Gospel Proclaimed at Charlie Kirk Memorial as Leaders Point to Christ

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The gospel was proclaimed clearly and repeatedly during Charlie Kirk's memorial service on Sunday, as individuals both inside and outside the Trump administration testified to the God who was an essential part of the conservative activist's life.

The five-hour service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, included musical worship from some of the top artists in the Christian genre—Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, and Kari Jobe Carnes—but also testimonies about Christ. An estimated 200,000 turned up for the event, with more than 70,000 packing the venue.

Vice President J.D. Vance said Kirk's boldness for the gospel had impacted him.

BREAKING: JD Vance: “I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.” pic.twitter.com/9FHKUu5yY7

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) September 21, 2025

"I always felt a little uncomfortable talking about my faith in public—as much as I love the Lord and as much as it was an important part of my life," Vance said before adding to applause: "I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life. And that is an undeniable legacy of the great Charlie Kirk. You know, he loved God, and because he loved God, he wanted to understand God's creation and the men and women made in His image."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the plan of salvation, beginning with the fall of man.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Catholic, beautifully shared the gospel of Jesus’ Incarnation in 90 seconds at Charlie’s memorial. pic.twitter.com/ENMDM5kmDi

— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) September 21, 2025

"Sin entered the world and separated us from our Creator," Rubio said. "And so God took on the form of a man and came down and lived among us, and He suffered like men, and He died like a man, but on the third day, He rose unlike any mortal man. And to prove any doubters wrong, He ate with his disciples so they could see—and they touched His wounds. He didn't rise as a ghost or as a spirit, but as flesh. And then He rose to the heavens, but He promised He would return, and He will. And when He returns, because He took on that death, because He carried that cross, we were freed from the sin that separated us from Him. And when He returns, there will be a new heaven and a new earth, and we will all be together, and we are going to have a great reunion there again, with Charlie and all the people we love."

Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of War, described Kirk as a "warrior for Christ."

"He ran the race. He finished the fight. Now it's our turn," Hegseth said, according to The Washington Stand. "My charge to all of you: Live worthy of Charlie Kirk's sacrifice and put Christ at the center of your life as he advocated for, giving his."

 

Kirk's pastor, Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel in California, said the conservative activist loved Jesus far more than he did politics.

"Charlie wanted his Savior to be the guest of honor," McCoy told the audience. "He wanted all of you to receive this gift from him—the why in what he did. Charlie was never afraid, because he knew his life was secure in the hand of God." McCoy declared, "Jesus has come to seek and save that which is lost. And I would say this to all of you: The Lord loves you. He wants to save you. He wants to give you a new life."

Toward the end of his address, McCoy asked those in the massive stadium who wanted to receive Christ to stand to their feet. Countless individuals did.

"The Bible says that when one sinner gives their heart to the Lord, the angels in heaven rejoice, and I've got to tell you, there's one up there right now—Charlie Kirk—he's stoked, and he's excited about your commitment to his Savior."

Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, said her husband's most important legacy was his faith.

"Choose prayer, choose courage, choose beauty, choose adventure, choose family, choose a life of faith," she told the audience. "And most importantly, choose Christ."

Photo credit: ©GettyImges/Eric Thayer/Stringer

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.