The Covenant Brethren Church family joins Christians around the world in mourning the loss of our brother, Charlie Kirk. For those who knew him and/or his work, Charlie was more than a fellow believer—he was a man whose life reflected an unwavering passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His words, his work, and his witness all pointed people toward the Savior. While his absence leaves a void among us, we take comfort in knowing that Charlie is now “in the presence of his Lord,” experiencing the fullness of joy promised to all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:8) (NIV).

Charlie would not want us to shrink back in fear or sorrow. Instead, he would want us to press forward with boldness, sharing the love of Jesus wherever God has planted us. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJ). Fear has no place in the mission of the church. Charlie knew this truth well and lived it daily.

The early disciples, too, faced seasons of loss and opposition, yet they continued proclaiming the Good News with courage. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” Acts 4:31(NKJ). Like them, and like Charlie, we are called to stand firm, leaning on the Spirit to give us strength to love, to serve, and to witness.

We are reminded by Jesus’ own words in Matthew 5:14-16(NKJ): “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Charlie’s light shone brightly, and now it is our privilege and responsibility to carry that flame forward.

As we remember Charlie with gratitude, let us honor his legacy by remaining steadfast in Christ’s mission. Let us love deeply, pray faithfully, and share the hope of Jesus without hesitation. One day, when we too enter the presence of the Lord, may it be said of us that we were faithful torchbearers, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.

Many of our youth who connected with Charlie and his work will need encouragement and a great deal of love as they navigate the loss of this great Christian leader. We cannot be a “Charlie Kirk” for them, but our CBC Churches and Churches everywhere need to realize that there will be a void in many of our lives, and it is the responsibility of church leaders to help fill that empty feeling by focusing even more on Jesus.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and witness of our brother Charlie Kirk. Comfort us in our grief but also fill us with courage to live as he lived—in faithful obedience to Jesus. Help us to share Your love without fear, knowing that Your Spirit empowers us to shine as lights in this world. May Charlie’s example inspire us to keep pressing forward until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,
Grover Duling, Executive Board Chair, Covenant Brethren Church