When Chris Tomlin heard that his song “How Great Is Our God” was a favorite of Charlie Kirk’s, the Grammy Award-winning performer took a break from his fall concert tour to perform it at the slain activist’s memorial service. That occasion was “a marking moment for me in my life,” Tomlin explained, citing evidence of a “real awakening that so many people have been praying for.”
Tomlin, 53, opened the Sept. 21 service for Kirk by singing “Holy Forever” and “How Great Is Our God.” As dignitaries entered State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the worship leader also proclaimed the supremacy of Jesus, quoting Philippians 2:9-11.
Up to 100,000 people attended the memorial for Kirk, who was shot and killed in Utah Sept. 10. The 31-year-old conservative commentator had been vocal about his faith in Christ, and Tomlin said “so many people came to faith” at the service.
RELATED: Erika Kirk Delivers Powerful Speech Forgiving Charlie Kirk’s Assassin During Memorial
Speaking to Leah Klett of The Christian Post, Tomlin also said God’s hand is evident in the timing of his latest album. “The King Is Still the King,” Tomlin’s 18th album in 30 years, releases Sept. 26. “What a moment in this nation, in this world” to declare the message of Christ on the heavenly throne, he said.
“It’s not just a nice little title,” Tomlin said of his new album. “It’s a declaration of faith.” Recent events make it clear that earthly governments and kingdoms rise and fall, Tomlin added, but followers of Jesus are “part of an everlasting kingdom.”
Chris Tomlin: ‘What a Privilege’ To Share Jesus
Christian singer Chris Tomlin said he was “so moved” by the Sept. 21 memorial service for Charlie Kirk. The event received more press requests than the Super Bowl, he said. While singing about God’s greatness, Tomlin initially felt some “fear and trembling” about all the powerful leaders who were present. But he prayed that God would help him “just lead people to you.”
The words of forgiveness that Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, spoke about Kirk’s alleged assassin were especially powerful for Tomlin. “You can preach all you want,” he said, “but when you see…the true essence of the Spirit of God in somebody…that can only come from the Spirit of God…[from] somebody who really walks with God. And for people to see that and witness that, what a moment around the world.”
As an example of America’s faith awakening, Tomlin recounted his conversation with a ride-share driver the night before Kirk’s memorial. After inquiring about Tomlin’s occupation, the man shared, “I’m getting baptized this Sunday” because “that thing that happened to Charlie, that really woke me up.”
Tomlin’s reaction? “Wow, God’s Spirit is moving!” The singer also has sensed “a shift” on his new tour, he said, with more people “wanting to connect…with this reality of [the] kingdom of God than ever.”
Christian singer Chris Tomlin said he was “so moved” by the Sept. 21 memorial service for Charlie Kirk.Click to Post
