Kirk Cameron's Claim to Fame

Kirk Cameron first became famous during his role playing Mike Seaver in the TV series, Growing Pains. Now he is well known as an advocate for Christianity in the Hollywood spotlight. Kirk co-founded an evangelical ministry called The Way of the Master and he currently hosts a show by the same name that is also oriented towards spreading the gospel via the use of media. His sister, Candace Cameron Bure, is known in similar circles for her faith as well.

Contrary to what some might assume, Kirk did not grow up in a Christian household. He was actually an atheist for the first 17 years of his life until he was roped into going to church by a girl he was interested in at the time. To his surprise, he was intrigued and enticed by the words of the pastor and the sermon he was preaching; he wanted to discover who God was. Over the course of the next few years, Kirk eventually committed his life to Christ and determined to live his life out of that primary commitment.  

Kirk is especially passionate about reminding Christians to come back to the roots of our faith, to remember what Christ has done for us, to come back to the truth of Scripture. In our current culture, much of Christianity has become entangled in the wild world of politics and agendas. It has been Kirk’s mission to make space and call for revival in the American Church. He advocates for Christians in the United States to return to a covenantal relationship with God. “Covenant” is a biblical term signifying a sacred promise. In our world today, we tend to think more about contracts which are created as a safe guard because we are afraid someone will back out on us and not hold up the terms of agreement. A covenant is a sacred, binding promise, a commitment intended to last for eternity. God has made a covenant with us, humanity, to be in relationship with us, and vice versa. So the lives of Christians should reflect the nature of their relationship with God.

Kirk has repeatedly noted the effect fear has had on Christians and the wider culture in general. When fear gets a grip on an individual, they become more hesitant, more prone to division and isolation, and they cease to live life to its fullest extent. Fear on a national and even global scale at its core is much the same, but its effects are widespread and difficult to combat and undermine. Kirk reminds us that the way to combat fear is with love. Love releases fear and allows individuals to live fully present and invested in their purpose and identity. Love is also what equips people to endure suffering in a way that produces growth.

This is what Kirk is truly passionate about: Christians growing and living out their faith authentically and giving God the glory for it. Part of how he and his wife have committed to doing this themselves is by adopting children. Kirk’s own wife was adopted by her parents, so when she and Kirk were ready to have kids, they chose to adopt. Now four out of their six children, all of whom are now adults, four are adopted. Kirk suggests that marriage and parenting are both great methods by which to grow one’s faith. He says that first and foremost, he has learned what it means to put someone else’s needs before his own. To live with a servant's heart and the actions to match it. He says it reflects what this life is all about for Christians: dying to oneself in order to live the life Christ has laid out and exemplified for us.

To watch the interview with Dean and Kirk, click the button below!