Some churches in the United States have reported seeing an increase in young people attending services in the weeks following the murder of Charlie Kirk.
JP De Gance, president of the evangelism group Communio, told The Christian Post that reports have come in from several states.
“There’s one church in Michigan that said a number of young adults who were raised in the church but hadn’t attended in years showed back up,” he said.
Kirk, the 31-year-old leader of Turning Point USA and TPUSA Faith, was shot dead earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University.
De Gance believes his death has prompted young people to reassess their priorities. “I think that causes people to ask, ‘What am I living for right now?’” he said.
Communio, which partners with around 400 churches, has urged leaders to find ways to help newcomers stay connected through community events as well as worship.
“Our message to churches is just, how can we be thoughtful about creating that environment where authentic trust and community can exist, so that you can share the gospel more effectively?” De Gance added.
Recent data from Barna suggests Gen Z attendance is already rising, with younger adults attending church more frequently than older generations.