Editor’s Note: A guest post by Cary Hughes, Senior Pastor at Living Grace Community Church and a Baton Rouge native.

A view from the pastor’s desk on the death of Charlie Kirk.

Yesterday, a 31 year old man, Christian, husband, and father of two was murdered at an outdoor event in Utah. Charlie was well known for telling those who disagreed with him to come to the front so they could speak with him about their disagreements; he never backed down for an opportunity to speak truth in any setting. From the hills of the Smokies to the halls of Oxford, he was a brilliant debater. Millions of people, both young and old, found their voice again for their biblical values through the boldness of Charlie’s biblical convictions.

Charlie’s voice was not exclusively influential on university campuses, but like a trumpet his voice pierced the heart of Christians throughout churches in America. He challenged Christians to trust the whole counsel of God’s Word, instead of cherry picking what they like or don’t like. I am grateful the Lord raised Him up for this purpose alone.

But what I hope isn’t lost in his legacy is his challenge to pastors, particularly the one writing from this desk. The Lord used Charlie Kirk to encourage and challenge me, and how I applied His Word to my mind and ministry. He forced me to wrestle with how I communicated the truth of the gospel, how I responded to Christians who would tell me not to address issues like abortion, marriage, God’s design for sexuality, etc. I was told that these issues were too offensive and would turn unbelievers away from truth. God providentially used Charlie to remind me that pastors are first CALLED to proclaim truth in the face of all unbelief, no matter how hateful one hated the light of the truth found in God’s Word.

Not long before his death today, Charlie challenged pastors to preach the Word. Don’t bow down to the felt needs of the culture, but preach the Word. I am convinced now more than ever that churches are going to look very different in 10 years. I believe our churches will be marked more by the sacred than the performance. The Word over props. And I believe that will be in large part to the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

The Turning Point is just beginning, and Christ will reign supreme over chaos. Which one will you choose?

“Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.” Proverbs 29:10