The Charlie Kirk Show – September 29, 2025

Podcast: Real America’s Voice / iHeartPodcasts
Episode: The Charlie Kirk Show (Special Revival Edition)
Guests: Pastor Mark Driscoll, Pastor Josh McPherson
Host: Andrew Colvett (Executive Producer, standing in after Charlie’s death)

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode centers on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the remarkable spiritual revival it has triggered across America. The discussion focuses on the personal, church, and national implications of this movement; the historical context and ingredients of revival; and practical exhortations for pastors and Christians navigating this pivotal moment. The show specifically addresses the impact of Kirk’s legacy on faith, public life, and the rise of what the hosts consider a new era of bold, uncompartmentalized Christianity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The “Charlie Effect”: Revival Sparked by Martyrdom

• [02:53–06:29]
  The episode opens with emotional testimonies from individuals who credit Charlie Kirk’s death with igniting a profound spiritual hunger, prompting thousands to return to church after years away.
  • Several callers express how witnessing Kirk’s assassination or memory motivated them to revisit faith and community.
  • Many churches report surges in attendance—some even reaching “Easter-level” numbers.

“Charlie’s death really ignited a spiritual flame inside of me that I have never, never in my life experienced before. It is. It's like a spiritual switch.” – Listener Testimonial (03:01)

• [13:05–13:37]
  The hosts and guests discuss how Kirk’s life and message were so inseparable from his faith that, in his passing, it was impossible for even secular observers to avoid the topic of Jesus.

2. Historical Understanding of Revival and Martyrdom

• [13:37–16:25] Pastor Mark Driscoll:
  • Defines “martyr” as “witness” and recounts the early Christian tradition of martyrdom.
  • Cites Tertullian: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
  • Draws parallels between Kirk’s public death and martyrdom triggering movements in church history.
  • Notes, “When it came to the funeral, everyone who talked about Charlie had to talk about Jesus.”

3. Real-Time Report of Spiritual Awakening

• [16:25–18:27] Pastor Josh McPherson:
  Shares how pastors across the nation are reporting dramatic increases in church attendance and baptisms. Many cite Kirk as the primary catalyst for renewed faith, including those who had resisted Christianity for years.

“At my church, we baptized 45 people yesterday… one guy had heard a hundred sermons from me, but it was Charlie's martyrdom that broke him…” – Pastor Josh McPherson (17:18)

4. The Ingredients and Signs of Revival

• [25:33–29:57] Pastor Mark Driscoll:
  • Revival is often preceded by new technology (Roman roads, printing press, radio, TV, now social media).
  • A “moment” (often martyrdom) can become a “movement” if followed by sustained change and leadership, especially among young people.
  • American revivals have historically been youthful movements, e.g., Great Awakenings, Jesus Movement, and he includes Kirk: "Charlie Kirk, 18. Started proclaiming..."

“Most revivals are led by youth... When revival hits, it's new technology. It's a moment that activates a young generation that leads to a movement.” – Pastor Mark Driscoll (29:15)

5. The Role of the Church and the Challenge of “New Wineskins”

• [39:41–41:24] Pastor Mark Driscoll:
  • Revival is accompanied by reformation: God cleaning up cowardly churches.
  • Claims God may “bypass pulpits” to spread the gospel via mass digital platforms, as with Kirk’s memorial.
  • Praises the decision not to copyright or monetize Kirk’s funeral stream, calling it “the biggest gospel presentation in any moment in the history of humanity.”

“Thank you for being the person who allowed the gospel to go out to the largest audience in the history of humanity.” – Pastor Mark Driscoll, to Andrew Colvett (41:29)

• [42:10–42:51]
  Erica Kirk’s public act of forgiveness toward her husband’s killer modeled Christ-like forgiveness, which Driscoll identifies as the deepest shaft of revival.

“The moment was when she chose forgiveness over unforgiveness and bitterness and vengeance... She modeled, if she could, [forgive], you can too.” – Pastor Mark Driscoll (42:36)

6. National and Cultural Impact – Faith in the Public Square

• [45:13–48:30]
  J.D. Vance's public confession that the event made him more open about his faith is highlighted as a pivotal moment; the hosts speculate this may mark a national shift toward open Christianity in leadership.

• [54:00–56:13] Pastor Josh McPherson:
  Argues for the necessity of distinct “lanes” for family, church, and government, with the church boldly proclaiming truth and not shying away from the public arena.

“The beauty... I don't need our government officials to preach the gospel, but we need them to stand on the foundation of the moral law of God so they can do their job and really stay out of the church's lane.” – Pastor Josh McPherson (55:30)

7. Responding to Criticism of “Christian Nationalism”

• [70:58–75:36]
  The hosts rebut media claims that current events represent “religious nationalism.” Driscoll argues that nations built on Christian values are historically good for people, and that public faith is not dangerous but beneficial for society.

“Nationalism is what God did to save us from destroying ourselves... United people without God are dangerous people.” – Pastor Mark Driscoll (74:06)

8. Kirk’s Unique Witness: Uncompartmentalized Christianity

• [77:57–79:14]
  Kirk is praised for refusing to separate his faith from his social and political commentary—a stance the hosts encourage in all Christians.

“The most important thing, and Charlie always says this, was preach the gospel. The second most important thing is to make sure you can do the first.” – Andrew Colvett (78:34)

9. Charge to Pastors and Churches: The “Cowboy” Model

• [104:27–106:12]
  • Pastors are challenged to lead courageously, not just as gentle shepherds but as “cowboys” who will actively defend their flocks from “wolves”—falsehoods and evil in culture.
  • Masculine fortitude and courage, not fear, are held up as contagious and essential for church leaders.

"A pastor is supposed to be a cowboy, supposed to be able to kill wolves and protect sheep." – Pastor Mark Driscoll (104:27)

10. Six-Point Exhortation for Pastors (Practical Guidance)

• [113:49–118:13] Pastor Josh McPherson:
  Offers a systematized list for pastors navigating the revival:

  1. Set forth the truth plainly – Like Paul and Kirk, clarity is essential.
  2. Demonstrate the Spirit’s Power – Rely on God’s Spirit, not just human wisdom.
  3. Boldly proclaim the truth – Refuse to be deterred by potential backlash.
  4. Live not by lies – Do not be silent in the face of cultural falsehoods.
  5. Enjoy the King – Set an example of joy and beauty in following Jesus.
  6. Fight downhill – Stop ceding ground to corrupt institutions; build new ones if necessary.

“They’re just fearless, for Jesus’ sake. And they’re seeing their churches explode...” – Pastor Josh McPherson (114:13)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I think I told you before that this is the first time in my life where I could say I feel the prayers of strangers all around the country and world.”
  — Andrew Colvett (11:58)
• “I want to be careful with this. I don’t want to turn Charlie into Jesus... But when Erica said, ‘I forgive him,’ forgiveness of sin is what unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit. ”
  — Pastor Mark Driscoll (42:51)
• “Courage is contagious, and so is fear. That’s what you saw with Charlie. If Charlie had manifested fear, nobody would have showed up for his funeral. Because he manifested courage, there’s an entire generation saying, I choose faith, not fear.”
  — Pastor Mark Driscoll (106:38)
• “If the pulpits of America don’t disciple the culture, the culture will disciple the culture... secularism has a god, and it’s the god of self.”
  — Pastor Josh McPherson (78:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Time (MM:SS) | |-----------------------------------------------|----------------------| | Emotional Impact & Testimonies | 02:53–07:29 | | Historical Martyrdom & Revival | 13:37–16:25 | | Pastors Recount Revival Stories | 16:25–18:27 | | Ingredients & Examples of Revival | 25:33–29:57 | | “New Wineskins”, Church Bypass & Erica’s Role | 39:41–42:51 | | J.D. Vance’s Public Faith Moment | 45:13–48:30 | | Faith & Legislation: Church/Gov’t Roles | 54:00–56:13 | | Christian Nationalism Media Critique | 70:58–75:36 | | Exhortation: Six Points for Pastors | 113:49–118:13 | | Final Encouragement & Doctrine Giveaway | 118:13–119:15 |

Takeaways for Listeners

• A Spiritual Groundswell:
  Kirk’s death has acted as a lightning rod for spiritual revival, drawing even former atheists or estranged Christians back to faith communities in unprecedented numbers.

• Leadership by Example:
  Forgiveness, humility, uncompromising truth, and joy are essential marks of Christian leadership in this “new wine” era.

• Courage Over Fear:
  The boldness of Kirk, his widow Erica, and high-ranking officials like J.D. Vance are inspiring others to live their faith publicly without reservation.

• Challenge to Pastors:
  Churches must “shepherd” courageously, combining tenderness with toughness (the “cowboy” spirit), and must not shy away from cultural or political arenas.

• Living Public Faith:
  The accusation of “Christian nationalism” is reframed as the rightful public expression of foundational American and Christian values.

Closing Thought

The show closes with the offering of Pastor Mark Driscoll’s book “Doctrine” for free download as a resource for those reigniting their faith. The hosts urge leaders and listeners alike to respond with truth, courage, joy, and action—to seize this unique cultural and spiritual moment.

For Additional Resources:

• Download “Doctrine” by Mark Driscoll: Text ‘doctrine’ to 99383 or visit charliekirk.com
• Practical Next Steps for Churches & Pastors: See the six-point list at [113:49–118:13]

This summary captures the flow, tone, and heart of the episode, serving as a guide for those seeking to understand or revisit the central themes and insights discussed.