The Daily Wire’s Megan Basham posted, “There is no defeat in death for the Christian. And Charlie’s faith was incredibly important to him. That is why he founded TPUSA Faith, to promote the biblical values that would uplift hearts and raise heads in the dignity of their Creator.”
“As a friend just texted me, ‘May Charlie’s martyr death inspire all of us to greater courage and boldness,’” Basham said. “If you would see him again one day, then lay hold of the same salvation that was his. Maranatha.”
Beth Moore, author, Bible teacher and founder of Living Proof Ministries, posted, “My heart is broken for the Kirk family. Jesus, Jesus, please be near.”
In a tribute, Catholic conservative commentator Michael Knowles said of Kirk in part, “Charlie’s only fear was the holy sort—awe and wonder, the beginning of wisdom—and his clearest virtues were theological: faith, hope, and charity. We mourn his death, we take up his cause, and we entrust him, as he confidently entrusted himself, to God’s care.”
Dr. Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, said, “The shooting of Charlie Kirk is an atrocity that should shock and anger all of us, everywhere on the political spectrum. This sort of violence is wicked, immoral, and un-American.”
Trey Ferguson, pastor of the mostly digital The Intention Church, reposted Moore, commenting, “It is important that we speak with clarity on this: This sort of violence is wicked, immoral, and one of the most American things there is.”
Author and theologian Owen Strachan commented, “Staggeringly sad. We look to God.” Later, Strachan encouraged Christians not to be “intimidated” and to love their enemies. “Let everyone be on notice: DEATH WILL NOT HAVE THE LAST WORD,” he said. “The assassin of Charlie Kirk, like the murderer of Iryna Zaruska [sic] and the slayer of Minnesota schoolchildren, has not stopped the advancement of the light of Jesus Christ.”
Mike Cosper, director of podcasts at Christianity Today, said, “I am absolutely horrified and furious about the murder of Charlie Kirk. Praying for his family and loved ones, and praying the scum who did this is brought to justice swiftly.”
Phil Vischer, co-creator of VeggieTales and cofounder of Holy Post Media, posted prior to Kirk’s death, “Whether it’s a left-wing firebrand, or a right-wing firebrand, this is not the answer. Prayers for Charlie Kirk.” Later, Vischer called Kirk’s death “truly sad,” adding, “Our polarization is killing us.”
Prior to Kirk’s death, author and lecturer Dr. Karen Swallow Prior posted a photo of herself and Kirk, saying, “I marched with Charlie Kirk for life, probably one of the few things we agreed on. But being pro-life means being pro-life for *everyone* because all human lives are inherently valuable. Pray for Charlie. Pray for his life. Pray to end the violence.”
Later, Prior said, “In this moment, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that our very lives may depend on our ability to regain our willingness to talk and listen to one another. Charlie Kirk’s certainly did.”
Conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey posted: “Charlie Kirk. Soldier for truth. Fearless. Defender of the faith. Faithful husband and father. My dear friend. We will not forget you, Charlie. Ever.” Stuckey also posted a tearful video tribute to Kirk on her social media channels.
“Charlie is a martyr. He was murdered because of his relationship with God and the wisdom that flowed from it—just as Stephen was,” said worship leader and activist Sean Feucht, quoting verses from Acts 6 and 7.
“I don’t [have] any words right now & I probably won’t for a long time,” said activist and TPUSA contributor Riley Gaines. “Lord be with his family, TPUSA staff, all who knew him, and all who admired him. No one loved this nation, God, or the truth more than Charlie.”
RELATED: Charlie Kirk Praises ‘South Park’ for Parody of His Campus Debates, Bible References
Others who have paid tribute to Charlie Kirk include pro-life activist Lila Rose, apologist Wesley Huff, conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson, satirical news site The Babylon Bee, Global Vision Bible Church Pastor Greg Locke, Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor Jack Graham, abuse survivor advocate Rachael Denhollander, Christian artist Matthew West, New Testament scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw, and personal finance expert Dave Ramsey.
Disclosure: Dr. Ed Stetzer is editor-in-chief of Outreach Magazine and provides general editorial input for ChurchLeaders.