Doubling Down on Discipleship: Honoring Charlie Kirk by Investing in the Next Generation
There are moments in history that jolt us—moments when faith meets suffering, and the stakes become deeply personal. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk is such a moment. It’s tragic. It’s shocking. And yet, it challenges us, especially Christian parents and schools, to resolve what our priorities are and how we will walk forward in faith.
In the face of this evil, there’s a deep, timeless truth that can give us perspective and resolve: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” This phrase reminds us that those who suffer for the faith do not suffer in vain. Their lives and deaths—even as tragic as they are—serve God’s purposes in ways beyond what we see in the moment.
In this post, we’ll explore the origin and meaning of this phrase, examine what Scripture teaches about martyrs and God’s sovereign plan (especially in Revelation), reflect on Charlie Kirk’s legacy in reaching the next generation, and—most importantly—call us, as Christian families and schools, to a renewed commitment to disciple our children, raising them grounded in God so that when society turns turbulent, they are ready.
The Origins of “The Blood of the Martyrs Is the Seed of the Church”
The phrase is most closely associated with Tertullian (circa AD 155–240), an early Christian writer in North Africa. In his work Apologeticus, Tertullian wrote, a statement that is often translated: “The more we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is seed.”
What he meant was not that suffering or death is good in itself, but that the commitment and sacrifice of Christians create a powerful witness. Those who suffer speak boldly, even in their suffering. Their example draws others, testifies to something eternal, and roots the Church more deeply. That seed—sprouting in lives and communities—endures and produces crops and a harvest of a unique nature.
Revelation: The Cry of the Martyrs and the Full Number Ordained
Scripture affirms that martyrdom matters and that God has ordained a plan involving those who suffer for their faith. In Revelation 6:9-11, John sees under the altar the souls of those slain “because of the word of God and because of the testimony which they had maintained.” They cry out: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” God’s response is that they rest a little longer “until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers who were to be killed as they themselves had been” is completed.
This passage reveals several truths:
God has foreknown a full number of martyrs, though we do not know the count.
The sufferings of these martyrs, though tragic, are part of His redemptive story.
Before certain judgments or consummations, God’s plan involves this faithful testimony—even unto death.
Charlie Kirk: A Modern Witness and the Cost of Influence:
Charlie Kirk was known for his relentless commitment to engaging the next generation—modeling boldness, teaching, and forming leaders. He founded Turning Point USA, which focused heavily on youth and college campuses. He used media effectively—social media, live events, and debates—to bring ideas to young people. He didn’t stay comfortable; he faced pushback, controversy, and challenges, never shying away from cultural conflict.
His death is tragic, but it amplifies a truth: when someone stakes their time, reputation, and comfort for their convictions, it forces us to see what truly matters.
Why This Is a Unique Moment, and What It Calls Us To
We live in a time of rapid change—digital culture, political unrest, ideological divides, and moral confusion shape our children’s lives daily. The battlefield for truth, character, and faith begins at home and spills into schools, social media, and cities. Because the stakes are high, Christian parents and schools have a unique opportunity and responsibility in this era. To honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy—not to idolize, but to imitate what is good—the most fitting tribute is to double down on discipling the next generation.
What Discipleship Looks Like in Homes and Schools
Discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are practical, powerful ways parents can lead and partner with Christian schools:
Dinner Table Talks: Discuss about what God has done and what He is doing are so valuable! A simple sharing of what you are learning in your quiet time with God and how He is challenging you models the Christian life in the family.
Family Prayer Times & Testimonies: Pray regularly for family, school, and nation to show faith is alive. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, even in hardship.
Partnering with the School’s Mission: Engage with the school’s teachings, not just academics but worldview. Support chapel, discipleship programs, and small groups to align home and school. Be involved in what your child is learning.
Modeling Courage & Conviction: Have difficult conversations about current events or moral issues. Stand for truth, even when it’s upstream. Children observe and learn.
Applying Truth from the Book of Revelation to Our Responsibility
The book of Revelation shows that God sees when His people suffer and knows the number of those who will stand firm. He entrusts us with living faithfully, witnessing boldly, and raising the next generation. By committing to discipleship today, we participate in that long story, watering the soil where more seeds can grow—even when pain or loss is part of the cost.
A Call to Parents: Process, Pray, Commit:
Parents, take time this week to process what this means for your home and children:
What spiritual conversations are you having at the dinner table? Could you add depth: “What did God teach you today?” or “Where did you see injustice, and what is God’s heart in that?”
How often do you speak of your own faith—not just doctrine, but what God is doing in your life? Be honest and real.
Do you have regular family prayer time? If not, begin. If yes, make it more intentional, praying for boldness, truth, and your children’s spiritual formation.
Will you commit to walking closely with your child in their faith, answering questions, wrestling through doubts, and pointing them to God?
Let’s Go:
Honoring Charlie Kirk’s life—and all who suffer for their testimony—means more than grief. It means resolve. As a Christian school community—parents, teachers, students—let us double down on discipleship, truth, and courage to build children whose faith is enduring, whose love is rooted, and whose lives are marked by God’s eternal purpose.
If God has ordained a number of martyrs, let us be among those who walk with Him courageously and raise our children to do likewise. Let our homes be places where faith is lived, our schools where faith is taught with clarity, and our legacy one of spiritual multiplication, so that even in grief, especially in times like these, God’s Kingdom advances.
