Pastor Mark Driscoll has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time involving a city order demanding he take down a “Jesus Christ ’24” campaign-style sign on the property surrounding his Scottsdale, Arizona church. Driscoll, who previously founded the now-defunct Mars Hill Church in Seattle and currently leads Trinity Church in Scottsdale, made it clear during a recent church service that he has no intention of complying with the city’s request.

The sign, which reads “Jesus Christ, ’24,” was apparently the subject of complaints, prompting the city to issue an order for its removal. The letter, sent to the church, stated: “We are now receiving complaints regarding a temporary sign that was erected in the ROW adjacent to the church,” adding that the sign “does not appear to be a political sign.”

Driscoll was undeterred by the complaint. Addressing the issue with his congregation, he sarcastically stated, “I’m sure it wasn’t someone named Karen, but someone complained.” He then took to social media to share a portion of the letter and an image of the sign. In his post, he responded boldly, “The government asked us to take down our Jesus ’24 sign. My response? We will not comply, but we will multiply.”

During the service, Driscoll showed his congregation photos of the area surrounding the church, where other political signs were placed, comparing them to the one erected by his church. He also questioned the city’s priorities, suggesting that instead of focusing on removing signs, they should direct their efforts toward solving more critical national issues. “I would just humbly submit that if you work for the government before you go around collecting signs, figure out how to close the border and take care of people before signs,” he said.

In a nod to the town’s history, Driscoll reminded his congregation that U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott founded Scottsdale in 1888, a Bible-teaching pastor who named the town after himself. Driscoll implied that if Scott were alive today, he would likely support a “Jesus Christ” sign outside of his church as well. “If Winfield Scott were here, he would tell you he probably had a ‘Jesus Christ 1888’ sign in the front of his church when they started in Scottsdale, Arizona, because he’s a Bible-believing Christian,” Driscoll said.

Taking his defiance a step further, Driscoll announced that every member of his congregation would receive a free “Jesus Christ ’24” sign. He also encouraged them to approach the upcoming 2024 election with a faith-driven perspective, urging them to vote in accordance with their Christian beliefs rather than partisan politics. “As you’re choosing your political leader, make sure you choose your eternal Savior,” he said.

Driscoll has a history of making bold statements regarding politics, often urging Christians to view elections through the lens of their faith. Earlier this year, he advised Christians to approach the 2024 presidential election with “sobriety,” expressing disappointment with both major party candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Driscoll remarked on TikTok, “How should a Christian approach the 2024 election? Make every effort to maintain sobriety despite the difficulty… If you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, your options stink, but welcome to America.”

As of now, the City of Scottsdale has not provided a public comment on the situation, though Driscoll’s defiance has clearly garnered attention. His bold stance on the “Jesus Christ ’24” sign, along with his calls for Christian involvement in the political sphere, reflect his ongoing commitment to intertwining faith with the broader cultural and political discussions shaping the nation today.