The 22nd Annual Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast drew a massive crowd to Indian River County this week, bringing together faith leaders, community members, and national figures to discuss the intersection of religion, culture, and governance. Approximately 1,300 attendees gathered early Thursday for the event, where speakers urged Christians to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
The central message of the morning was delivered by Rob McCoy, senior pastor of Godspeak Calvary Chapel and co-chair of Turning Point USA Faith. Addressing the enthralled audience, McCoy emphasized that religious engagement should not stop at the church doors but should extend into the cultural and political spheres.
Andrew Breitbart used to say, ‘Politics is downstream from culture.’ Well, Christianity should be driving culture. We should be driving the politics.
McCoy’s address served as an impassioned plea for pastors and the church to end what he termed “agnosticism” regarding political involvement. He argued that silence on these matters is a detriment to society. Much of his speech focused on the legacy of Charlie Kirk, describing the late activist as a “modern-day Moses” who built a movement on the spoken word and civility toward detractors. McCoy reflected on his personal connection to Kirk, noting that he had officiated Kirk’s wedding and delivered opening remarks at his memorial service following his death in Orem, Utah.
According to McCoy, the current cultural shift represents “the largest revival in modern history,” driven largely by young men aged 18 to 30. He stressed the distinction between a spiritual “revival” and a true “awakening,” asserting that an awakening produces disciples capable of changing culture and, subsequently, the government.
Sharing the stage was author and social critic Os Guinness, the great-great-great-grandson of the iconic brewer Arthur Guinness. Guinness offered a historical perspective, analyzing the life cycles of superpowers. He warned that the United States faces a moment of potential decline, noting that from a secular view, decline often leads to a fall. However, he proposed a biblical alternative: “exile and return,” suggesting that a return to the nation’s foundational principles could spark renewal.
With the United States marking its 250th anniversary this year, Guinness framed 2026 as a critical benchmark.
Key takeaways from Os Guinness included:
The program concluded with remarks from January Littlejohn, a licensed mental health counselor and parent advocate with Do No Harm. Littlejohn, who gained national attention after suing the Leon County School Board regarding the alleged social transitioning of her daughter without parental consent, shared her personal story with the Vero Beach crowd. She expressed concerns about school policies and parental rights, stating that while progress has been made, “laws alone will not save our children.”
The Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast has become a staple event in the community since its founding in 2004 by John and Carol Bona. The couple established the gathering in the wake of hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, which devastated the Treasure Coast, seeking to bring the community together through faith. Over the years, the event has hosted a roster of prominent speakers, including Marco Rubio, Tim Tebow, and Anne Graham Lotz.
