In losing my dear friend Charlie Kirk, I pray that God will raise up men and women who were inspired by his unapologetic willingness to speak biblical truth about cultural and political issues and who will now step into the public square with the same courage.
“I want to be remembered for my faith.” Those words spoken by Charlie Kirk mark a life that was tragically ended on September 10, 2025, but Charlie Kirk’s legacy and influence have only just begun. No single person has had a greater impact on the Gen Z generation for Christ and conservatism. His mark on this nation and the world will echo for generations.
I will never forget meeting Charlie for the first time, over six years ago, right here at Liberty University, when the idea to form what is now called the Standing for Freedom Center was conceived. Charlie brought his youthful energy, his joy, his creative mind, and his sincere belief that one of the world’s largest evangelical institutions ought to have a center that is theologically grounded and engaged in the cultural and political challenges of our times.
Charlie helped us launch that center, and Erika Frantzve, his future wife, played a critical role from the very beginning.
Charlie’s name has become synonymous with the youth movement and organization he founded: Turning Point U.S.A. Instead of attending West Point Military Academy at age 18, Charlie traveled the country inspiring college-age youth to embrace American exceptionalism, constitutional freedom, and the free enterprise system with gratitude, while rejecting the grievances of socialism, youth rebellion, and the culture of death. And in just 12 years, Turning Point became a behemoth institution with thousands of chapters across the country and around the world.
I do not think it can be overstated how much impact Charlie Kirk had on the American university and in the hearts and minds of America’s youth. I firmly believe Charlie will be for this generation what Jim Elliot became for a generation of missionaries who want to become the tip of the spear.
Our nation is in desperate need of courageous men and women who will not only take the Gospel to Ecuador but to the modern public square. No one can say today that such a ministry in the United States doesn’t contain certain risks because in many ways our nation has become just as dangerous as a third-world country.
As I have shared with friends in the wider evangelical community who did not know him personally, Charlie’s faith in Jesus Christ was real. Many students can tell stories of how they came to faith in Christ after hearing Charlie speak on their campus. In many ways, he set the tone for a new generation of Christian youth. He spoke openly about cultural and political issues that many pastors of previous generations avoided. Charlie was unashamed, unapologetic, and unafraid. His courage and boldness were admirable.
I think about losing Dr. James Dobson and Dr. John MacArthur in the same year, both of whom were lions in the faith, living well into their 80s. I cannot help but think about Charlie, who was just 31 years old when his life was tragically taken from him and his young family. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, Christ is being exalted and magnified from this tragedy. Countless posts from around the world have pointed to Charlie’s faith in Jesus Christ.
I will never forget this last week, not because of what happened on September 10, but because of my time spent with Charlie in South Korea. Just days before Utah, Charlie was speaking in front of thousands of young people, parents, and even pastors, inspiring them to take courage, stand strong, and never quit. Charlie was encouraging Christians in the face of government pressure and harassment to remain faithful.
And that is my prayer: that God will raise up men and women in this generation who are inspired by Charlie’s life and who are willing to step into the public square with the same courage. The Lord never replaces anyone, but He always raises up new voices. This country is desperate for revival, and I believe that what Charlie lived and died for will only quicken its arrival.
I am more than confident that my friend Charlie is now in the arms of the Savior he loved so dearly. Please join me in praying for Erika, the Kirk family, and all of us who feel the weight of this loss.
Ryan Helfenbein is the executive director of the Standing for Freedom Center. This article is a lightly edited transcript of a video posted earlier today on X.
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