The Charlie Kirk Effect: Faith, Revival and Kingdom Business

When Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, the nation braced for the worst. Many expected riots, violence and further division. Instead, something unexpected happened—something Kirk himself had prayed for throughout his life. America experienced a spiritual awakening.

His widow, Erika Kirk, captured it perfectly at his memorial service: "After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence, we didn't see rioting, we didn't see revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country. We saw revival."

A Nation Turns to Scripture

The numbers tell a remarkable story. In September 2025, Bible sales surged to 2.4 million copies nationwide—a 36% increase from the same month the previous year and the highest monthly total of 2025. "September brought a wave of troubling events—violence, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty—underscoring a pattern: In times of crisis, more people turn to faith for comfort and support," explained Brenna Connor, an analyst at Circana BookScan.

The travesty of Kirk's death echoed throughout social media as people expressed horror over the events that played out on video for all the world to see. Reactions were swift. While some despicable voices praised or laughed at his death as something the Christian conservative "had coming," far more people expressed a sense of waking up. People of all ages across the political spectrum denounced his murder on their social media profiles. People looked for answers. For purpose, for meaning and for a way back to civility.

Most importantly, however, people did not just buy Bibles. They cracked them open and started to read. They woke up week after week and stepped into church buildings. They prayed publicly for revival in America. Social media exploded with videos of crowded parking lots and testimonials from young people returning to church, with many saying they had to park blocks away because sanctuaries were overflowing.

Church Doors Open to a New Generation

Churches across the country continue to report unprecedented increases in attendance, particularly among young adults who hadn't attended services in years.

Matt Zerrusen, co-founder of Newman Ministry, which supports over 250 Catholic campus ministries nationwide, reported speaking with ministry leaders throughout the country in the days following Kirk's death. "[E]very one of them told me they’ve seen bigger crowds" at Masses and lots of people "they’ve never seen before."

JP De Gance, founder of Communio, a ministry that helps churches evangelize, heard similar stories: "[There has been] a lot of anecdotal feedback from churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Douglas County, Colorado, reporting that they've seen an increase over the last two Sundays. There's one church in Michigan that said a number of young adults who were raised in the church but who hadn't been there, and people hadn't seen them for years, showed back up."

Mark Francey, lead pastor of Oceans Church in Irvine, Calif., described Kirk's death as having a "9/11 type effect." His 4,500-member congregation saw up to 30% attendance increases the weekend following the assassination.

From $50,000 to a Movement

Kirk's story is itself a testament to what happens when faith meets action. At age 18, with no money, no connections and by his own admission, no idea what he was doing, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA with just a $50,000 seed investment, half of which he drummed up himself and the second half of which came from philanthropists Rebecca and Bill Dunn.

What began in a garage in Illinois grew into one of the nation's most influential conservative youth organizations. By the time of his death, Turning Point USA had raised $389 million through mid-2023, maintained a presence on more than 3,000 high school and college campuses, boasted over 650,000 lifetime student members and employed 450 full- and part-time staff across the country. Kirk's podcast reached over 100 million people monthly, with more than 120 million downloads in a single year.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. Kirk built Turning Point USA on a foundation of Christian faith. "The West is the best because of Christianity," Kirk wrote just weeks before his death. "We must seek Christ first, and our national and cultural resurgence will naturally follow."

Living Faith in Business

The Charlie Kirk Effect isn't just about one man's influence—it's a powerful reminder about the importance of living out one's faith in every area of life, including business and organizational leadership.

Kirk frequently emphasized that faith wasn't something to be compartmentalized or kept private. In an interview with Russell Brand, Kirk shared: "I'm nothing without Jesus. I'm a sinner. I fall incredibly short of the glory of God. We all do." This humility, combined with bold conviction, informed everything he did.

When Kirk founded Turning Point USA, he didn't just create a political organization. He established a mission-driven enterprise rooted in biblical principles. The organization's rapid growth wasn't merely the result of savvy marketing or fortunate timing—it was the fruit of putting God first and trusting that when we seek His kingdom, our needs will be met.

This principle applies whether you're running a multinational corporation or a small family business. Matthew 6:33 promises, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Kirk lived this truth, and the multiplication of his mission—even after his death—demonstrates God's faithfulness to those who prioritize His purposes.

In the days following Kirk's assassination, more than 32,000 individuals signed up to start new Turning Point USA chapters. Rather than the organization collapsing without its founder, it experienced explosive growth. This is what happens when an organization is built on eternal principles rather than personal charisma alone.

The Business of Kingdom Work

For Christian business leaders and entrepreneurs, Kirk's example offers crucial lessons:

Start with conviction, not capital. Kirk launched Turning Point USA with conviction and $50,000. He trusted God to provide the resources needed to fulfill the mission.

Don't separate faith from work. Kirk integrated his Christian worldview into every aspect of his organization. He understood that there is no secular-sacred divide—all work done for God's glory is sacred.

Invest in the next generation. Kirk focused on young people, knowing that discipleship and mentorship create lasting impact. The revival sparked by his death among young adults testifies to the seeds he planted.

Stand firm in truth. Kirk never apologized for his beliefs, even when they made him unpopular. Organizations built on biblical truth may face opposition, but they stand on solid ground.

Measure success eternally. Kirk wanted to be remembered for "courage for my faith." He understood that earthly metrics matter less than eternal impact.

A Legacy of Revival

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaking at Kirk's memorial, proclaimed: "Charlie started a political movement but unleashed a spiritual revival."

That revival continues. Young people are discovering faith for the first time. Lapsed believers are returning to church. Bibles are flying off shelves. And all of it points to a profound truth: when we live our faith authentically, when we build our businesses and organizations on biblical principles, when we seek God's kingdom first—He multiplies our efforts beyond what we could ask or imagine.

The Charlie Kirk Effect reminds us that one life fully surrendered to Christ can transform a nation. It shows us that businesses and organizations prioritizing God's purposes will see their needs met and their influence extended. Most importantly, it demonstrates that even in tragedy, God is at work, bringing beauty from ashes and revival from loss.

As Christian business leaders, advertisers, entrepreneurs and professionals, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to live our faith as boldly as Kirk did. Whether our sphere of influence is large or small, whether our budget is millions or modest, the principle remains the same: put God first, and watch Him work.

The movement Kirk started didn't die with him. It multiplied. That's what happens when we build on the Rock. That's the power of living faith in business. That is the Charlie Kirk Effect.

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