Charlie Kirk ‘revival’? // Iran's Christian rebirth // Florida and Alabama speaking

Listen to my latest episodes of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, and get early access to upcoming episodes!

Author

Justin Brierley
October 07, 2025

Episode 23 - Iran's Christian Revolution: David Yeghnazar & guests

In 1979 there were around 500 Christian converts in Iran. Today they number over 1 million. Despite intense persecution, Iran has the fastest growing church in the world. So why is Iran experiencing such a rebirth?

I speak to David Yeghnazar of ELAM, a ministry that supports the church in Iran, about why so many Muslims are turning to Christ. Farshid and Magda also share their stories of imprisonment and oppression, while holding on to an unshakeable hope.

From Islam to Atheism to Christ: The CONVERSION of Apostate Prophet Ridvan Aydemir

Ridvan Aydemir (the Apostate Prophet) joins me to tell how he went from Islam to atheism to Christian faith and about his hopes and fears for Islam in the West. Watch now on YouTube!

WATCH EARLY! Episode 24 - The Charlie Kirk Moment - Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew

Hundreds of thousands attended Charlie Kirk's memorial service. Are we seeing a Kirk-inspired Christian revival or a rallying cry for Christian nationalism?

Theologian Nijay Gupta and Christian writer Bethel McGrew join me to debate their different perspectives on the Charlie Kirk moment and his controversial statements on race and minorities.

You can watch right now - a whole week early - by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.

LISTEN EARLY! Live from Big Church Festival: Lauren Windle, Ben Sixsmith, Martin Shaw, Andy Wolfe & Andrew Ollerton

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God was part of this summer's Big Church Festival. In the first of two festival specials, I share 3 live interviews from the 'Podcast Stage'.

Author Lauren Windle and agnostic journalist Ben Sixsmith share their stories of addiction recovery and searching for God. Mythologist Martin Shaw tells his miraculous conversion story and continuing quest for 'Wild Christianity'. Andy Wolfe and Andrew Ollerton explore the rise in Bible interest among Gen Z.

You can watch early - right now - by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.

WATCH EARLY! Mythologist CONVERTS to Christianity - Martin Shaw’s wild journey to faith

Martin Shaw is a mythologist and storyteller who experienced a miraculous adult conversion to Christian faith. He joined me on the Podcast Stage at Big Church Festival 2025 to talk his story and his new book ‘Liturgies Of The Wild’.

You can watch early - right now - by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.

Upcoming USA & UK speaking engagements!

PALM BEACH APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE, Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL, USA - Sat 25 October

I'll be speaking on 'The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God' at Palm Beach Atlantic University on the second day of their 'Faithful Witness' apologetics conference

SPANISH RIVER CHURCH, Boca Raton, FL, USA - Sun 26 October

I've been invited to preach at the Sunday morning service of Spanish River Church, Boca Raton, Florida at the conclusion of their 'Church Planters Summit'.

RATIO CHRISTI CONFERENCE, Jacksonville, FL, USA - Mon 27 October

A day conference at the University of North Florida, where I'll be speaking alongside other apologists including Jeff Zweerink. Booking details TBA.

TACTICAL FAITH EVENT, Samford University, Alabama USA - Sun 1 Nov

I'll be delighted to speak alongside storyteller Martin Shaw, along with music and poetry at this afternoon event on the campus of Samford University, Alabama. Booking details TBA

NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY WEEKEND, Birmingham, UK - Sat 15 Nov

I'll be giving a keynote address at Youthscape’s annual gathering of youth and children’s workers, taking place 14-16 Nov in Birmingham.

RESPONDING TO THE REBIRTH CONFERENCE, London, UK - Sat 22 Nov

A very special day long event I'll be co-hosting with Glen Scrivener of Speak Life at All Souls Church, London. Special guests include Prof John Lennox, Paul Kingsnorth and Elizabeth Oldfield. Gathered with hundreds of Christians we'll be exploring the new opportunities for mission as 'the tide turns'.

In-person tickets are sold out, but you can book in to watch the livestream!

Your support helps me to reach more people

I’ve received many encouraging messages about the Surprising Rebirth Podcast in the past month, including this one:

“I absolutely love this podcast, as well as your re-enchanting one with Belle! Last year I unexpectedly got very ill and ended up in intensive care and hospital for a number of weeks. I wasn't well enough to read and out of it a lot of the time, but my husband got me headphones so I could listen (as well as block out the noises of intensive care) your podcast and my pastors sermons brought me great comfort at this time so thank you! I'm 30 and have been a Christian for about 5 years now. You've spoken about suffering a few times and I wanted to let you know a huge amount of good came from my suffering and feel so blessed to say after sepsis, multiple organ failure, and having to learn to walk again God has nearly completely healed me. The experience was unimaginable to me before it happened, but God gave me the strength and so much good has come from it such a blessing, which sounds so weird to say but it's so true. Thank you and I pray you keep going 🙏”

Francesca LT, podcast listener

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Best wishes from me and the Think Faith team!
Justin Brierley.