Some Christians Are Missing the Movement of God

When I wrote a short reflection on Charlie Kirk’s memorial on Facebook, I didn’t expect it to go viral. But clearly, it struck a nerve. Multitudes of likes, comments, and shares followed.

Because of the attention it received, I thought it wise to expand upon it and memorialize it here.

Trump Derangement Syndrome in the Church

Some Christians are missing it.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s memorial, I’ve seen some brothers and sisters so consumed by Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) that they cannot see God’s hand at work. They can’t stand the thought that Charlie Kirk died a Christian martyr because he also helped elect Trump and became the de facto leader of the MAGA movement.

One former ministry partner of mine even wrote the following:

“If this is a movement of God, then count me out. I want the real Jesus, not a Nationalist revival.”

But pause and think about that: “If this is a movement of God, then count me out”? That’s not just unwise — it’s dangerous. When God moves, we don’t get to say, “Not like that.”

To resist God’s work simply because it offends our political preferences is to walk on perilous ground. That’s not discernment; that’s pride. If God chooses to use unlikely vessels, imperfect leaders, or even movements we didn’t expect, our response must be surrender, not rejection. Saying, “If this is of God, I want nothing to do with it,” is a chilling echo of those in Scripture who hardened their hearts against God’s unexpected work. That road leads to destruction. Indeed, that's the mission statement of the citizens of Hell.

Dr. Corey Miller nailed it with this reminder: too many pastors and Christians are like Commodus in Gladiator — showing up late and asking, “Have I missed the battle?” while their eyes glaze over at the war raging around them. Politics is ethics. Dr. Frank Turek often says that politics is merely legislating morality. And ethics and morality belong in the pulpit on Sunday mornings. To stay silent out of fear of appearing “too political” is not piety — it’s the epitome of cowardice.

This is the very message that got my wife and me disfellowshipped from the church I pastored at for a decade. Yet I am more convinced than ever that this message is objectively true and vital for all Christ followers to understand.

Erika Kirk and the Gospel in Action

At Charlie’s memorial, hundreds of millions heard the gospel preached with clarity and power. Rob McCoy called people to accept Christ — and many did. Frank Turek gave a clear gospel presentation. Our very own Vice President, JD Vance said he had never been more excited to talk about Jesus Christ in public and encouraged us to do the same!

Worship music lifted Scripture over the world. Leaders of state declared Jesus is Lord. The beauty of family was exalted. Repentance was preached. Christ was glorified.

And not only was the gospel shared multiple times, we got to witness the gospel embodied and in action.Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s killer.

This was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed with my own eyes — more impressive than any athletic achievement or musical performance. It was the love and grace of Jesus leading to public forgiveness of the young man who executed her husband eleven days earlier.

If you can’t say “Amen, thank you God” to that because you’re hung up on Trump, then as Everett Piper said, "something has darkened in your soul."

We are on the brink of something spiritually great. Don’t miss the war.

The battle is here. The question is this: will you stand with Christ, or sit on the sidelines?

Stay reasonable (Isaiah 1:18),

Dr. Tim Stratton