Charlie and the Church: A Deeper Dive into What His Death Meant for Believers
The death of Charlie Kirk ignited passionate conversations across cultural, political, and faith communities—among both believers and non-believers. In this episode, members of the R2ED Committee come together for a thoughtful and candid discussion on the ripple effects of his life, message, and legacy.
The conversation explores what resonated with many believers, the concerns raised within the Church, and how Charlie’s words compare with the teachings of Jesus. The group also reflects on the current state of the Church, the growing influence of media within faith communities, and the complex intersection of faith, politics, and public discourse. As the episode unfolds, the panel wrestles with a central tension facing believers today: how to genuinely care for others while navigating fear, division, and uncertainty.
This episode invites listeners into a deeper, reflective dialogue about faith, influence, and what it means to follow Christ in a polarized world.
Show Notes:
Connect with us:
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Bible references:
- Joshua 5:13-14
- Book of Daniel
Learn more about Turning Point USA:
https://tpusa.com/
Meet Our Guest(s)
Dr. Omari Hodge is a physician leader and long-time member of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), currently serving as President. He has participated in numerous medical mission trips, experiences that have shaped his conviction that Christ’s Kingdom and system of governance supersede worldly structures, and that societal divisions do not reflect God’s way of rule. Within CMDA, Omari is actively involved in the Racism, Reconciliation, Equality, and Diversity (RRED) Group, advocating for reconciliation and unity rooted in Scripture. As a Program Director and educator, he emphasizes gospel-centered leadership, teachability, and character formation, encouraging Christian healthcare professionals to live out Christ’s reconciling power in both word and practice.
Dr. Amenah A. Agunwamba, ScD MPH is a social epidemiologist, with a focus on health disparities, health communication, and research methods. She received her Doctor of Science in Social Epidemiology from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, her Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and her BA in Biology from Carleton College. She completed her postdoctoral training within the Division of Epidemiology at Mayo Clinic, where she is an Assistant Professor of Health Services Research. Her research has centered around examining the social determinants of health within communities of color. Dr. Agunwamba lectures on social epidemiology and health communication, and she is committed to racial justice and reconciliation. Dr. Agunwamba aims to view her work through the lens of the Good Samaritan, serving those who are the most impacted by health inequities and those who live at the margins of society. While she has been involved in DEI work for over 20 years, she has recently felt led to build deeper understanding around issues of racism and injustice specifically within the Church, to be a credible witness in times of racial division. She has a heart for creating spaces for respectful conversations and has been a part of educating community members across churches on justice, racism, and faith. Dr. Agunwamba believes in elevating the voices of those closest to injustice, a model of Jesus’ upside-down kingdom. She currently serves as the Chair of the City of Savage Community Equity Commission and a co-leader of the South Metro MN Be the Bridge Chapter. She served as a leader of Side By Side for 8 years, and a member of SBS for over a decade. Born and raised in rural MN, Dr. Agunwamba is the daughter of a Pakistani immigrant and is also Native American and African American. Dr. Agunwamba currently lives in the Midwest with her husband Akochi, a hospitalist, and four daughters.
Lauren Worley, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in a leadership role supporting 11 pharmacies across the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. She has served with the Christian Medical & Dental Association since 2009, including participation on medical mission teams to Nicaragua. Through her work as a community pharmacist and her experience as a foster and adoptive parent, Lauren has developed a deep commitment to advancing equity, addressing gaps in care, and advocating for vulnerable populations. She is passionate about expanding access to healthcare career pathways in underserved communities and equipping community pharmacists to identify and address inequities-improving health outcomes for all.
