Celebs Who Are Secretly Preachers

It’s common for celebrities to feel a strong spiritual pull alongside their careers in entertainment. Some have even become officially ordained ministers or preachers, leading others in their faith. These stars often juggle performing with their spiritual work, staying deeply committed to their beliefs. This collection showcases musicians and actors who have taken on religious leadership roles, offering a glimpse into how faith shapes their personal lives.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington, the celebrated actor known for his role in ‘Training Day,’ comes from a religious background – his father is a Pentecostal minister. He himself became a minister years ago as a way to stay connected to his faith. Washington frequently offers support and spiritual advice to those around him in the entertainment industry. He also uses opportunities like giving commencement speeches to inspire others with messages of hope and resilience. Staying true to his religious beliefs is a constant priority in his life.

Chris Tucker

I’ve always been a fan of the hilarious energy Chris Tucker brought to films like ‘Rush Hour,’ so it was really inspiring to learn about his life’s journey. He made a profound shift after rediscovering his faith, and it’s amazing to see how he became a minister and now prioritizes projects that truly mean something to him. He’s so open about his spiritual path, often sharing it with others at religious events, and I admire how he manages a return to acting while still focusing on his own personal growth. It’s been a remarkable transformation, and it’s something he’s lived and shared for years.

Montell Jordan

The singer rose to fame in the 1990s with his popular song, ‘This Is How We Do It’. Later, he chose to leave music and dedicate his life to ministry. He now leads a large church in Georgia, serving his local community. He still uses his musical abilities, leading worship and inspiring those in his congregation. Making the switch from pop star to pastor has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

Mase

The rapper Mase, famous for his album ‘Harlem World’, surprised many by stepping away from music to pursue a deeper spiritual life. He became a minister and started a church in Atlanta, dedicating several years to religious work and teaching. While he later returned to making music, he continues to be a leader within his church community. His story highlights the challenges of balancing a successful career with his religious beliefs.

MC Hammer

MC Hammer rose to international fame with his iconic song ‘U Can’t Touch This’. After experiencing significant personal changes, he embraced his faith and became a minister. Since then, he’s focused on gospel music and preaching, often sharing his personal story and offering encouragement through his sermons. He continues to balance his career in entertainment with his work in ministry.

Al Green

Al Green, the iconic singer known for hits like ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ had a deep spiritual transformation while at the peak of his career. He became a pastor and started the Full Gospel Tabernacle church in Memphis. For decades, Green has successfully combined his music career with his duties to his church community, continuing to preach every Sunday while also touring and performing for his fans. His church remains a vital and important part of his life and how he’s remembered.

Joseph Simmons

Rev Run, famous as one of the creators of a groundbreaking hip hop group, later found faith and became a Pentecostal minister. He shared his life and spiritual growth with viewers on the reality show ‘Run’s House’ and continues to inspire millions through his social media posts, blending his music career with his religious calling.

Clifton Davis

Clifford “T.C.” Davis is a talented actor and songwriter, best known for his role in the TV series ‘Amen’. For many years, he’s also been an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister, leading several churches. Davis successfully combines his acting career with his religious calling, frequently leading worship services and speaking at faith-based events. Through both his performances and his sermons, he’s able to connect with and inspire people.

Kel Mitchell

I’ve always been a fan of Kel Mitchell, ever since ‘Kenan & Kel’ made him a household name back in the nineties! What really impresses me, though, is how he’s used his platform for good. He actually became a licensed youth pastor and now dedicates a lot of his time to working with churches and young people. He’s incredibly inspiring, often sharing his own experiences and the importance of faith in overcoming tough times. Even though he’s still acting, it’s clear that leading and mentoring young people through his ministry is now his biggest passion – it’s just amazing to see!

Mr. T

I’ve always been impressed by Mr. T – he’s famous for playing that tough guy in ‘The A Team,’ and his look is instantly recognizable. But what a lot of people don’t know is that he’s a really devout man. He actually became a minister a long time ago! I’ve noticed he consistently uses his platform to spread positivity and share his faith with everyone. Throughout his career, he’s been involved in so much charity work and spiritual outreach, and it’s clear that his beliefs are central to who he is, both in public and personally.

DeVon Franklin

This film producer is well-known for movies like ‘Miracles from Heaven’. He’s also a Seventh-day Adventist minister who frequently gives sermons. Franklin often writes books blending career guidance with spiritual lessons, appealing to a wide readership. He leverages his Hollywood career to promote content and values rooted in faith, and his religious work is a key part of who he is both professionally and personally.

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron, known for his role on ‘Growing Pains,’ experienced a deep religious awakening while acting on the show. Since then, he’s become a well-known evangelist and speaker, often creating and starring in films centered around Christian beliefs and family values. He travels the country speaking at churches and other religious events, and his faith now guides his life and work.

George Foreman

Boxing legend George Foreman discovered religion after a frightening moment during a fight. He later became a minister and started a church in Houston. For many years, he dedicated himself to his faith and helping the community, before surprisingly returning to boxing. Even now, he continues to preach to his congregation, run his church, and manage his businesses. His life story often highlights his strong spiritual beliefs.

Little Richard

Little Richard was a groundbreaking rock and roll artist who also deeply devoted himself to religion. He was ordained as a minister and spent time traveling as a preacher, often pausing his music career to focus on spreading his faith and selling religious materials. Eventually, he found a way to combine his passions, performing gospel music that reflected his beliefs. Both his music and his preaching had a powerful and lasting effect on those who followed him.

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd, known from ‘The View,’ often talks about her personal spiritual path. As an ordained minister, she openly shares her beliefs in public appearances and events. She frequently speaks at churches and religious gatherings, hoping to inspire others. Shepherd successfully combines her work in comedy and television with her deep religious faith, which she says gives her strength and support while in the public spotlight.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry, the creator of the ‘Madea’ movies, often talks about how his faith shaped his life. As an ordained minister, he weaves spiritual ideas into his plays and films, and regularly shares inspiring messages based on his beliefs. He’s also used his success to give back by supporting churches and community programs. Many of his fans see his work as a kind of religious service.

Ye

Kanye West, the rapper and designer, started holding regular religious gatherings called Sunday Service. These events included gospel music and spiritual talks led by West himself. He followed this up with the album ‘Jesus Is King,’ reflecting his growing faith. Though his methods are unique, he’s become a leader within his own religious group. His move towards gospel music and preaching has been a central part of his work lately.

Stephen Baldwin

Gabriel Byrne, famous for his role in ‘The Usual Suspects,’ became deeply religious after the 9/11 attacks. Since then, he’s focused much of his energy on sharing his faith and advocating for religious causes. He frequently speaks to young people and at religious events, sharing his personal story of faith. He’s also participated in various faith-based films, media, and charitable organizations, and is now widely known as an evangelist.

Brian Welch

Korn’s guitarist left the band when they were at their most popular to devote himself to his religious beliefs. He became a passionate preacher, sharing how faith helped him beat addiction. Though he eventually returned to Korn, he continued to prioritize his spirituality and religious work. He frequently connects with fans, discussing his personal journey and how faith played a key role in his recovery. His life demonstrates a connection between the worlds of rock music and religion.

David Oyelowo

I’ve always been impressed with David Oyelowo, especially his powerful performance as Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma.’ What a lot of people might not know is that he’s a deeply religious guy – a devout Christian. He actually gives sermons and speaks at religious gatherings quite often, sharing his faith. He’s even said his beliefs really influence the roles he chooses! It’s cool to see him use his platform to fight for what’s right, but always with his faith as a central part of that. Honestly, it feels like his spirituality is a core part of who he is, both on and off screen.

Manny Pacquiao

The world champion boxer is also a politician and a dedicated religious leader. He frequently leads Bible studies and preaches to those who support him and his community. Pacquiao often talks about how his faith changed his life and boxing career, and he uses his global recognition to champion both religious beliefs and charitable work. Being a religious messenger is a very important part of who he is in his home country.

James Brown

James Brown, the legendary singer, was also a minister and a deeply spiritual person. He frequently shared his faith and offered guidance to others, and he consistently supported churches and religious groups. His beliefs shaped both his music and how he connected with his community, and he remained a spiritual leader throughout his long career.

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson, the iconic singer and songwriter from The Miracles, is also an ordained minister. He frequently talks about his faith in interviews and when he’s out in public. Robinson believes his spiritual beliefs have helped him through tough times and have been key to his lasting success. He sometimes speaks at religious events, offering guidance and support to others. His strong faith has been a constant throughout his remarkable career.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight, known as the Empress of Soul, is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and regularly shares her faith. She’s led a gospel choir and often performs music that expresses her beliefs. Knight frequently speaks at religious gatherings, using her life story to motivate others. She successfully combines her iconic music career with her strong religious commitment, finding peace and direction through her faith.

Patti LaBelle

The legendary singer is also a minister and often expresses her beliefs through her songs. Deeply rooted in gospel music, she regularly performs in churches and other religious spaces. Patti LaBelle uses her incredible voice to encourage and inspire people with messages of faith. She continues to be a major artist, all while staying connected to her religious background. Her long and successful career proves the strength of both faith and determination.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, came from a religious background – her father was a well-known minister, and she began her singing career in the church. She became an ordained minister herself and beautifully blended gospel influences into her popular music. Throughout her life, Franklin was a dedicated supporter of religious organizations and remained deeply connected to the church. Her strong faith was a key part of many of her biggest hits. She’ll be remembered not only as a music legend, but also as a source of spiritual inspiration.

Kelly Price

This singer-songwriter is celebrated for her strong vocals and her work in R&B. Beyond music, she’s an ordained minister who regularly preaches and leads worship. She often combines her faith and music, releasing projects with gospel influences, and uses her voice to share messages of hope and spiritual renewal. Her dedication to ministry deeply informs and enhances her artistry.

Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is a celebrated singer who is also an ordained minister. Throughout her long career, she’s openly discussed her faith and been involved in many religious and charitable causes. She frequently emphasizes the role of faith and prayer in her own life, and continues to balance her successful music career with her deep spiritual beliefs. Her life’s work demonstrates a commitment to both artistic achievement and a strong spiritual journey.

Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston is a celebrated gospel and soul singer, as well as a devoted minister and the mother of Whitney Houston. For many years, she led the youth choir at New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey. As an ordained minister, she’s shared her faith and musical gifts with her community, and has written about how important faith has been to her life and family. Her lasting impact comes from her dedication to both music and religious service.

BeBe Winans

A member of the renowned Winans family and a gospel singer, he is also an ordained pastor. He’s dedicated much of his life to both performing religious music and leading worship. He regularly shares his beliefs through his writing and speaking, skillfully balancing his music career with his role as a spiritual guide. His work continues to inspire people of faith and others alike.

CeCe Winans

This award-winning gospel singer co-pastors a church she started in Nashville. Throughout her career, she’s focused on sharing her faith through both music and preaching. She often leads worship and speaks at religious events worldwide, earning respect for her dedication to her calling and her talent as a musician. Her religious ministry is central to everything she does.

Fred Hammond

This gospel musician and producer is also a minister dedicated to his faith. For decades, he’s created music meant to be both worshipful and a ministry to others. He frequently speaks at religious gatherings and offers spiritual support to fellow musicians. He’s well-known for skillfully combining modern sounds with traditional religious principles, and his entire career demonstrates his strong devotion.

Angie Stone

The talented singer and actress is also a minister and has frequently spoken about her personal spiritual path. Throughout her career, she’s openly shared her faith in interviews and during public events. Sometimes she even leads sermons and takes part in religious gatherings, hoping to uplift others. She successfully combines her artistic work with her deep religious convictions, finding strength and inspiration in her faith.

Yolanda Adams

The singer and radio personality is an ordained minister and openly shares her beliefs with her listeners. She uses her public voice to encourage spiritual and personal growth, often speaking at religious gatherings and performing at faith-based events. Known for both her beautiful singing and commitment to her ministry, she seamlessly combines entertainment with spiritual leadership throughout her career.

Donnie McClurkin

This popular singer and songwriter also leads a large church in New York and is a well-known figure in gospel music. He frequently shares his inspiring story of faith and recovery with people worldwide. He often leads worship and speaks at religious events, successfully combining his music career with his duties to his church and his personal beliefs. He’s a respected leader in both the music world and the faith community.

Kirk Franklin

Throughout his career, this artist has successfully brought gospel music to a wider audience. As a minister, he weaves spiritual themes into his performances and speaking engagements. He’s deeply dedicated to guiding and mentoring up-and-coming artists in their faith, often sharing his own spiritual beliefs through his music and other projects. Ultimately, his work has changed how people view spiritual leadership in today’s entertainment world.

Erica Campbell

Tina Campbell, known as a singer from the duo Mary Mary, is also a minister and the First Lady of a California church. She openly shares her beliefs through her music and reality TV show, using her influence to inspire women and families with spiritual guidance. Campbell successfully manages her solo music career alongside her husband’s ministry, demonstrating her dedication to both her faith and her family.

Tamela Mann

The actress and singer is also an ordained minister and often shares her beliefs with her husband. She uses her platform in entertainment to spread positive and faith-based messages. Known for performing gospel music, she regularly speaks at religious gatherings, seamlessly blending her career with her strong spiritual life, which is central to both her professional and personal endeavors.

David Mann

This actor and comedian is also an ordained minister who partners with his wife in their ministry. He’s known for using humor to deliver spiritual messages and inspire people. He’s been in several films and projects with religious themes and frequently speaks at religious events. He successfully balances his entertainment career with his deep commitment to his faith, effectively combining comedy and spiritual leadership in his work.

Michelle Williams

Kelly Williams, formerly of Destiny’s Child, openly shares her experiences with faith and mental well-being. As a minister, she regularly speaks at religious gatherings and events. She’s also released several gospel albums that showcase her strong spiritual beliefs. Williams successfully combines her music and acting career with her dedication to her ministry, using her platform to inspire and offer spiritual support to her fans.

Tim Tebow

Once a professional athlete, he’s now well-known for sharing his faith and inspiring others. He spends a lot of time doing missionary work and reaching out to communities through his foundation. He regularly speaks at churches and events, giving sermons and motivational talks. He continues to openly share his beliefs and is now recognized more as a spiritual leader than an athlete.

Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders is a well-known athlete and coach, but many people also know he’s a minister. He openly shares his faith with his team and fans, and often uses spiritual ideas to guide his coaching and leadership. Sanders has often talked about how his religious beliefs have been important throughout his life and career. He uses his influence to encourage others through messages of faith and by giving back to the community. His faith is a key part of who he is in the public eye.

Angus T. Jones

The actor best known for his role on ‘Two and a Half Men’ left the show to devote himself to his faith. He now works as a religious evangelist, partnering with different faith-based organizations. He frequently shares his journey from being a child actor to embracing a life centered around faith and helping others, hoping to inspire people to make their spirituality a priority. He’s now fully committed to his religious beliefs and serving his community.

Lisa Whelchel

Kim Fields, known for her role on ‘The Facts of Life,’ has become a well-known speaker and writer about faith and family. As an ordained minister, she frequently leads retreats and speaks at religious events. She uses her public profile to share her spiritual beliefs and inspire other women in their faith journeys, successfully combining her career in entertainment with a strong commitment to ministry. Her faith continues to be a defining aspect of her life and work.

Share your thoughts on these celebrity spiritual journeys in the comments.

2026-02-19 10:19