A Turning Point: Remembering Charlie Kirk

Editor's Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Regent University, its faculty, administration, or affiliates.

On September 10, 2025, we lost one of the greatest Christian evangelists of the last century. No, I’m not talking about John MacArthur or James Dobson, who both passed away recently and were also giants of the faith. I’m talking about Charlie Kirk.

Tragically and horrifically, Charlie Kirk was assassinated Wednesday morning at Utah Valley University’s campus during the American Comeback kickoff tour. Charlie leaves behind his wife Erika and two children, ages 1 and 3. Charlie was only 31 years old.

Most people think of Charlie and his work with the MAGA movement and his efforts to help get Donald Trump elected, but more than anything, Charlie loved Jesus and loved telling people about the truth of God’s Word.

Much of the revival we’re seeing among young people is a direct result of the work Charlie Kirk accomplished over the past four years, particularly through his efforts on college campuses, his social media content, his podcast, as well as the Student Action Summit and America Fest held each year.

Millions of lives have been touched and forever changed by Charlie’s bold faith and willingness to speak with and debate anyone on any topic. Many of those discussions centered around the Christian faith and doctrine.

Over the last seven hours, I’ve read countless posts on X, watched Instagram and TikTok reels, and listened to the stories of those who were impacted by his message. People are crying out all over the world in prayer and sorrow. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed the hatred and vitriol spewing from those who hated the values that Charlie stood for—especially on the life issue, his support for Donald Trump, and even those using his words against him for standing for the Second Amendment. It is evil, and it is still hard for me to believe people could actually be happy about someone being murdered in broad daylight on a college campus for nothing more than speaking and debating with students.

I had the privilege of working side by side with Charlie and Erika Kirk in 2019 when Liberty University, in partnership with Charlie, launched the Falkirk Center (later renamed the Standing for Freedom Center). I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that launched the Freedom Center at Liberty University and helped grow it into one of the largest Christian/Conservative Values Organizations in the nation.

Now at Regent University, I have continued this great endeavor through the Center for Christian Thought & Action. CCTA features leading scholars and thinkers on a host of social and cultural problems, offering sharp analysis and carefully considered solutions grounded in a biblical worldview.

Regent, similarly to Charlie Kirk, has a mission and mandate to teach and train a new generation of Christian leaders to change the world. That was Pat Robertson’s vision for Regent from the very beginning. I’m proud to say that over the last 48 years, we’ve produced over 40,000 leaders who are doing just that—changing the world.

Some of those notable figures include Kristen Waggoner, President of Alliance Defending Freedom; Lt. Governor of Virginia Winsome Earle-Sears; Ryan and Bethany Bomberger, Founders of Radiance Foundation; Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell; David Engelhardt, Board Member of Turning Point USA; and countless more.

I’m sure, like me, many of you are sad, angered, and shocked by the horrific events of this senseless murder. But like the aptly named Turning Point USA, we must make this tragic event into a “turning point” for our nation. May God use Regent University and Turning Point USA, along with millions of other organizations and people, to stand courageously for the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we share our faith without fear for loss of life and stand tall for the glory of God. May we never stop fighting for life, liberty, and truth, no matter the cost. That is what Charlie did, and we can honor his legacy by doing the same.

My heart breaks today, but tomorrow we get back to work.