Johnie Wood

Johnie Wood Jr. is a theological analyst, itinerant preacher, and retired U.S. Air Force officer who helps churches examine where faith, nationalism, and power have become entangled. A Doctor of Ministry candidate at Fuller Seminary, his project, “Discipling Nations or Baptizing Nationalism?”, equips pastors to recognize when appeals to “biblical order” are used to marginalize women, people of color, and the vulnerable.

Drawing on thirty years in intelligence, counterintelligence, and security leadership, Johnie invites church leaders back to Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 12 to reimagine a reconciled, multiethnic, gender‑mutual body where power is exercised as service, not domination. 

CBE’s 2026 International Conference Speaking Session

Workshop Session | Sunday, August 9 at 9:00 am | O’Hare III

Galatians 3:28 and the White Nationalism Movement: Healing a Wounded Body

Track: Biblical Equality in Action

Drawing on years analyzing extremist movements in counterterrorism as well as work training pastors, this session will show how White Christian Nationalism (WCN) misuses Scripture to sacralize hierarchy, protect group power, and sideline women and people of color in the name of “biblical order.” Contrast these distortions with the New Testament’s vision of a reconciled, multiethnic church where gifts are shared across genders, power is exercised as service, and no one part of the body is elevated over the rest (1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 3:28). Participants will leave with a simple diagnostic tool for spotting WCN “tells” in sermons and church life, and with concrete pastoral practices for responding with truth, humility, and courage rather than shame or contempt.