Morning Wire: Charlie Kirk’s Defining Faith

Date: September 14, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Guest: Pastor David Englehard (TPUSA board member, New York attorney)

Episode Overview

This special edition of Morning Wire examines the spiritual evolution and legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, focusing on his deepening Christian faith and its growing role within his movement—especially its influence on young men. Through an in-depth conversation with Pastor David Englehard, a close friend and TPUSA board member, the episode explores Kirk’s journey, the origins and vision of TPUSA Faith, and the broader trend of religious revival among today’s youth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk’s Shift from Political to Spiritual Leadership

• Early Approach:
  • Kirk began his public career engaging in secular, political debates, often adopting a confrontational “prove me wrong” format on college campuses, galvanizing a “counter revolution” among Gen Z. (John Bickley, 00:03)
• Faith as Foundation:
  • In recent years, he became increasingly grounded in his Christian faith, which began shaping his message and objectives.
  • “Most important thing is my faith.” (Georgia Howe, 00:41)

2. Pastor David Englehard’s Relationship with Charlie Kirk

• First Meeting & Collaboration:
  • Met Kirk’s future wife, Erica, during work on conservative media projects in 2019.
  • Englehard joined TPUSA’s board after appearing on Kirk’s show in 2020 to discuss theology, philosophy, and the “oppressor/oppressed” ideology seen in urban unrest.
  • Their partnership deepened as Englehard witnessed Kirk’s heightened frustration with the church’s weak response to 2020’s social and political upheavals.
• Personal Testimony:
  • “One of the great honors of my life is to have been a friend of Charlie's and to serve TPUSA in that capacity.” (Englehard, 02:47)

3. Integrating Faith into the Movement

• Catalyst for Change:

  • The chaos and church acquiescence during 2020’s riots and lockdowns drove Kirk to partner more intentionally with courageous pastors.
  • “Charlie started surrounding himself with really courageous pastors that were willing to stand against that tide of totalitarian, kind of unified behavior. And Charlie…really did an incredible job of strengthening the church…” (Englehard, 03:45)

• Role of Community:

  • Kirk believed who you surround yourself with shapes your beliefs and actions:
    • “There's a famous anecdote that you become like the five people that you surround yourself with.” (Englehard, 03:39)

• Theological Motivation:

  • Kirk referenced scripture to question reliance on secular solutions in times of crisis:
    • “Why do you go to Egypt when the Lord is your salvation?” (Englehard, 04:07)

4. The Vision and Impact of TPUSA Faith

• Purpose:
  • Created as a platform to unite diverse churches and foster a collective political and moral engagement.
  • “Charlie had a very simple and clear vision, which was to galvanize the church to engage.” (Englehard, 05:41)
• Strategy:
  • Focused on the shared core Christian belief that God’s word supersedes secular doctrines.
  • Emphasized grassroots action (“change happens from the bottom up”), not just high-profile elections.
  • Successfully involved hundreds of churches across denominations.
• Electoral Power of the Church:
  • “If the church voted in our elections, we would win every single election from now till, you know, Christ comes back. And Charlie knew that.” (Englehard, 05:48)

5. Courage, Sacrifice, and Truth in Public Life

• Facing Hostility for Beliefs:
  • Kirk received death threats “sometimes daily,” facing intimidation from what Englehard described as “diabolical forces.”
  • Despite threats, Kirk saw his faith as the source of his courage:
    • “That’s why Charlie’s a hero, because heroes are courageous and sacrificial and lead the charge.” (Englehard, 07:24)
• Standing on Truth:
  • Echoed biblical and Chestertonian ideas that declaring objective truth attracts opposition:
    • “When truth is declared, truth…can be divisive. Jesus said, I didn't come to bring peace, but…I came to bring a sword, which was divide rightly, truth and lies.” (Englehard, 07:30)
    • “Charlie’s saying, no, boys are boys and girls are girls. And this is God’s order of the universe.” (Englehard, 08:14)

6. Youth Revival: Hope for Future Generations

• Emerging Trends:
  • Contrary to popular narratives, there is statistical evidence young people—especially young men—are returning to faith in large numbers.
  • Kirk’s message—anchored in truth, self-sacrifice, and purpose—resonates deeply with this demographic.
• Personal Anecdote:
  • Englehard’s 14-year-old son was emotionally moved by Kirk’s legacy:
    • “My son Solomon…texted me this morning…we were crying and praying for Charlie. And I said, just like Jesus died and hell laughed, but heaven said, we have the upper hand. I think the exact same thing is going to happen in Charlie.” (Englehard, 10:12)
• Long-Lasting Legacy:
  • “I truly believe that we're going to have a turning of the tide that we've never seen before in the history of America because of what Charlie stood for and what he offered. And what he offered was God's way and a way of restoration for the people of our nation.” (Englehard, 10:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Charlie was ideologically aligned with Christianity, and he was a Christian. But because he saw the church in such an anemic state and all of the lockdowns happening…the church marching with the dogma of the progressive political ideology…it just, you know, frustrated him to no end.”
  (Pastor David Englehard, 03:28)

• “There's a famous anecdote that you become like the five people that you surround yourself with. Charlie started surrounding himself with really courageous pastors…”
  (Pastor David Englehard, 03:39)

• “Charlie’s saying, no, boys are boys and girls are girls. And this is God’s order of the universe. And upon that order, then we place his moral instruction, and then we can find out how to flourish and how to live in beauty and unity and goodness.”
  (Pastor David Englehard, 08:14)

• “Sacrifice resonates with young people, and living for a cause resonates with young people.”
  (Pastor David Englehard, 09:49)

• “I don’t have a ton of hope for my age or older, but I have an incredible amount of hope for the next generation that’s inculcated this message…”
  (Pastor David Englehard, 10:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03: John Bickley highlights Kirk’s early career and impact on Gen Z
• 01:24: Pastor Englehard recalls first meeting the Kirks and joining TPUSA
• 03:22: Discussion of Kirk’s spiritual evolution after 2020
• 05:26: Origins and purpose of TPUSA Faith
• 07:17: Kirk’s courage in hostile environments, bolstered by faith
• 09:31: Observations of youth revival and hope for the future
• 10:12: Englehard’s story about his son’s reaction to Kirk’s legacy

Conclusion

Through engaging testimony and clear-eyed discussion, this special episode paints a portrait of Charlie Kirk as a leader whose evolving faith transformed his movement, championed a revitalized church, and ignited a sense of moral purpose within the next generation. Pastor Englehard’s perspectives highlight the spiritual legacy Kirk leaves—a legacy rooted in courage, truth, and sacrifice, with seeds sown for an American revival.