For millions of conservative Christians, Charlie Kirk was the ultimate disciple. He symbolized the hope of the new Christian right, breaking down the borders between right-wing politics and evangelical faith to transform the next generation of America.

Now, he is considered a martyr.

As shock over Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday spread, the meaning for many of his followers was immediate and nearly universal. Evangelical pastors, activists and young conservatives felt his death personally, because of his influence on their lives and because they saw him dying while fulfilling a greater purpose.

“Charlie died for what he believed in, he died for something greater than just himself,” said Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor in Oklahoma who founded the Pastors for Trump network. “We hope and we p

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