nc values

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination, many across our nation are asking hard questions: Why did this happen? How should the Church respond?

We want to invite you to continue this conversation with us this Sunday, September 21, at 6:00 PM in Raleigh. Together with our friends at The King’s Chapel, we are hosting a free-to-the-public event entitled: “Politics, Murder & Spiritual War.”

This important gathering will explore why Charlie Kirk died, what his death reveals about the cultural and spiritual battles of our time, and how Christians are called to stand firm in faith, hope, and truth.

Our panelists will include:

– Pastor Grant Castleberry: Grant Castleberry is the senior pastor of The King’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina. His passion is pointing both believers and unbelievers to a God-centered life. Grant completed his undergraduate work at Texas A&M University, while also serving in the student body elected positions of junior yell leader and then head yell leader his senior year. He holds a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and a Master of Theology (ThM) degree in Historical Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Grant is pursuing a PhD at Southern, writing on Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Grant was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from Texas A&M in 2007. He served primarily overseas as an air traffic control officer and then as a series commander at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was promoted to the rank of captain. Upon finishing active duty service, Grant entered full-time gospel ministry in 2011 serving in churches in South Carolina, Kentucky, and Texas and serving as as the executive director for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The emphasis of Grant’s preaching ministry is on the Christ-centered, verse-by-verse, and sequential exposition of the Bible, experientially applying the Word of God to the Christian life. Grant is also passionate about evangelizing the lost and discipling believers so that they reach maturity in Christ. Grant writes periodically for Tabletalk Magazine and is the author of, The Honor of God, published by Ligonier Ministries. Grant has been married to his wife, GraceAnna, since 2009, and they have five children. Check out Grant’s podcast to learn what he’s said about Charlie Kirk recently.

– Andrew Walker: Dr. Walker serves as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology. He is also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Additionally, he is a fellow in Christian Political Thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as the Managing Editor of WORLD Opinions. Walker joined the faculty of Southern Seminary in 2019. His previous appointment was Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. He is married to Christian, and they have three children. He is a member of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He writes regularly for such outlets as National Review, First Things, Newsweek, WORLD Opinions, The Gospel Coalition, American Reformer, and Public Discourse. He’s done additional study through the Witherspoon Institute and the James Madison Program at Princeton University. In 2023, he was one of the winners of the inaugural “Freedom and Opportunity” academic awards from the Heritage Foundation for his contributions to conservative thought. A sought-after conference speaker and cultural commentator, Walker researches and writes about the intersection of Christian ethics, public theology, and the common good. His academic research interests include natural law theory, human dignity, theology of law, family stability, church-state studies, and social conservatism. His analysis and commentary have been cited in such outlets as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and many others. He teaches courses in the areas of ethics, biomedical ethics, sexual ethics, moral theory, public theology, and religion in the public square. He oversees several Doctor of Ministry students and Research Doctoral students as well as serving as the primary program coordinator for Southern’s Ethics and Public Theology concentration. Check out Andrew’s recent article to learn what he’s said about Charlie Kirk recently.

– Walt Heyer: Walt Heyer was a husband, father, and corporate executive who underwent so-called “gender reassignment surgery” at the age of 42, identifying as a woman for eight years. Through an encounter with Jesus Christ and the support of a loving church, Walt got his life back (“detransitioned”) and has been restored for over 30 years. Walt Heyer speaks and writes passionately about safeguarding children from experimental intervention (improperly called “gender affirming care”), testifying before legislative bodies, writing 8 books and over 60 articles, addressing audiences around the world, and appearing in countless documentaries, interviews, and podcasts. Walt serves as Senior Fellow at Family Research Council and his latest book, Embracing God’s Design, is co-authored with FRC colleague, Jennifer Bauwens, Ph. D. Check out Walt’s recent interview to learn what he’s said about Charlie Kirk recently.

The event will be moderated by our Government Affairs Advisor, Joseph Backholm: Joseph Backholm is Government Affairs Advisor for NC Values. He’s an attorney and combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing. He also serves as a Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council and is a regular contributor to World Opinions. Previously, Mr. Backholm served as legal counsel and Director of What Would You Say? at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview where he developed and launched a growing platform that creates short, animated videos answering common questions about faith and culture. He served as a legislative attorney for three years and spent 10 years as the President and General Counsel of the Family Policy Institute of Washington in Washington State where he managed educational, legislative, and electoral operations on behalf of life, marriage, religious freedom, and parental rights. He led three ballot initiatives on marriage and gender privacy. He is a Washington State native who loves travel, sports, and whatever his kids are into. Joseph received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and his law degree from Seattle University. He and his wife Brook have four children.

This promises to be a timely and hope-filled conversation for the Church and for all believers who want to faithfully live out their calling in a world increasingly hostile to truth.

📅 When: Sunday, September 21, at 6:00 PM
📍 Where: The King’s Chapel, 400 Newton Road, Raleigh, NC
💵 Cost: Free and open to the public

We hope you will make plans to join us for this crucial evening of truth and clarity.