Was Charlie Kirk's Connection with Dream City Truly God-Ordained?

In a poignant tribute, Dream City Church leaders honoured the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed on 10 September 2023. They celebrated his significant impact on American politics and his role in connecting President Donald Trump with their congregation, attributing this relationship to divine intervention.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on 10 September 2023.
• Dream City Church leaders compared Kirk’s influence to that of Jesus during a memorial service.
• His role in bringing Donald Trump to the church was described as "God-ordained."
• Church leaders encouraged prayers for Kirk’s family and highlighted the importance of continuing his mission.
• His funeral is anticipated to be one of the largest in U.S. history, with thousands expected to attend.

Remembering Charlie Kirk: A Life of Purpose

During the Sunday services held on 14 September 2023, Dream City Church in Phoenix dedicated its programmes to honouring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Senior Pastor Luke Barnett expressed that Kirk’s impact was profound, despite his brief time on Earth. He was only 31 years old at the time of his death, a fact that resonated deeply with the congregation.

“The man knew his purpose. He knew where God had called him. His life was not long; it was like 31 years. Oh, by the way, Jesus lived to be in his 30s,” remarked Pastor Tommy Barnett, Luke’s father. This comparison highlights the spiritual significance the church leaders placed on Kirk’s contributions to their community and beyond.

The Circumstances of Kirk’s Death

Kirk was shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, an incident that has been described by Utah's governor as a political assassination. The tragedy shocked many, and Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, has been arrested in connection with Kirk's death.

The church leaders shared emotional stories about Kirk’s commitment to his faith and his political activism. They encouraged attendees to pray for his widow, Erika Kirk, and their two young children, acknowledging the personal toll of this loss.

Charlie Kirk’s Influence and Legacy

As the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk played a pivotal role in galvanising young conservatives across the nation. His relationships within the Republican Party, particularly with Donald Trump, were instrumental in shaping modern conservative discourse. The Barnett family recounted their first meeting with Kirk at an airport after a Trump event in Florida, marking the beginning of a close collaboration that would see Trump visit Dream City Church multiple times.

“A journey began that day. Distinctive moments in time where we were able to host President Trump,” Pastor Angel Barnett reflected. This relationship grew even more significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the church hosted rallies that combined faith with political activism.

Honouring Kirk’s Legacy

In the memorial service, church leaders highlighted the need to continue Kirk’s mission, especially in the face of opposition. Many attendees expressed concern over the negative portrayal of Kirk in certain circles, with some calling for a unified front to combat misinformation. Pastor Angel Barnett articulated a belief that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, has grown weary of socialism and is turning back to conservative values, a shift she attributed to Kirk’s influence.

“Gen Z has tried out what it tastes like for socialism. They’re done. It doesn’t taste good,” she said, underscoring the church’s commitment to engaging with cultural issues from a conservative perspective.

Comparisons to Jesus and the Fight Between Good and Evil

Throughout the service, church leaders drew parallels between Kirk’s experiences and those of Jesus, framing Kirk’s political activism as part of a larger spiritual battle. Luke Barnett recounted personal experiences of receiving backlash for honouring Kirk, likening such criticisms to the persecution faced by Jesus. “They did the same thing to Jesus. Just imagine what they called him,” Tommy Barnett stated, reinforcing the narrative of Kirk as a martyr for conservative values.

The Response to Kirk’s Death

Brandon Tatum, a conservative commentator and friend of Kirk, encouraged attendees to honour Kirk’s legacy through peaceful action and warned against falling into conspiracy theories regarding his death. He emphasised the importance of maintaining Kirk’s message of unity and perseverance.

“I can’t stop the tears from coming down. But the beautiful thing is that he’s gone on and he’s happy with Jesus,” Tatum said, invoking Kirk’s faith as a source of comfort in this tragic time.

Anticipation for Kirk’s Funeral

Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for 21 September 2023 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, an event expected to draw thousands of attendees, including Donald Trump. The stadium, which can accommodate up to 73,000 people, is poised to host what many are calling “the biggest funeral in the history of our nation.” Luke Barnett remarked on the extraordinary impact Kirk had made, stating, “I can’t think of any other funeral ever bigger than this one.”

This anticipated turnout reflects the deep connections Kirk forged with many across the political spectrum and highlights the ongoing cultural conversations around his legacy.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

As the community mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk, church leaders are calling for a renewed commitment to his ideals and the values he championed. They stress the importance of courage in the face of adversity and the need for Christians to step up in the societal discourse. Kirk’s life and untimely death have certainly sparked a dialogue about faith, politics, and the direction of the conservative movement in America. What remains to be seen is how this momentum will shape the future landscape of political activism and faith-based engagement in the coming years.

#CharlieKirk #DreamCityChurch #ConservativeActivism

FAQs

What happened to Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September 2023 during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. His death has been described as a political assassination.

How did Dream City Church honour Charlie Kirk?

Dream City Church leaders held services dedicated to Kirk, comparing his influence to that of Jesus and highlighting his role in connecting President Trump with their congregation.

What is the significance of Kirk's funeral?

Kirk's funeral is expected to be one of the largest in U.S. history, with thousands anticipated to attend, reflecting the significant impact he had on his community and beyond.

What did church leaders say about Kirk’s political influence?

Church leaders praised Kirk for his dedication to conservative values and his role in mobilising young conservatives, particularly during the Trump presidency.

How are Kirk’s family coping with his death?

Church leaders called for prayers for Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their two children, emphasising the community's support during this tragic time.