Chris Tomlin Reflects on Worship at Charlie Kirk’s Memorial: “An Awakening Is Happening”
When Chris Tomlin stood before tens of thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, he was overwhelmed not only by the sheer scale of the crowd but also by the presence of God’s Spirit moving in profound ways.
The Grammy-winning worship leader, known globally for songs like How Great Is Our God, opened the service by leading attendees in worship. It was not a performance but a sacred moment — one that Tomlin described as a “marking” experience in his life.
Tomlin explained that Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, personally asked him to lead worship at the memorial. Despite his decades of experience performing before massive audiences, he admitted stepping into the event “with fear and trembling.” His heart, however, was set on one goal: to lift up the name of Jesus above politics, positions, and power.
“Above all thrones and dominions … Your name stands above them all,” Tomlin reflected, recalling the words he sang over the nation and the world. “To point people to the name above every name, right from the start — that was a privilege.”
The atmosphere of the memorial quickly transformed what could have been a somber service into a profound display of faith. The event had been relocated from a church to the stadium due to the overwhelming demand, with press credentials surpassing even those for the Super Bowl. It became a global moment, spotlighting not only the legacy of the slain Turning Point USA founder but also the resilience of Christian faith in America.
The most striking moment for Tomlin — and for millions watching worldwide — came when Erika Kirk stood before the crowd and publicly forgave her husband’s killer. Her declaration, echoing Christ’s words on the cross, silenced the stadium before it erupted in a standing ovation.
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do,” Erika said.
Tomlin later remarked that her testimony of forgiveness was “the words heard around the world.” He noted that it was not mere rhetoric but a living example of God’s Spirit at work. “You can preach all you want, but when you see that kind of forgiveness, it can only come from the Spirit of God,” he said. “Thousands came to faith that day. I pray it’s the awakening this nation has been crying out for.”
The worship leader also shared an encounter on his way to Arizona that underscored the ripple effect of Kirk’s death and testimony. An Uber driver confided that the tragedy had stirred his heart, leading him to commit to baptism. For Tomlin, it was a powerful confirmation that God was already moving across the nation in ways unseen.
Observers noted that the memorial became more than a tribute — it was a platform for proclaiming the gospel to a culture desperate for truth and hope. Conservative leaders in attendance highlighted that Kirk’s life work with Turning Point USA was aimed at awakening America to its founding values, and now, in death, his legacy was sparking something even greater.
Tomlin’s reflection echoed this sentiment: “It feels like a shift. It feels like a real awakening that so many have been praying for.” His words, combined with Erika’s testimony, added to the growing belief among Christian conservatives that Kirk’s passing may serve as a catalyst for revival in America.
As Tomlin prepares to release his new album, The King Is Still the King, the timing feels providential. He sees the songs not as entertainment but as tools for continuing the spiritual momentum sparked at the memorial. His ongoing tour, An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin, is similarly dedicated to magnifying Christ at a time when the nation needs it most.
For many conservatives, the memorial service represented more than honoring a fallen leader. It was a reminder that God can turn tragedy into testimony, and that the gospel remains the most powerful force for healing and transformation. The event, and the words spoken there, reinforced the conviction that America still has hope — but that hope rests not in government or politics, but in the Lord.
Charlie Kirk’s memorial, led in worship by Chris Tomlin and marked by Erika Kirk’s stunning forgiveness, will likely be remembered as a defining spiritual moment of 2025. And for Tomlin, it confirmed a truth that he believes is spreading across the land: “An awakening is happening.”