In a sobering yet hope-filled message, Pastor Vlad Savchuk addressed what he believes is a defining moment for both the church and society. Following the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Savchuk noted that people worldwide are turning back to faith, seeking clarity in uncertain times. He outlined five key shifts that he believes Christians must embrace in this new cultural reality.
1. Churches Must Move from Comfort to Confrontation in Preaching
Savchuk emphasized that preaching can no longer be about keeping people comfortable or entertained. Instead, it must confront sin and lift up biblical truth. “Preaching that never offends will also never transform,” he said, pointing to examples in Acts where bold proclamations led to repentance. While debates and dialogue have their place, he insisted that unfiltered gospel preaching—no matter how unpopular—is essential for true transformation.
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2. We Need to Shift from Being Silent to Vocal on Controversial Issues
Many pastors, Savchuk observed, have stayed neutral on cultural and moral issues, hoping to avoid offense. But he warned that silence in today’s climate only confuses believers. “Silence is deadly in this season,” he declared. The church must speak clearly with compassion, even when biblical truth collides with cultural expectations. In a world that now views open faith as a liability, clarity is a lifeline for discipleship.
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3. We Need Leaders Who Are Wartime Shepherds
Savchuk called for a transformation in church leadership. Pastors are not simply administrators, vision casters or motivational speakers, he argued. They are wartime shepherds tasked with protecting their flock from spiritual wolves, lions and bears. “This is not a cruise ship leadership time. This is a battleship leadership,” he said. Churches need leaders willing to fight against spiritual and cultural pressures while training their congregations to endure.
4. Churches Must Move Away from Seeker-Sensitive Models
While programs and production have often dominated church growth strategies, Savchuk stressed that they cannot sustain believers in the storms of life. “Programs will not hold people in the storm. The presence of God will,” he explained. A presence-driven church is rooted in Scripture, unashamed of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, and built around experiencing God’s power. He pointed to countless testimonies of people encountering God supernaturally in services, saying this hunger for the Spirit is rising worldwide.
5. Now is the Time to End Compromise with the Culture and Embrace Kingdom Truth
Finally, Savchuk noted that the clash between the kingdom of God and the spirit of the age is only intensifying. What once were considered political debates—about gender, marriage and life—are in reality biblical issues. “It’s not that the church is trying to get political. It’s that politics became spiritual,” he said. Christians must recognize that cultural trends change, but God’s Word does not, and therefore must stand firm with courage and conviction.
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In the midst of a culture that increasingly rejects faith and biblical truth, Christians are being called to rise with courage, clarity and unwavering conviction. This is a season to embrace bold discipleship, to stand firm in the Word and to prioritize God’s presence above programs or popularity. The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity for revival, transformation and harvest.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
