A Viral Prayer, a Bold Mission—Inside Secretary Scott Turner’s Fight for Change

Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch

In this special episode of Fearless, we sit down with Secretary Scott Turner, the newly appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Broadcasting from the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina, this conversation dives deep into Secretary Turner’s incredible journey—from his roots in Dallas, Texas, to his career in the NFL, and ultimately, to his calling in public service.
Many may recognize Secretary Turner from his viral prayer at President Trump’s first cabinet meeting, but this episode reveals the heart behind the headlines. With a deep faith and a commitment to servant leadership, Turner shares how his life experiences—including overcoming childhood adversity, his time in professional sports, and his service in the Texas House of Representatives—have prepared him for this moment. He also reflects on the importance of trusting in God’s timing and persevering through challenges, citing the lessons he’s learned along the way.
A key focus of this conversation is the pressing issue of homelessness in America, which has reached historic levels. Turner provides a candid look at the challenges facing HUD and why he believes faith-based organizations and nonprofits must play a larger role in addressing the crisis. “The federal government is not the answer,” he says, emphasizing the power of local communities and churches to bring meaningful change.
As Turner prepares to meet with local leaders and visit disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina, he shares how faith informs his approach to governance. Cissie encourages listeners to pray for Secretary Turner, recognizing the weight of his responsibility and the need for God’s wisdom in every decision.