Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charlie Kirk: A Turning Point for Faith and Nation
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.
In an era when faith and politics often stand at a crossroads, few figures have shaped the conversation among young conservatives quite like Charlie Kirk. As the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk mobilized a generation to engage with critical issues at the intersection of faith, freedom, and American values.
In this exclusive piece for the Center for Christian Thought and Action, David Engelhardt—attorney, pastor, and Turning Point USA board member—reflects on Kirk’s profound impact on the conservative movement and his unwavering commitment to empowering students to stand firm in their convictions. From college campuses to the national stage, Kirk’s influence has sparked a turning point for how young Americans think about their faith and their nation.
Join us as we explore the legacy of a leader who challenged this generation to think critically, stand boldly, and reclaim the values that have long defined American greatness.
David Engelhardt Bio:
David Engelhardt is the founding attorney of Engelhardt Law. He is admitted to practice in New York State and federal courts where his focus is working with individuals in the areas of business litigation and transaction. He has handled complex civil litigation, and argued and won before the First Department Appellate Division on a case with more than 50 million dollars in controversy. David has consulted on best business practices for both domestic and international transactions throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. David also practices entertainment law with a focus on the music industry having; thus far represented Grammy Award winning artists as well as label, admin, and publishing companies. David has written and been quoted in publications such as The Federalist, Forbes, Business News Daily, & Inc. Magazine, among others.
David earned his Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Portland State University before receiving his Juris Doctor from Regent University Law School as a scholarship recipient. While at Regent, he competed nationally in appellate advocacy, served as a graduate assistant in Intellectual Property and Contract Law, and was selected for the highly competitive U.S. Air Force JAG Corps Legal Internship, an elite program reserved for top law students demonstrating exceptional legal acumen, leadership, and commitment to public service. He also gained experience working with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) on Constitutional law matters.
Beyond his legal practice, David has been actively involved in his community. He has provided pro bono representation for the Bowery Mission, served as a Mock Trial Coach at The King’s College (2017–18), and currently leads Kings’ Church Manhattan as its Lead Pastor. Since December 2020, he has also had the honor of serving as a Board Member of Turning Point USA.
