Revival of Faith: Young People Flock to Pittsburgh Church After Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — If you were searching for young people devastated by the Sept. 10, 2025 brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk here, you would have been mistaken. Instead, they gathered in droves at The Sanctuary church. Pastor Jason Howard was surprised by the sheer number of young attendees at Sunday services on Sept. 14.

“I’ll be honest, I’m in my forties and caught off guard by how many people in their twenties showed up,” Howard admitted. His assistant pastor, Cole Yocca, a 22-year-old, had already organized a spontaneous backyard prayer gathering the day after Kirk’s death. The response was clear: “We are going to be bold and unashamed about the message of Jesus more than ever before,” Howard said.

The Sanctuary Church, a nondenominational Christian congregation, has seen significant growth in young attendees. Howard described the phenomenon as a “revival,” where “dead things come back to life.” He noted that young people are increasingly passionate about their faith, unashamedly embracing Christianity in a culture he says once viewed it as countercultural.

Howard highlighted how Kirk’s influence resonated with youth. “He embraced his faith unashamedly,” Howard said. Young attendees, many from the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, are drawn to values like traditional marriage and gratitude for blessings, rather than political ideologies.

The church’s packed services reflect a broader trend: young people seeking meaning, belonging, and purpose. “They’re not afraid to get married, have children, or prioritize what truly matters,” Howard explained. This shift, he said, has been amplified by the assassination of Kirk, who became a symbol of unapologetic faith.

While some attendees disagreed with Kirk’s politics, all united in admiration for his boldness. “People are saying, I don’t care—I’m going to be bold and unashamed,” Howard added. The resurgence of faith, he believes, is a movement piercing through modern darkness.