Family Research Council president Tony Perkins recently sounded the alarm about what he sees as the nation’s deepest deficit —the lack of men and women willing to stand firm on divine, biblical truth. If the church is willing to compromise and capitulate over key issues the Bible clearly lays out, we become no different than the world. 

What we need, Perkins states, is moral courage. Moral courage is a courage that is “rooted in conviction and anchored in a transcendent cause.” The only cause that is truly transcendent and unchangeable with time is the biblical one. Gospel truth and biblical morals laid down by an unchanging God from the beginning of time. If we stand on those truths, we won’t be moved. “But,” warns Perkins, “without moral courage, we will fold under pressure.”

Perkins pointed to Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy as an example of the kind of boldness America is craving. Millions honored Kirk’s faith and leadership after his death because, Perkins believes, “America is starving for examples of young men who refuse to bow” in the face of cultural pressure.

That hunger is now showing up in the pews. Following Kirk’s assassination on September 10, churches nationwide have seen a sharp rise in attendance, especially among young adults. Bible sales through August reached 10 million copies — more than a million higher than the previous year. Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills said people are showing up asking life’s biggest questions: “I want to know the meaning of life, the purpose. Why am I here?”

From college campuses to local congregations, pastors report that young adults who had drifted away are returning. J.P. De Gance of Communio said churches in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have seen noticeable spikes, with many young adults showing up after years away. Kirk’s death, he said, forced many to take stock of their lives and their mortality.

Alongside this spiritual surge, sobering research shows that many churches may not be ready to disciple those who are returning. Ligonier Ministries’ 2025 State of Theology survey revealed that 47% of evangelicals believe God accepts the worship of all religions, 53% believe most people are inherently good, and nearly half of U.S. adults see Jesus as a great teacher but not God.

Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and Pastor Jack Hibbs discussed the findings on Washington Watch. Hibbs warned that too many churches are offering “sugar” instead of “meat” — emphasizing culturally catchy forms of worship over the clear teaching of Scripture. “If people are attending a church that has no meat, meaning no word, then what are we doing?” he asked. Perkins added that young people are “flocking to the altars” without even knowing what an altar is. Without biblical teaching and discipleship, he cautioned, a genuine awakening could fizzle.

Even before Kirk’s assassination, Gen Z was showing signs of renewed spiritual interest, outpacing other demographics in church attendance and Bible engagement. Kirk’s widely watched memorial service — streamed to 100 million unique viewers — amplified that hunger.

David Closson, director of FRC’s Center for Biblical Worldview, is hopeful. “We are living in a moment where the youngest adult generation of Americans is open to the truth claims of Christianity like they haven’t been before,” Closson said. “My encouragement to pastors and those with discipleship opportunities is to make sure this moment does not pass them by without engaging with the young generation that is hungry for spiritual truth.”

Bible believers have an unprecedented opportunity to model moral courage and equip a generation to stand firmly in faith. See some young adults while you’re out shopping? Hand them a few different Chick tracts to read. Want to help your church youth group? Gift them some Chick comics they can read together. Know a new believer? Offer to read The Next Step together and help them build a strong, lasting foundation in Christ. Let’s not let this moment pass, but instead equip, engage, and lead with boldness.