Hamilton to Remain Senior Pastor After Senate Win

Adam Hamilton will remain senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood while serving in the U.S. Senate, though his church role will shift from full-time to quarter-time, according to information the church released to its congregation.

Hamilton is expected to preach 12 to 18 weekends a year, including at Christmas and Easter. He will also guide the church’s overall direction, advise on major matters and mentor pastors and leaders. The church’s executive staff will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.

The church said Hamilton’s pastoral and Senate duties “will be distinct” after serious allegations of FEC finance violations were made during the campaign. It said questions about his votes and political positions should go to his Senate office, while the church’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee will continue to oversee his work as pastor and help maintain boundaries between the roles.

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The change in compensation is subject to a vote at a Church Conference, according to the church. His pay would be capped at the Senate’s current limit for outside earned income, $33,855 a year.

His 2025 Senate financial disclosure revealed Hamilton is a multimillionaire, listing $394,239.05 in compensation from Church of the Resurrection and $417,372.70 in book royalties, along with two $5,000 speaking fees and substantial financial holdings. An analysis of Hamilton’s 2026 Senate candidate report reveals he has reportable assets between $7 million and $20.5 million, with no liabilities reported. 

Hamilton, a Democrat, defeated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in the Nov. 3 election. He is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 3.

The church said Hamilton’s retirement timeline remains unchanged. He is expected to leave the senior pastor role in fall 2030 and move to pastor emeritus after a successor is identified and an overlap period concludes.

–Alan Goforth