Grandson of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham, Pastor Tullian Tchividjian recently sparked controversy when he shared with his congregation that his “favorite cuss word” is, in fact, a prayer. The statement was made during a sermon titled “Watch Your Mouth,” delivered at The Sanctuary, the church he founded in Jupiter, Florida, after experiencing a personal and public fall from grace in 2015.

Tchividjian revealed that the phrase “goddamnit” — often used to express anger or frustration — holds deeper theological significance for him. “Let me give an apologetic for the word ‘goddamnit,’ which is my favorite cuss word,” he said during the sermon. “I think it is the most theologically accurate cuss word on planet Earth.” He argued that the phrase, typically considered offensive, could actually be understood as a prayer calling on God to rectify a situation. “In other words, what you’re saying is, ‘God, you are the only one that is capable of cleaning up this mess, damn it, get rid of it,'” he explained.

Tchividjian acknowledged that his stance may be alarming to some Christians, who view the phrase as taking the Lord’s name in vain, which is prohibited by Exodus 20:7. However, he defended his interpretation, emphasizing that if used with the right intentions, the phrase is a plea for God’s intervention. “I make a very compelling case that it’s actually a very theologically driven prayer if it’s used properly,” he said.

Tchividjian’s remarks come after years of personal turmoil and ministry challenges. In 2015, he resigned from his position as pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale after admitting to an extramarital affair. The revelation came after he had previously accused his wife at the time, Kim, of being unfaithful. Tchividjian’s scandal led to his removal from pastoral ministry, and in the following years, he struggled to regain his footing.

Months after his resignation, Tchividjian accepted a position at Willow Creek Church in Winter Springs, Florida. However, he was dismissed in 2016 after it was revealed that he had not disclosed a previous affair from 2014. The fallout from these incidents left Tchividjian at a low point, both personally and professionally.

In 2019, Tchividjian launched The Sanctuary in Jupiter with his second wife, Stacie, whom he married in 2016. The church has become a refuge for people who, like Tchividjian, have experienced personal failures and struggles. On the church’s website, Tchividjian describes it as a place for the weary and burdened to find rest, citing Matthew 11:28: “Jesus invited weary and burdened people to come to him to find rest.”

The Sanctuary’s mission reflects Tchividjian’s own journey of redemption. He credits his recovery to the love and support of his wife, Stacie, as well as a small group of friends and pastors who helped him heal from his past mistakes. The church openly discusses both Tchividjian’s and Stacie’s broken pasts, including Stacie’s struggles with family dysfunction, infidelity, and failed marriages.

Despite the controversy surrounding his recent comments, Tchividjian remains committed to preaching the message of God’s grace and unconditional love to those who are broken. His unapologetic approach to ministry has drawn both criticism and admiration from different corners of the Christian community, but for Tchividjian, it all comes down to offering hope to people who, like himself, have experienced failure and are seeking a path to restoration.