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The Chiefs Heart of the Kingdom Series Recognizes Influential Black Woman During Black History Month In honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the Kansas City Chiefs released a series called “Heart of the Kingdom” to highlight some of the influential women in the lives of the Chiefs players, cheerleaders, and staff members .  Photo by PA Images  /Alamy The Influential Black Women in Chris Jones's Life Chris Jones, a defensive tackle for the Chiefs, recognized his grandmother, Flora Evans, as one of the influential Black women in his life. He said she instilled a hard work ethic that stayed with him throughout life. He moved out of his parents’ home and stayed with his grandmother, where he slept on a two-seater couch. His grandmother taught him the importance of “putting God first.” From Basketball to Football At first, Jones wanted to play basketball and had “no desire to play football.” However, he volunteered to play when the coach asked. He said that he “found a hidden talent” that he did not know he had. RELATED: Jalen Hurts on Super Bowl 59 Win: "God is Good" What’s to Come From the Series The rest of the series can be found on the Kansas City Chiefs’ website . It features other players, including Patrick Mahomes and Chukwuebeka Godrick, allowing them to highlight some influential Black women in their lives. This series is a powerful reminder that whether she's a family member, friend, teacher, or mentor, the Black Women in our lives deserve to be celebrated. RELATED: Colts Lineback E.J. Speed on the Truth About Football & Faith

Explore how Jonathan McReynolds's new book  , Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams, shows readers how to embrace rest for true success. Photo by Isadore Grant III/ BlackChurchTok Jonathan McReynolds is no stranger to the spotlight. From chart-topping gospel hits to his role as a sharp but soulful judge on Sunday Best , he’s spent years perfecting his craft in front of millions. And with his recent 2025 GRAMMY win for Best Gospel Performance/Song, it’s clear that his talent continues to reach new heights. But in his new book, Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams , Jonathan McReynolds flips the script. Instead of writing another playbook on success, he offers something far more rare: permission to pause. If you’ve been running on empty—serving, striving, and showing up for everyone but yourself—this might be the book your soul didn’t know it needed. Courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishing Jonathan McReynolds on Trading Stage Lights for Stillness For years, Jonathan McReynolds has captivated audiences with his raw, reflective lyrics. Songs like Make Room  and Not Lucky, I’m Loved  gave us a glimpse into his spiritual journey. But in Before You Climb Any Higher , he takes it deeper—sharing how he discovered that the valleys of life hold just as much value as the mountaintops. In the book, McReynolds gets candid about the hidden cost of constantly being “in demand.” The applause, awards, and accolades are beautiful but can also be deceiving. He admits that the most meaningful moments in his life didn’t happen on stage but in the quiet spaces in between. “The valley isn’t a place of defeat; it’s a place to reconnect with grace, love, and encouragement,”  McReynolds writes. “It’s not about finishing, achieving, or producing—it’s about being. It’s where we are reminded we are more than our accomplishments.” For anyone chasing dreams, Jonathan McReynolds offers a much-needed gut check. His book reminds us that rest isn’t the enemy of succes s; it’s t he soul’s fuel for it. A Timely Message for the Black Church and Beyond Jonathan McReynolds’ message hits differently when you consider the culture of the Black church. In a space where service, excellence, and performance are often held in high regard, the call to pause can feel like going against the grain—almost rebellious. Whether you’re a minister, musician, or pew member, you know the grind: serving Sunday after Sunday, rehearsals, revivals, and running on fumes in the name of faithfulness. And while service is sacred, Before You Climb Any Higher  reminds us that God also calls us to stillness. McReynolds isn’t telling us to stop climbing; he’s just giving us permission to breathe along the way. Photo by Headline Photos / Deposit Photos Vulnerability from a Voice We Trust This book is so compelling because it’s coming from him —Jonathan McReynolds. An artist we’ve watched win, lose, and evolve in real time. He’s not a celebrity preaching from a distance. He’s the artist who’s shown up in both the light and the shadows, letting us witness his growth through both. His honesty in Before You Climb Any Higher  is refreshing. He doesn’t romanticize success or downplay the valleys. Instead, he offers wisdom from both the standing ovations and  the silent, stretching seasons. Why You Should Read Jonathan McReynolds’s New Book If you’re on a mission: whether in ministry, music, business, or simply chasing God-sized dreams— Before You Climb Any Higher  is worth your time. For dreamers,  it challenges you to pace yourself so you don’t burn out before you reach your vision. For the weary , it gives you permission to rest without guilt and reminds you that God’s love is not performance-based. For achievers,  it invites you to see the valleys not as setbacks but as sacred spaces where real growth happens. Jonathan McReynolds may be known for his Sunday Best critiques, but this time, he’s handing out something far more valuable: a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your soul is to step away from the stage and simply be. Grab Your Copy of Jonathan McReynolds’ Book Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams  by Jonathan McReynolds is available now through Thomas Nelson Publishing. You can find it here . If you’ve read it, let us know: What was your biggest takeaway? Did it challenge how you view rest and success? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk about it.

At BlackChurchTok, we celebrate Black History all year long. This article features 10 need-to-know, Black-owned, faith-based businesses that will have you well-dressed, moisturized, socialized, and thriving on your self-care journey. Whether you are looking for a new clothing brand, hair products, devotionals, or your soulmate, these entrepreneurs have worked diligently to merge their passions and God-given gifts to create impactful businesses and brands. Photo by Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos Donna's Recipe   Tabitha Brown, known by her internet family as “Auntie Tab,” and co-founder Gina Woods birthed Donna’s Recipe out of their pursuit to create a vegan hair care brand crafted with clean ingredients. After Tabitha decided to do a big chop to her hair, she wanted to remain intentional during her hair growth and maintenance journey while still honoring her vegan lifestyle. Tabitha and Gina successfully created what is now a staple in many individuals’ hair care journeys. Donna’s Recipe includes a Sweet Potato Pie hair product line, a Whipped Vanilla Cream hair product line, hair oils, and even vitamins. In the words of Tabitha, “Ooh, God, we thank you,” for representation in hair care! YHWH Clothing Creative entrepreneur Ezekiel Azonwu established YHWH Clothing in 2023 with the purpose of creating “Clothing to Glorify God.” From sharing his lyrical talents with the world as a poet in the “Passion for Christ Movement,” to speaking on panels, podcasts, and conferences, Ezekiel is confident and vocal about his relationship with God. YHWH Clothing is another impactful way Ezekiel is able to be vocal about Christ and “wear” his faith. Courtesy of Ezekiel Azonwu The Dating Project Married couple DeAngelo Moss and Whitney Davis founded the Dating Project. DeAngelo is a Christian counselor and coach, and his wife, Whitney Davis, is an influencer and comedic genius known for her hilarious, relatable skits about singleness, dating, relationships, and Christianity. The couple merged their passions for healthy, Christ-centered relationships to create The Dating Project. The Dating Project is a matchmaking app for adults who desire a Christ-led relationship and hope to meet their match. Photo by JAO Photography RELATED: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A CHURCH CRUSH Temple Glow Temple Glow is a family-owned and operated business. When the Lee family desired a transformation in their health and wellness, they initiated changes in their product usage after acknowledging that their bodies were temples of God. The Lee family then began crafting natural skin care products free of toxins that maintain and cherish the integrity of their temples. Temple Glow features all-natural products including beard oils, body scrubs, body butter, lip scrubs, and more. At Peace Gospel artist, actress, and entrepreneur Alexis “Lexi” Allen founded At Peace, a shop featuring shirts, hoodies, and women’s shapewear. Lexi has always had a gift for connecting with her friends and followers, whether through her comedy, music, or entertainment. This trickled over to her shop, At Peace , which is “an affirmation and reminder to remain peaceful despite what you may be going through.” Lexi’s shapewear is a clear sentiment of her seeing the needs of her friends and fans and taking heed. The Serenity Shapers are meant to smooth your legs, core, and back, and create a seamless look for your clothing. Photo by Headlinephotos / Deposit Photo Miracle Butter Cream Sita “Mama Sita” Lewis is an entertainment industry all-star, working on shows we all know, from America’s Got Talent  to Showtime at the Apollo!  Her love for cooking one day turned into experimenting, which led to the creation of a body cream and the beginning of her famous Miracle Butter Cream. Miracle Butter Cream has products such as body oils, creams, natural deodorants, and facial moisturizers with pure ingredients, including vitamins A, C, and E, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, marula, and more! Courtesy of Miracle Butter Cream Sita thanks God for the “God-given ingredients” that created natural products, which are a blessing to people all over. Sita is always ready to witness about God. Her mission is to get everyone impassioned with the same love she gets from my faith in God. D’Audrea Smith Author and mentor D’Adurea Smith has many faith-based devotionals, prayer books, and journals. D’Adurea created this beautiful business from her pain. She turned her pain into purpose by empowering as many young women as possible to follow God and their dreams. D’Adurea says, “Every girl deserves someone that believes in them!” -- and her products are a warm hug of affirmation and encouragement. Courtesy of D'Audrea Smith WinknPout Minister of the Gospel and makeup artist Kym Lee has made her presence known in the makeup industry! Kym considers her makeup case her pulpit, as she uses those makeup sessions as opportunities for ministry. Her makeup line includes luxury lashes, eyeshadow palettes, eyebrow pencils, lip liners, glosses and paints, foundations, brushes, setting sprays, eye creams, moisturizers, and facial cleansers. Courtesy of Kym Lee Strands of Faith Strands of Faith is a non-toxic hair care line designed to prevent breakage, dryness, and environmental damage while nourishing and restoring each strand of hair. Founder Ameka Coleman created Strands of Faith with the mission to stop the glamorization of specific hair textures. She believed that with the right attention, care, and ingredients, all hair types could thrive and shine! Ameka wants Strands of Faith products to be a reminder to "keep faith at the forefront of everything that you do." Their products are free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. The product line includes cleansers, deep treatments, moisturizers, stylers, masks, and oils. Courtesy of Strands of Faith All Things Jesus All Things Jesus is a stationery and clothing brand founded by Kayla Sky. Kayla Sky is a Christian influencer with over 110,000 followers, specializing in outfit reels and Bible studies. All Things Jesus features “Jesus Girlie” tumblers and “Jesus Girlie” sweatsuits. Her products create a sense of community among all Jesus Girlies living life through Christ! Courtesy of All Things Jesus Support Black-Owned Faith-Based Businesses What do Christianity and being an entrepreneur have in common? They both require incredible faith and perseverance. Which one of these Black-Owned brands have you tried? Let us know in the comments!

Michelle Williams is a bona fide church kid. The world may know her as a member of the iconic girl group Destiny's Child, but church folk know that she can direct a choir and sing the church house DOWN too! Photo by Quoin Pics/Everett Collection Michelle Williams Spills the Tea on The Jennifer Hudson Show "It was just a peck!" Michelle tried to reassure the studio audience during Monday's (February 10) filming of her Jennifer Hudson episode. Everyone gasped and laughed as she explained that her first kiss ever happened between morning and afternoon service with someone in the church chapel. RELATED : What to Do When You Have a Church Crush And as it turns out--the singer is both a lover and a fighter. She revealed that the church house was the location of her first fight too! "This girl tried me in Vacation Bible School. And so we had to take it out to the church lobby!" , she recounts. Our good sis is no stranger to the CHUCH ( no 'r'). As a kid, she spent a large portion of her time there. So it's no surprise that she has funny and relatable stories about her childhood. Michelle Williams Grew Up COGIC The incredible vocalist has always been candid about her church upbringing. "I was very busy in church growing up. Those are my roots and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world." As a child, she attended St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford, Illinois. COGIC: The Largest Black Pentecostal Church Organization in the World COGIC has an old saying, "You can't join in, you gotta be born in!" They've since retired this saying, but it speaks to the close-knit culture of the organization. Christian public figures like Kevin Fredricks (KevOnStage), Mary Mary, and the Clark sisters also grew up in the COGIC church and share similar stories about frequently attending church services. Church is the Best Foundation Michelle didn't just attend a COGIC church--they put her to WORK. Her roles in the church included choir member, choir director, praise and worship leader, and even a Jr. Usher and church nurse on select Sundays. Williams attributes a lot of her skils and knowledge to her experience at church. Church taught her everything from discipline and perseverance to working bad sound systems. "Some of the best teaching and foundaton for me was in the church...the best community service you could ever have is serving in your church." As a guest on the Ananda Lewis Show in the early 2000s, she shared that she first sang a solo at church when she was 7-years-old. She sang the hymn 'Blessed Assurance'. Michelle shares that she always wanted to sing professionally, but didn't know how to make that dream a reality. Because of that, she decided to get a degree and a job somewhere- but God had other plans. Photo by S.Bukley/ Depositphoto Now, she's most known for her pop chart hits and her role in Death Becomes Her on Broadway. However, she's stayed true to her roots all these years. She released two Gospel studio albums and starred alongside Deitrick Haddon in the hit reality series Fix My Choir . Photo by Jean Nelson/ Depositphoto RELATED: Deitrick Haddon Celebrates #1 Single With a Special Message (WATCH) Church Kids Know The Deal As J. Hud asked Michelle for details about her church stories, she mentioned spots like the fellowship hall, sanctuary, and even the church bus and van. Her reaction to the stories suggests that Michelle's experiences are a common occurrence among people who grew up in the church--and she's right! Most adults would never think of behaving unseemly at church, but kids will be kids—even in the house of the Lord. We asked Instagram users in the  BlackChurchTok comment section  if they could relate to Michelle's story, and the comments did not disappoint.  People responded with sentiments of agreement, saying, " Sounds about right" or "I did more than just tussle at the church. " One person mentioned church camp, and if you know, you KNOW. Church camp is a fun and exciting time for Christian kids, but it is also the setting for tons of mischievous behavior. She's THAT Girl! The comment section on almost any post about Michelle Williams frequently includes remarks on how genuine, sweet, wise, and downright hilarious the singer is. She's been very vulnerable about her struggles with mental health but is also very open about how she's overcome them. In an interview on The Breakfast Club, she shared, "Imma make some mistakes. I might have some fear and be like, 'I don't know if I can do that.' You'll say little things out of feeling inferior. Feel that feeling of fear, but don't sit in it. Don't let it paralyze you." She encouraged listeners to abide by the biblical principle of sewing and reaping by being intentional and careful with their words. Speak positively, even when you don't feel confident, because what you say will manifest in your life. "Faith moves everything", Michelle explains. "Fear moves absolutely nothing." Whether she's acting on Broadway, telling a funny story, or singing at an award show, one thing is for sure: Michelle Williams is unique and truly unforgettable. Check out some of our favorite Michelle Williams moments here on Instagram.

Christian Rap Group F.L.O.G.I.C is taking the world by storm with its unique flow and biblically based lyrics. Via @FLOGICMusic on Instagram Who is F.L.O.G.I.C? F.L.O.G.I.C , which stands for Favored Ladies of God in Christ, has a lock on the genre they call "Worship Hip-Hop" with a flow that will keep you on your toes. The award-winning duo is composed of New York natives Taylour and Breanna Dickerson, two dynamic and talented sisters who are passionate about holiness and musical theatre. Watch their full interview with BlackChurchTok below: Join us as we discuss their musical background, their desire to promote the essence of holiness, and the importance of preserving the church's authenticity. In their eyes, there is no gray area. You either love God and are committed to serving Him, or you're not. This is Not Your Ordinary Revival The sisters have combined their love for worship and outreach to create an event called Ratchet Revival, a space for people of all ages and walks of life to experience a powerful move of God. The duo encourages you to come as you are and praise as you are, but they guarantee that after having a personal encounter with the Lord, you won't be the same. F.L.O.G.I.C will host the 3rd Annual Ratchet Revial August 23, 2025 in Baldwin, NY.

It’s time for us to have each other’s backs in the kingdom. The leadership at Faith City Central welcomed Chrisean Rock to perform her new single, "Yahweh," and encouraged her to keep serving Jesus. Chrisean led the song alongside Tim Bowman Jr. and Arissa Divyne and was emotional during the performance. Chrisean Rock, Tim Bowman Jr., and Arissa Divyne Sing at Faith City Central The singer attended the church when she was younger and expressed gratitude to them for supporting her yet holding her accountable for any poor decisions she's made in the past. RELATED : Angela White Celebrates 900 Days of Sobriety Many social media users are skeptical about the way she shares her faith. She has always openly proclaimed Christ and was baptized in November of 2024. However, the reality star has also gotten into legal trouble and often goes viral for demonstrating compromising behavior. Chrisean acknowledged her mistakes but explained her new mindset. Since her encounter with the Holy Spirit, she no longer desires to live in sin. "When you backslide it don't hit the same. You can't enjoy it." Pastor Mike and Dr.DeeDee Freeman allowed Chrisean to share her heart with the congregation. She responded to public criticism saying, “They said I did this for clout, I did this for God…I see the comments…bless them.” Chrisean explained that it was through fasting that she truly experienced deliverance. After being arrested, she was denied bail and faced 4 years of prison time. That was when she heard the Holy Spirit say, “I need you to surrender.” Chrisean advised others to fast and pay their tithes out of obedience to God’s word. At the end of the service, more than 25 souls responded to the altar call. Dr. DeeDee Freeman, Chrisean Rock, & Brelyn Bowman Discuss Sin & Repentance The message of the service was clear: It’s time for all of us, regardless of past mistakes, to commit to serving the Lord with all our hearts. Watch the full service below:

The year is 2000, and you’re driving on a nice, breezy day. You pop in the album “Thankful” and blast “Shackles” and immediately feel encouraged. Fast-forward 25 years and five albums later, that same Mary Mary album can be played and instantly shift the atmosphere. Photo by Mike Ware/Sipa USA Alamy What is Mary Mary Doing Now? From “God In Me” to “Walking,” “Go Get It,” and more, this dynamic duo has consistently provided inspirational, faith-filled messages to uplift the masses. Mary Mary has mastered a unique contemporary gospel sound that catches the eye and speaks to the soul no matter the walk of life. Erica and Tina Campbell are forces to be reckoned with on their own. Both have released successful solo projects over the years. While their supporters love their solo songs, they miss the special sound the sisters can create as a team, alongside their husband/brother-in-law producer, Warryn Campbell. Photo by Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos The group was featured on MC Lyte's single "Thank You" alongside Muni Long and Zaya Campbell , which dropped last Summer (2024). The sisters' blended vocals can be heard on the hook chanting, "Couldn't break me so it built me, like a fire." Fans are still optimistically hoping for another album. And it looks like that prayer will soon be answered! Erica Campbell recently ( March 2025) shared a clip from her Instagram that shows Mary Mary working in the studio together. Recent Mary Mary Performances While we're waiting on a new album, the Marys are still spreading the gospel in many ways. In 2022, they surprised fans with a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice & Sing” for Superbowl LVI . Their 2023 performance of 'Shackles' in Disneyland reminded everyone of the magic that Mary Mary brings. In 2024, their performances of their classic hit "Yesterday" at the Kennedy Center and the 25th Super Bowl Souful Celebration   had social media users leaving numerous comments pleading for new music from the singers. RELATED: Erica Campbell Praises Jesus at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Tina and Erica have been keeping the Mary Mary sound alive. From radio and reality TV shows to tours, books, and conferences- they've made it their business to tell the world about Jesus. 25th Year Celebration This year, multi-Grammy and award-winning group Mary Mary will celebrate 25 years in music in a very special way. From October 19-26, 2025, Mary Mary will be setting sail from New Orleans for the annual Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage! Let’s talk below. What Mary Mary song is your favorite, and what songs are you hoping they perform on the cruise?

Explore the controversy surrounding the performance of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" in churches. Does the song bridge culture and faith or compromise worship's sacredness? Photo by John Angelillo/UPI / Alamy Live News The Church, The Culture, & The Controversy From being declared GQ's 'song of the summer' to the record-breaking Halftime performance filled with symbolism, it's no secret that Kendrick Lamar's " Not Like Us" has the world in an uproar. But just because a song is praised in the culture doesn’t always mean it belongs in the pews. Lately, the TikTok streets have been buzzing with debates over whether this viral anthem has any place in the house of the Lord. Some argue that using mainstream hits helps to engage younger generations and make the church more relevant. Others believe that incorporating secular music—especially one rooted in hip-hop beef—compromises the sacredness of worship. So, does " Not Like Us" belong in church? Let’s take a look at both sides of the conversation. RELATED : Tamela Mann Responds To Glorilla's Viral Performance of 'Take Me To The King' The Song Behind the Debate Released on May 4, 2024, Not Like Us emerged amid a heated back-and-forth between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The song, produced by Mustard, is a West Coast anthem wrapped in a diss track. In it, Kendrick seemingly calls Drake out over disturbing allegations, including rumors of predatory behavior. But despite its origins in rap beef, " Not Like Us" quickly transcended the feud. Photo by FeatureFlash/ Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos Why Has " Not Like Us " Become a Cultural Anthem? What began as a diss track quickly evolved into a celebration of Black culture, unity, and resilience—especially within the West Coast community. Its infectious beat, danceable rhythm, and chant-like hook made it an instant hit, turning it into more than just a callout but a symbol of collective pride and expression. From Juneteenth celebrations to family cookouts, " Not Like Us" became a staple at Black gatherings, embraced for its energy and communal feel. Much like how gospel has historical ties to blues and jazz, the song resonated emotionally, creating a shared experience that naturally crossed into different spaces—including churches. However, its presence in worship settings has sparked debate, as not everyone agrees that a song born out of rap beef belongs in the house of the Lord. Why Churches Are Playing Not Like Us Engaging a Younger Generation Some churches argue that incorporating " Not Like Us" helps engage a younger generation by using culturally relevant references to make biblical messages more relatable. Meeting people where they are, they believe, opens the door to deeper understanding and connection. RELATED : Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools A prime example of this is Pastor Mike Todd of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his sermon "A Distraction Named David," he remixed " Not Like Us" while drawing a parallel between Saul vs. David and Drake vs. Kendrick. He used the song to illustrate biblical themes in a way that resonated with his audience on the topic of comparison and resentment. A Modern Evangelism Strategy? Some argue that the church has always adapted to cultural trends to stay relevant and effectively engage people. They believe using elements from pop culture—like "Not Like Us" —can create familiarity and openness, making it easier to connect with younger generations or people who are newer to the faith. By using symbolism from pop culture concepts they already understand to explain biblical concepts, understanding can be shared across broader communities. However, others push back, insisting that God’s truth is already alive and powerful, needing no help from worldly influence to reach hearts. The Controversy: Should Secular Music Be Played in Church? The Sacred vs. the Secular Debate Northside Agape Ministries in Vero Beach led a sermon titled "They Not Like Us," drawing from Romans 12:1-2 , which emphasizes not conforming to the way of the world. Their message reinforced the idea that as Christians, believers should remember that the people of the world are not like us—set apart by faith and a renewed mind. However, some argue that using a secular reference to convey this message contradicts the very scripture being preached. Does incorporating a song rooted in rap beef weaken the distinction between faith and culture, or does it serve as a relevant bridge to communicate biblical truths? Where Should the Line Be Drawn? Critics of blending secular music with worship argue that it’s “playing in God’s face,” diluting the sacred by incorporating elements born from a different spirit. While most churches aren’t playing "Not Like Us" in its entirety—often using just the melody, chorus, or a remixed version— it's up for interpretation whether or not the original lyrics contain themes that are contrary to Christian values. So, where do we make the distinction? How can the church connect with culture without promoting comfort in being lukewarm? Scripture, like John 17:16, reminds believers that they are called to be in the world but not of the world—a tension that challenges churches to balance cultural relevance with spiritual conviction. Photo by Moffly / Deposit Photos Final Thoughts: Should " Not Like Us"  Be Played in Church? Beyond the debate, this raises a deeper question: Are we prioritizing culture over kingdom? As Black people, our shared experiences, music, and traditions are significant, but as believers, our first identity is as children of God. While "Not Like Us" may symbolize Black unity and pride, our true identity is found in Christ. Some see the song’s presence in church as a tool for connection, a way to make biblical truths more accessible to younger generations. Others argue that incorporating secular music—especially one rooted in conflict—compromises the sacredness of worship. Is this an example of meeting people where they are, or does it blur the distinction between the sacred and the secular? As the conversation continues, the challenge remains: How do we engage with culture without letting it define us? What do y'all think, Saints?

During the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, we asked Gospel Singer Tamela Mann about her thoughts on Memphis Rapper, Glorilla's performance of her song 'Take Me To The King'. Photo by ImagePress Agency Glorilla sang the song several times while on the Hot Girl Summer Tour with Meg The Stallion. It went viral because of the contrast between the message of the gospel song, and Glo's usually provocative lyrics. RELATED: Tamela Mann's Amazing Wins at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards Opinions on the performance were divided. Some people believe that the performance was inappropriate, while others think it was great that Glorilla used her platform to share a song about God. When asked about her response to the performance, Mrs. Mann gave such a gracious and loving answer! Saints, do you think the two artists will link up? Watch the full video below: RELATED : Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ in Church? Christian Social Media Users Debate Its Use

Praise dance is a cultural touchstone designed to glorify God through movement. Also known as Liturgical Dance, which means public worship, it's a powerful art form that plays a significant role in churches worldwide. What is Praise Dance? Not to be confused with "shouting" or the spontaneous dance done by an individual who feels the presence of God during a praise break, a Liturgical dance is usually choreographed and rehearsed extensively before being performed during a church service or event. It can be performed by just one person or a larger group of dancers. There are many instances of praise dancing in the Bible. For example, in the Old Testament, Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the Israelites in a dance to celebrate crossing the Red Sea. King David danced with all his might after feeling the Spirit of God. Psalm 149:3 instructs us to "Praise His name with the dance..." The elements of modern praise dance have ancient roots that can be traced back to West African religious dances. It became widely popular in the Black Church during the 1970s, but there is evidence that dancing as a form of worship was popular in the Christian church as early as the 9th century. Praise dance can incorporate components of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. It can even be done with flags or ribbons. The most significant aspect of liturgical dance is the motivation behind the movements. It's intended not solely for entertainment but to set the atmosphere of a church service or event. Its primary function is to celebrate, minister, and communicate the greatness of God to onlookers. The Acceptance of Praise Dance in the Church Praise dance is most commonly practiced in Pentecostal, charismatic, and non-denominational Christian churches. Many Catholic, Lutheran, and Conservative Baptist churches actively discourage or want to ban praise dancing due to concerns about its association with paganism or inappropriate physical expression in worship. The role praise dance has in the church is significant. Dance is a powerful art form that allows dancers to express their faith and creativity. Some believe that praise dance can be a powerful tool for spiritual renewal, leading to a deeper, more personal connection with God. Drop a 💃🏾 in the comments if you look forward to seeing a praise dance in church!

Master motivator and Stellar-Award winning Gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. gave a "must-see" interview on the Tamron Hall Show. Courtesy of CR8 Agency On Friday ( March 7), Pastor Mike joined Tamron Hall to discuss his #1 single 'Amen'. During his appearance, Phe mentioned his battle with anxiety and what the Holy Spirit taught him about thriving- not just surviving. Pastor Mike is known for incorporating social media trends and pop culture references into his sermons to make them more relatable and applicable to modern life. He and the talk show host were jubilant and positive as they talked about his accomplishments and bonded over a viral TikTok dance. Tamron Hall even compared their friendship to a brother-sister relationship. She had a great time learning the dance but jokingly told the minister, "Just don't do that in the church!" Courtesy of CR8 Agency During his segment, a tearful Pastor Mike reflected on his journey. When he founded 'Rock City Church' in Birmingham, Alabama, they had to max out credit cards to pay musicians. He didn't have much money, but he had the Favor of the Lord. He's grateful to know that despite life's challenges, his parents approve of him, and his children respect and admire him. He has the overwhelming support of the Christian community and, most importantly, the presence of God. Courtesy of CR8 Agency Pastor Mike left his message with viewers: People of faith still experience difficulties, but if you're going to thrive, you must stay close to Jesus even on the bad days. The episode is available on the Tamron Hall Show's YouTube page. Watch the performance below:

It's no profit to gain the world but lose your soul. Angela White explains why she chose to turn to God. Photo by ImagePress Agency / Deposit Photos She recently shared a glimpse of her testimony on social media while celebrating over 2 years of being sober. Formerly known as Blac Chyna, the model and television personality has attributed her transformation to her growing relationship with Jesus Christ. In a candid Instagram post, she writes, "I wasn't happy... I wasn't at peace...until I found Jesus." Angela made a drastic lifestyle change by quitting her OnlyFans career. While creating explicit photos online was lucrative, the model faced lawsuits and numerous expenses, which had her throwing away as much money as she made. On an episode of "Safe to Say", a podcast hosted by Heather Sanders, Angela explains that although she earned up to $450,000 a month, the enemy still had a hold on her life. She needed the money and was making millions, but had to stop because she felt she was moving backward. Angela White's Baptism & Bible College Degree Angela decided to get baptized on her 34th birthday in 2022. After taking that step, she realized she couldn't continue creating explicit content. She told Daily Mail,  “With me being baptized, that's just not what God will want me to do. It's kind of degrading... Now I'm just going by faith. I'm not even really going by like the Blac Chyna way or the Angela way. Let me just let God lead me." Letting God lead her has done her well! Since her initial transformation, she's earned a doctorate from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College , and in March of 2025, she celebrated 900 days or 2.46 years of being sober. RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training Angela shares that when battling addiction, trusting in God will bring salvation. She writes, "Every day we're faced with a decision...but we opt to exist in a world of deception that will never transform unless you transform."