The Israel Christian Nexus
THE RETURN TO BIBLICAL FAITH & ON INTERFAITH UNITY
Exclusive Interview with Robert Stearns
A DYNAMIC CONVERSATION ON WHY UNITY, THE HISTORICAL JESUS & REDISCOVERING BIBLICAL FAITH ARE ESSENTIAL IN TODAY’S POLARIZED WORLD.
Robert Stearns is an internationally recognized faith leader, bridge builder, and advocate for biblical truth whose work has impacted communities across the globe. As the founder of Eagles’ Wings and a respected voice in interfaith dialogue and Christian leadership, Stearns has spent decades strengthening relationships between Jews and Christians while calling believers back to the historical foundations of their faith. He carries a steady confidence shaped not by noise or reaction, but by years of listening, learning, and leading with conviction. In a time filled with political, digital, and spiritual chaos, he stands anchored in a quieter but resolute belief that good people still exist in the middle ground, and that holding that center is not passive but powerful, necessary, and an act of courageous leadership. Amid ongoing conflict and war in the region, he has also drawn attention to the quiet resilience of Iranian Christians who continue to practice their faith despite rising tension and uncertainty, reminding believers around the world not to overlook those living out their faith in the shadow of war.“
It feels like everything is pulling us toward extremism,” he says. “One extreme pushes hard, and then you’ve got another pushing back. It’s all just creating this polarization that’s trying to tear us apart.” But he’s not giving in to despair. He’s convinced that most people still want to treat each other with respect, even when they don’t see eye to eye. For him, civility isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the foundation of a healthy society. That belief is the backbone of everything he does, from massive interfaith gatherings to smaller spiritual communities designed to slow everyone down just enough to remember who they truly are.
Recently, Stearns received an award from The Jerusalem Post for his efforts in building bridges between faith communities. He graciously accepted the recognition but continues to focus on what’s ahead. “The work isn’t done yet,” he says. One of Stearns’ key teachings centers on reclaiming historical truth, particularly regarding Jesus. “I’m here to remind people that Jesus was a Jew,” he says. “He was a real person who lived in a specific time and place.” He feels that faith communities too often twist Jesus into whatever suits their agenda. “We can create versions of Jesus that fit our needs, the American Jesus, the political Jesus,” he says. “But when we dig deeper and ask about the historical, biblical Jesus? That’s when things change for us.”
Understanding Jesus in his historical context actually strengthens faith rather than weakening it. His mentor, the late Pastor Jack Hayford, used to say that Israel itself serves as the “fifth gospel.” “You’ve got Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then there’s the land,” he says. “Because nothing tells the story quite like the land does.” This belief has fueled decades of work connected to Israel, including immersive trips created to transform faith into real experiences. Recently, he took a group of 28 Gen Z and Millennial artists and social media influencers on a trip to Israel. “They were completely thrilled,” he says. “Being there in person changed their perspective.” It wasn’t just about being in a different place; it was about forming connections within that community experience. “When you’re rooted together like that, it’s pretty extraordinary.”
Even with all the heaviness surrounding us today, he holds onto hope found in the scripture. “Things are really tough right now,” he says. “But I also see so much hope.” Stearns is upfront about his worries regarding younger generations. “We can’t overlook how damaging social media can be,” he says. “It spreads false accounts and stifles critical thinking; it’s tragic what it’s done to our ability to think deeply.” But he doesn’t write off Gen Z entirely; instead, he sees potential in them. “They’ve got great hearts,” he says. “They care passionately about justice and fairness.” The catch? That passion can easily be swayed without grounding it. And for Stearns, that grounding derives from being part of a spiritual community. “It connects us,” he says. “It roots us in reality, a reality that often gets lost in our tech-driven world.” To him, faith isn’t meant for solo practice; it thrives through relationships, over shared meals, personal stories of trials and triumph. He believes in the strength God has given us to persevere, and in what happens when people finally grow weary of superficial solutions. “People are getting burnt out on social media,” he says. “They’re craving something deeper, spiritual depth and connection.”
Stearns sees this season of revival in America as a return to the basics of genuine faith. He shares, “I just want people to rediscover biblical faith — not one rooted in self-help or trendy ideas, but one that prepares people for both life’s wins and hardships. The Bible tells us there will be mountains and valleys, and it gets us ready for both.” In a world hurrying toward extremes, Robert Stearns stands strong at the center, inviting others to pause, look deeper, and remember our shared humanity and the enduring truths that bind us together are what connect us all.
BRUNA OLMEDA, GOSPEL ARTIST
“I was invited to travel to Israel with a group of Christian artists, and it truly changed my life. Walking where Jesus walked and seeing the places I had only read about in Scripture made the Bible come alive in a way I had never experienced before. It deepened my faith and gave me a tangible connection to the stories that have shaped my life. I was also genuinely surprised by how different it felt being there compared to what I had seen portrayed in the media. I felt completely safe the entire time, and Eagles’ Wings created such a welcoming, family-like atmosphere that I truly felt at home. It was a transformative experience spiritually, personally, and creatively.”
VICTORY OUTREACH THIRD WAVE HOLLYWOOD
PASTORS RYAN & BRITTNEY ARGUNZONI KUKLINSKI
Traveling to Jerusalem with my wife Brittney through Eagles’ Wings was a deeply formative experience that left a lasting mark on both of us. Beyond visiting historic and biblical sites, the journey offered a firsthand encounter with the land, its people, and the living context behind Scripture. Passages I had read and taught for years took on new depth when seen through geography, history, and daily life. What was once familiar became tangible, strengthening my faith in a profound and personal way.
Most significantly, the trip placed an even greater burden on my heart for the people of Israel. Being present in the land fostered a deeper sense of compassion and responsibility—not only an appreciation for Israel’s spiritual and historical significance, but a genuine concern for its people today. It reshaped how I pray, how I understand the times we are living in, and how seriously I take the responsibility to stand with wisdom, humility, and care.
Sharing the experience with my wife made it especially meaningful. It became a shared moment of reflection and alignment, renewing our sense of calling, legacy, and stewardship. We returned with greater unity and clarity, carrying not just memories, but a deeper perspective shaped by what we experienced together.
I believe visiting Israel is foundational for every believer. Being in the land anchors faith in history, clarifies purpose, and deepens understanding in a way that cannot be replicated from a distance. Israel does not simply inform belief—it grounds it, and it sends believers home with renewed conviction, compassion, and responsibility for the world around them.
