.

He quoted Scripture.
He lost his career.

We were told legalising same-sex marriage wouldn’t harm religious freedom.

It did.

And things have only gotten darker since then.

Today in Australia, we are:

• Forcing women to share changerooms with men
• Banning Christian counselling for unwanted attractions
• Teaching preschoolers to explore their “gender identity”
• Castrating children

And if you speak up? You’re labelled extreme.

It’s not what Christians believe that’s changed.

It’s how many are still willing to say it out loud.

I'm among a shrinking minority.

Why do I use blunt phrases like “castrating children”?

Because truth has been buried in euphemisms.

“Gender-affirming care” is not affirming.

It chemically and surgically sterilises healthy kids — often permanently.

Same with abortion.

“Reproductive healthcare” sounds nice.

But it veils the violent end of a life made in God's image.

If you've been impacted by abortion — there is grace, healing and help. But we must tell the truth.

Early in ministry, I followed Tim Keller’s “third way” approach:

• Don’t pick political sides
• Be winsome
• Find common ground

But I’ve come to see this model has fatal flaws.

Flaw 1: It treats politics as just another form of evangelism.

But you can’t reform abortion laws or protect children if you're constantly trying to sound inoffensive.

Wilberforce didn’t end slavery by being “winsome.”

He was bold — and unpopular.

But he got results.

Flaw 2: It assumes moral equivalence between left and right.

Sure, conservatives can lack compassion.

But progressives?

They often advocate abortion, gender ideology, child sterilisation, and censorship — proudly and openly.

There’s no “equal” critique to be made.

Flaw 3: It believes secular hostility to Christians is our fault.

So we soften the gospel to win approval.

But Jesus said the world would hate us.

Trying to appease the world only weakens the church — and empowers the culture to reshape it.

Over time, I also saw this:

Progressivism is not just a political preference.
It’s a rival worldview.

It denies:
• Objective truth
• God’s design
• Moral order
• The image of God in every person

It’s no wonder it leads so many Christians to deconstruct their faith.

But here’s the flip side:

I’ve seen conservatism become an on-ramp to Christ.

Many young men — especially — are rejecting the chaos of progressive ideas.

They find moral clarity in conservative thought…
…and then, many find Jesus.

The church has spent decades tailoring its message to progressives.

What if God is calling some of us to reach conservatives?

The ones who feel spiritually homeless?

That’s who I believe I’m called to reach.

One last change:

I became a father.

I can’t stay silent knowing the world my kids will inherit.

I want them to grow up in a society that honours truth, life, faith and freedom.

I owe them that much.

So yes, my tone has changed.

Yes, I’m more direct.

But it’s not out of anger.

It’s out of love — for truth, for people, for Christ.

The hour is late.
The need is urgent.
And silence is no longer an option.

If you're a Christian who's stayed silent because it's safer, I get it.

But maybe it's time for a reframe.

Faithfulness doesn't always look quiet.

Sometimes, it looks like courage.

I've just published a much longer piece on this topic. Check it out here:

dailydeclaration.org.au/2025/07/15/for…

Sign up for free email news, commentary and devotionals from Australia's largest Christian news site — The Daily Declaration — at this link: .dailydeclaration.org.au/newsletter/