Murfreesboro’s World Outreach Church will move forward with “Culture & Christianity Conference” Sept.-19-20 after the fatal shooting of one of the scheduled speakers, Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, known for leading conservative debates on college campuses around the country, was supposed to speak at the pending conference along with World Outreach Church Senior Pastor Allen Jackson and others.
“Charlie Kirk’s message and his words live on,” Jackson told Wednesday night worshippers Sept. 10 at the large World Outreach Church.
“Charlie Kirk gave his life today. We lost a friend, a brother in Christ.”
Kirk’s death was mourned by the 1,600 worshippers filling most of the 3,000 sanctuary seats. Jackson encouraged them to continue speaking the truth of their faith.
Jackson asked the worshippers to pray among themselves for a few minutes for Kirk’s family, including his wife and two young children. Kirk was an outspoken Christian, many times defending his faith by debating those who opposed it. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just 18, which grew into a national conservative advocacy organization reaching many.
Some of the worshippers formed circles to hold hands as they prayed.
The Culture & Christianity Conference website also pays tribute to Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak at our 2025 conference. In honor of his life and legacy, it’s more important than ever to use our voices to proclaim biblical truth across our nation. We will not stop,” the website says.
Reflecting on tragic shooting: Charlie Kirk’s death impacts Murfreesboro World Outreach Church where he was to speak
This file photo from The Tennessean shows Allen Jackson, senior pastor of World Outreach Church, speaking during the funeral service Friday, July 10, 2020, for country music star Charlie Daniels at the church in Murfreesboro Tennessee. Daniels was 83.
Reflections on civil discourse
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland, a World Outreach Church member, offered the following comments to the DNJ.
“Today’s tragic events have left me reflecting on the importance of civil discourse,” Mayor McFarland said.
“The loss of Charlie Kirk, a husband, father, and mentor to many, is a heartbreaking reminder that violence is never an acceptable response to differing opinions. Charlie’s faith and his commitment to respectful dialogue have inspired countless individuals, including myself. My prayers are with his wife and young children. His journey didn’t end today.”
Rutherford County Clerk Lisa Duke Crowell, a fellow member of World Outreach Church, also provided the following comments about what happened to Kirk the morning after the worship service:
“I extend my condolences on the unfortunate passing of Charlie Kirk. His assassination is a tragedy. Life is precious. May our thoughts and prayers be with his wife, children, family and all those who held him dear during his life and beyond.”
World Outreach Church member reflects on Kirk’s death
John Harney, a World Outreach Church member, offered the following comments about the death of Kirk the morning after the Wednesday worship service he watched through live stream.
“Charlie Kirk was a very courageous young Christian conservative,” said Harney, who’s a real estate broker with ParkTrust Commercial in Murfreesboro.
“He was unafraid to travel college campuses around the country to openly debate without animosity what he believed in. His tragic evil assassination in an attempt to silence him goes against the very core principles and beliefs that our country was founded upon.
“We are like millions around the country this morning grieving his death and praying for his wife, Erika, their children and all the family on this the anniversary of 9/11.”
Culture & Christianity Conference to go on
The Culture & Christianity Conference will be Sept.-19-20 at the church. Seventeen other guest speakers are scheduled to participate, including former ESPN anchor Sage Steele, pastor John Amanchukwu, Sr., animator David Lui and Grammy Award-winning performer Matthew West.
“The Culture & Christianity Conference will help prepare you to be a voice for God’s hope and Truth, wherever He leads,” the conference description says on its website. “Remember the freedoms and liberties you are called to protect. Find the encouragement and strength you need to carry out your purpose in today’s generation.”
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Charlie Kirk: Conference still on at World Outreach in Murfreesboro