Charlie Kirk’s Journey to Embrace the Sabbath

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, found himself worn out, both physically and mentally. I mean, it happens to the best of us, right? It was during this tough time that Pastor David Engelhart encouraged him to switch off his phone, step away from politics, and take just one day to observe the Sabbath.

Years down the line, Kirk wrote a book that dives into how honoring the Sabbath transformed his life. It also became a stepping stone to strengthening his relationships—with his wife, Erica, his children, family, friends, and even God. Engelhart explained how Kirk would disconnect from work distractions, spend quality time with family, take walks, and read the Bible, noting that practicing from Friday to Saturday was the best fit for Kirk’s routine.

Engelhardt, who has been a long-time friend and pastor to the Kirk family, spoke to Fox News Digital about Kirk’s new best-selling book “Stop, In God’s Name: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Change Your Life.” This book presents honoring the Sabbath as a solution for America’s exhaustion and constant connectivity.

It’s interesting how Engelhardt first connected with Kirk through Erica while they were all in New York City. He remembered that back in 2021, during a conversation, he could sense Kirk was teetering on the edge of burnout. You could say he was in pretty rough shape—he had physical pain, dealing with back and knee problems, and a heavy load on his shoulders. Engelhardt felt compelled to tell him, “You need to take the Sabbath,” emphasizing that it was essential to recharge.

Kirk was initially hesitant to take a break, worrying about the implications of stepping away from work. It’s that familiar struggle we all face sometimes—what if an important call comes in? But Engelhardt encouraged him to focus more on his well-being rather than how he might appear to others. They had a chat about it, and eventually, Kirk accepted the idea, experiencing uplifting results from this one-day break.

Engelhardt recalls convincing Kirk that rest would grant him more energy and capacity. He attributes Kirk’s newfound perspective to saving his life. Often, people don’t realize we aren’t machines; we need time to recharge.

Engelhardt also highlighted the importance of respecting the Sabbath as one of the Ten Commandments. He pointed to both the Old and New Testaments, explaining that God’s example of resting on the seventh day, despite His omnipotence, proves the need for periodic breaks. The rhythm of work and rest is crucial for a fulfilling life.

Kirk’s last book, released after his passing in December, quickly climbed the bestseller lists. It encourages readers to see Sabbath-keeping not as a rejection of modern life but as a rebellion against constant busyness. The book provides insights on unplugging, recharging, and reconnecting deeply with oneself, family, and God.

Following the book’s release, TPUSA organized an America Fest event in Arizona. This gathering, held from December 18 to 21, served as a platform for conservatives to honor Kirk and reflect on Trump’s achievements post-presidency. Engelhardt shared that Kirk was enthusiastic about the Sabbath book and had been actively working on it among other projects prior to his death.

During America Fest, footage of Kirk discussing the Sabbath was shared with the crowd, where he mentioned his practice of turning off his phone each Saturday to spend time with family—an approach he found tremendously rewarding. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed…turn off your phone for a day,” he advised.

In essence, Kirk’s journey illustrates a reminder—a day of rest offers a chance to reconnect spiritually and emotionally away from life’s distractions.