The ‘Charlie Kirk effect’ is real. Thousands are coming to faith in Jesus

Much has been said and written about Charlie Kirk’s approach to sharing the gospel via open debate on college campuses in America. Whether you’re a fan of Charlie Kirk or not, and regardless of your political views, the extraordinary events following his tragic death cannot be ignored.

In the weeks since the shooting, something remarkable has been unfolding: thousands upon thousands of young people are not only exploring Christianity but actually turning up in churches, praying, and professing faith in Jesus Christ.

For those of us who sometimes wonder if the gospel still works in a post-Christian, sceptical culture – here is our answer.

An Unexpected Awakening

The so-called “Charlie Kirk effect” is real. Reports are pouring in from across the United States of churches experiencing sudden, dramatic growth and record numbers of baptisms.

And it’s not confined to America. Thanks to livestreams, TikTok clips, and word of mouth, British people of all walks of life are also asking big questions. The Telegraph has run a piece claiming, “Charlie Kirk’s evangelical uprising is taking root in Britain”. 

Glen Scrivener has also been tracking this on X. One striking post came from prominent UK comedy writer Graham Linehan (Father Ted, The IT Crowd), who wrote:

Now I want to read CS Lewis and other Christian writers. (#ripcharliekirk) Chesterton too if one can wave the smell of his then-fashionable (and fashionable again!) antisemitism off the pages

— Graham Linehan 🎗️ (@Glinner) September 11, 2025

Even more remarkable is the testimony of 21 year old Connie Shaw, an atheist from the UK.

She explained: “I happened to be in Jerusalem when Charlie Kirk was murdered. I prayed properly for the first time, I prayed at the Western Wall. And since, I have been able to understand why people turn to God in difficult times. I have never been able to understand it before. But I do now. RIP Charlie Kirk. You will always be an inspiration to me.”

These are everyday people who, in the wake of tragedy, are suddenly considering faith in a new light.

The Stadium Moment

The celebration of life service held in a packed stadium this past weekend captured the shift perfectly.

Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, delivered a moving tribute, during which she publicly forgave Charlie’s murderer. She said, “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do.” Her words carried the ring of authenticity and grief, but also a resolute hope in the power of the gospel. The moment transcended politics. It was not about left or right, but about life and death, hope and despair.

For many watching, it was a reminder that Christianity is not an abstract philosophy but a living faith. People are not flocking to churches because they agree with Charlie Kirk’s political positions. They’re coming because they’ve seen a man – flawed, passionate, bold – point unashamedly to Jesus.

Gamaliel’s Wisdom

In Acts 5, the Jewish teacher Gamaliel offered the Sanhedrin this piece of advice: “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (v38–39).

That, to me, is the lens through which we should view what’s happening now. Much has been made of Charlie’s political connections. But the undeniable surge of spiritual hunger we’re seeing cannot be explained by strategy, branding, or slick communication alone. If this were simply about an organisation, it would have faded into obscurity by now. Instead, the gospel is advancing.

Why Now?

Why are so many people coming to faith in the wake of tragedy? Partly, it’s because moments of crisis strip away our illusions of control. When someone so young and influential is gunned down, the fragility of life is laid bare. People are desperate for hope, for answers, for something solid in the chaos.

Charlie himself embodied a kind of unapologetic boldness. He was willing to take Christianity into spaces where it was often ridiculed – college campuses, public debates, the digital arena. You might disagree with his methods, but you can’t deny that his message was clear: Jesus is Lord. That clarity, combined with the raw shock of his death, seems to have cracked open a generation’s heart.

Lessons for the UK

So what does this mean for us here in Britain? 

The lesson is not to copy the American style wholesale. Instead, it’s to be ready. Be ready to welcome seekers into our churches, especially when they might look or sound very different to what we’re expecting! 

Be ready to explain the gospel with gentleness and respect, even if the questions come wrapped in political overtones. Be ready to believe, once again, that the gospel works.

A Sign and a Wonder

I believe this surge of faith is a sign and a wonder for our generation. God is reminding us that he doesn’t need perfect messengers – he just needs point men and women willing to take the lead, willing to go first, willing to risk misunderstanding for the sake of Jesus.

That’s what Charlie Kirk did, for all his flaws and controversies. He stepped forward as a point man. And now, even in death, the ripple effect continues.

Regardless of your political stance, regardless of how you feel about Charlie Kirk the person, let’s not miss what God is doing through the Charlie Kirk effect. The gospel is breaking through hardened hearts, filling churches, and changing lives. That is something to celebrate.

As Gamaliel warned, if this is from God, we dare not stand in the way. Instead, let’s join in, throw open our church doors, and welcome the seekers, the doubters, the sceptics, and the dreamers.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about Charlie Kirk at all. It’s about Jesus – and the gospel that still works today.

Chip Kendall is the author of the newly released Level Up series of children’s books. For more information visit levelupbooks.com