Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, fraternities across the United States have taken on a new role, hosting Christian prayer events as college students increasingly turn to faith. These gatherings, such as the recent one at East Carolina University’s Kappa Sigma fraternity house, represent a significant shift in the cultural and spiritual life of college campuses. The event, dubbed a ‘Night of Hope,’ was led by Doug Elks, a leader of the AIM Missions evangelical ministry, and saw dozens of university students participating in an evening of prayer and spiritual reflection.
Elks, who coordinated the event with the Kappa Sigma chapter, emphasized the impact of Kirk’s assassination on the spiritual awakening among students. He noted that the gathering was a powerful moment of spiritual connection, with attendees expressing a deep desire to embrace their faith. The event also featured the involvement of several current and former college athletes, reflecting the broad appeal of the movement beyond traditional religious congregations. The Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers opened their home to host the gathering, further demonstrating the communal nature of the event.
The resurgence of faith among college students comes at a time when the generational trend of declining religious practice in the U.S. is beginning to stabilize. According to 2024 data from the Pew Research Center, Gen Z individuals are less likely to identify as Christian compared to previous generations, with only 27% of young adults stating they pray daily. This decline is attributed to ‘generational replacement,’ where the older, more religious generations are passing away, and younger generations are not following the same patterns. However, the influence of Kirk’s assassination and the resulting spiritual awakening on college campuses is challenging these trends.
Elks, who has spoken to over 70 schools and religious organizations since 2025, believes that the key to reaching Gen Z lies in meeting them where they are, particularly within college environments and Greek life organizations. He highlights the significant platform that Greek life members have, noting their influence and community. Elks is optimistic about the potential for these organizations to serve as a bridge for students to engage with faith, emphasizing the importance of leaders who are committed to sharing the message of Christianity in these settings.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties faced by Gen Z, particularly in terms of mental health and stress, Elks sees an opportunity for spiritual growth. He acknowledges the high levels of anxiety and depression among young people, stating that these issues are particularly impactful. However, he believes that the current climate is ripe for a renewed interest in faith, as evidenced by the increasing number of requests for Elks to speak at universities and Greek life events across the nation. This trend suggests that, while the broader decline in religious practice continues, there is a growing movement among younger generations to explore and embrace spiritual beliefs, particularly in response to significant events like Kirk’s assassination.