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When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no! Mississippi native Jamal Roberts was crowned American Idol's 23rd season winner on last night's finale. Roberts, whose musical journey began in the church, broke records as the first black man to win the singing competition in 22 years with what host Ryan Seacrest called the “biggest finale vote in show history. " Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard As the grandson of a church Bishop on his dad's side and a deacon on his mom's side, Jamal Roberts began singing when he was two . He told Billboard magazine, " I was in church every time the door opened. I was the usher, and I was in the choir, and I used to play the drums.” Throughout the season, Roberts was very open about his faith, and fans rallied behind him, offering blessings, prayers, and even prophecies. On March 20, Roberts shared a social media post  stating, "God told me he would order my steps, but it's up to me to put in the work."  In response, his supporters encouraged him in the comments, saying things like "You're a winner already. Congratulations in advance," and "Can't nobody stop what God is doing." And they were right. Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard During the finale, more than 5 million viewers watched Jamal Roberts become the first black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. 26 million votes were split between 3 finalists, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix, with Jamal ultimately winning the prize. So what exactly did he win? According to past winners , the top American Idol finalist receives a $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract. Half of the award is paid before the record is completed, and the remaining amount is paid upon completion. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Roberts shared that he hopes his win shows his daughters that "with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible." Isn’t this incredible? ✨ RELATED:  From Sunday Best to Soul Rest: Jonathan McReynolds Shares Lessons in New Book

We serve an excellent God, so it's no surprise that the saints are exhibiting academic excellence. There's nothing like an "across-the-stage praise." School isn't always easy, but these graduates understand that the Lord carried them through. Click below to watch 10 graduation praise breaks that'll make you smile. RELATED: Morehouse Student Inspires Baptisms on Film Set in Atlanta AJ Jones ( @aj_jr2 on Instagram ) said he "had a struggle year, BUT GOD!" Viewers loved his graduation praise break video because it showed a member of the staff at Kalamazoo Central High School praising along with him. She used the item in her hand as a makeshift tambourine and gave AJ a warm hug. One user commented that she seemed like the type of teacher he'd want to teach his kids. Congrats to the class of 2025. Click here to watch some of our favorite viral graduation praise breaks. RELATED: Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools

Say it ain't so! Yesterday (May 14), the official 'Live Breathe Fight' Tour Instagram page shared a message informing fans that the tour, scheduled to begin on May 15, 2025, has been canceled. Courtesy of Black Promoters Collective "We're deeply grateful for your support and excitement around the upcoming spring tour, which makes this announcement especially difficult. We regret to inform you that due to a combination of unforeseen circumstances, the upcoming tour has been canceled. While this isn't the outcome any of us hoped for, we want to thank everyone who planned to attend and believed in the journey." The message briefly explained the reasoning behind canceling the tour and informed anyone who purchased a ticket that they will be fully refunded. "This decision was not made lightly. The spring tour faced unexpected challenges that made it difficult to deliver the kind of experience we believe you deserve. That said, we're moving forward. All tickets will be fully refunded via the original payment method." Social media commenters were devastated. Many expressed that they had received tickets as birthday presents or Mother's Day gifts, and were looking forward to attending the concert. Others were focused on the motivation behind the cancellation. Was it low ticket sales, or something else? Many speculated that a lot of people simply don't have the disposable income to spend on the tour in the current economy. Some thought that the tour lineup was too similar to the previous Hallelujah and Reunion Tours that occurred just last year. RELATED: Christian Music Wins Big! Here are the 2025 Grammy Winners Although the tour will no longer occur, many people gave their suggestions for other types of Gospel tours and hoped that the event would come back in the future. The end of the cancellation message does offer some hope: "We remain committed to reconnecting with you in the future and bringing new tours and experiences for you to enjoy. Thank you for understanding, your support, and your belief in us. We look forward to seeing you soon. " The message is signed from all of the incredible gospel artists who were scheduled to appear on the tour, " With Gratitude, @davidandtamela @tyetribbett @imericacampbell @karenclarksheard @kierrasheard"

We're all brothers and sisters in Christ, but some of your Gospel faves are cousins too! Here are 10 Christian Public Figures who are family both in the spirit and the flesh. Photo by HeadlinePhotos / Depositphotos Donnie McClurkin & John P. Kee Donnie McClurkin and John P Kee have a few things in common. Not only have they given us some of the greatest songs in gospel music history, but they're family as well! Photos by Jean Nelson & BMI Getty Donnie McClurkin posted to Facebook in 2010 after learning that he and John P. Kee are cousins. The dynamic vocalist claimed they are related through his dad's sister Erma, and said he was amazed and excited. RELATED: 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Honors John P. Kee Jonathan McReynolds & The Walls Group Strong vocals run in their bloodline! Jonathan McReynolds' grandmother was raised by the Walls Family in Pearland, Houston, Texas, making him a distant cousin of Walls Group members Alic, Ahjah, Darrel, and Rhea. Photo by Prince Williams / ATL Pics Vickie Wianans & Tim Bowman Jr. The legendary Vickie Wianans, whose maiden name is Vivianne Bowman, is the aunt of vocal powerhouse Tim Bowman Jr. and the sister of smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman Sr. Photo by WENN / Alamy J. Moss & The Clark Sisters Photo by Bernard Fallon/ ZUMAPRESS This family has performed some of the most incredible vocal runs and riffs in music history. J. Moss is the nephew of renowned choir director Mattie Moss Clark, making him a cousin of her daughters, Twinkie, Jackie, Denise, Dorinda, and Karen. Moss's production company, PAJAM, has produced many of his cousin Karen Clark Sheard's hits. His vocals can be heard on many of the hit tracks from her 2nd Chance Album and songs like Praise Offering by her daughter Kierra Sheard. I Was Today Years Old! Christian Public Figures Gino Jennings & Jamal Bryant are Cousins They may have theological differences, but they're still family! Gino Jennings  has mentioned from the pulpit  that pastor and activist Dr. Jamal Bryant is his cousin. Photo by Denisha DeLane / Shutterstock Saints, which one of these family ties surprised you the most? RELATED : These 9 Gospel Tiny Desk Concerts Will Make You Shout

All the feels! Actor and comedian Chris Tucker was asked to speak at a Church of God in Christ (COGIC) event to honor his mother, and he sang her praises. Photo by Paul Smith / Featureflash The Rush Hour star and youngest of 6 siblings said he doesn't know why he was selected to speak, but the task was easy because they have the best mom in the world. Tucker's tribute was full of humor and celebration , but his biggest point was that his mother led her children by example. The same holy life she lived in public was the same life she lived in private. Tucker says people ask him why he's so vocal about his faith. His response is that "My momma made us go to church, and that's who I am, and I'm glad that's who I am." Mary Tucker is a well-respected figure in the COGIC organization, the country's largest Black Pentecostal church denomination. She is lovingly referred to as "Mother Tucker" by fellow members of the congregation, some of whom commented on BlackChurchTok's social media post , saying things like, "Baby, if you never had a convo with Mother Tucker!" and "We LOVE Mo. Tucker! " RELATED: Denzel Washington Reunites With His Beautiful Sunday School Teacher RELATED: Michelle Williams Says Her First Kiss & Fight Were in Church Tucker's tribute still impacted those unfamiliar with his mom. One TikTok user commented, "So beautiful! He's a beautiful spirit, and now we see why." Chris Tucker often mentions the influence his mom had on his life. He shares Instagram posts about attending church with her, and even mentions her in his hilarious 2015 Netflix special "Chris Tucker Live". The comedian shared a relatable anecdote about growing up with Mother Tucker rushing them to get ready for service at Hinsley Temple Church, while she herself was not dressed. Tucker has also publicly honored his late father, Norris Tucker, over the years. In his speech celebrating his mother, he mentioned how much of his success is due to the guidance of his parents. "We were scared of you, we were scared of daddy, and you kept us right." Photo by WENN Rights Ltd/ Alamy Before peacefully passing away in his sleep in 2016 Norris Tucker was affectionately known as "Papa Tuck". In a heartfelt Instagram post last year (2024), Chris Tucker celebrated his father's heavenly birthday and thanked his dad for teaching him how to be a man. Chris Tucker is successful and surrounded by love, but as a Christian entertainer, he's had to make difficult career decisions due to his religion. Though raised in the Pentecostal church, Tucker reportedly abandoned his faith at one point in his life . However, the Hollywood actor returned to his roots in the late 1990s and turned down a 10 million dollar role in 'Next Friday' because he didn't want to promote cursing and the use of drugs on film. Photo by Dennis Mackarenko / Shutterstock So, what's next for Chris Tucker? In an interview on Get Up Mornings With Erica Campbell, he shared that he's focusing on philanthropy because his mom has encouraged him to start his own foundation. Shout-out to all the mommas who raised their children in the house of the Lord.

Is it even legal to have THIS much talent and anointing in the same room? On Friday, May 2, some of the biggest names in gospel music joined Grammy-nominated, award-winning producer Dana Sorey for this 50th birthday celebration. It was a 'Night of Legends', hosted by singer and comedian Lexi Allen at The Queen in Wilmington, DE. Photo by Aaris Grant / BlackChurchTok The heartfelt messages and impeccable performances shared throughout the night were enough to make you shout--and the audience came ready to praise with their fans on deck. Renowned musician Dana Sorey has worked with widely celebrated artists like Boys II Men, Maranda Curtis, and Anthony Brown . He contributed as a keyboardist on the 2000 release 'Concepts & Ideas' by Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing (GA), and is one of the most impactful songwriters and producers in the music industry. During the celebration, pastor and gospel artist Jason Nelson shared that he believes Dana's superpower is his love for people.  "I'm better because I know I have you in my corner. I know you're praying. I know you're reading the word. I know you're being serious about God—for me." He tried to turn over the mic without singing, but Lexi wasn't having that! She called him back up, and the audience gave song requests. He sang a beautiful rendition of "In The Room" and humbly took his seat. The event featured performances by Jord'Dan Armstrong, Melvin Crispell III, and HLE and speeches from Adam Blackstone, Morgan Turner, and Tye Tribbett, who sent a virtual greeting. During the concert, Dana Sorey and his wife, Tiffany, shared the launch of the nonprofit organization. ' It's Better to Know' is a musician's health initiative catalyzed by the death of beloved keyboardist Paris Bowens. Tiffany Sorey stressed the need for gospel artists and musicians to visit the doctors regularly and live a healthy lifestyle. "The music can't continue if you're laid up in a hospital bed." Your health is just as important as the music. Dana Sorey is an incredibly accomplished musician, but his love for God and his family is even bigger than his talent. At the end of the concert, he shared words of wisdom. He attributed his success to specific lessons he's learned from experiences throughout the years-- the main one being an attempt at a seven-day fast that resulted in him audibly hearing the voice of God. He began the fast with several friends, who had all dropped out by the third day. But Dana was committed to finishing the fast. On the fifth day, however, he shares that he heard the voice of God say, "Eat, my son." Since that fast, he's spent much time in God's presence, and in turn, God has given him songs, strategy, and success. Dana said that he wouldn't be a producer without Pastor Steve Hare, the founder of Reach Gospel Radio Network. Years ago, Pastor Hare asked Dana what he needed to make the music great. Dana gave him a list, and Pastor Hare purchased everything he needed to operate in excellence. Dana took what he learned from that encounter and applied it to kingdom success. He's purchased audio interfaces and invested in other musicians' careers because of the way Pastor Hare supported him. While thanking his wife, who coordinated the celebration and everyone who participated, Dana gave final words of exhortation: " I don't think--I know that whatever I'm supposed to do, God told me to do it. It's very simple. I am only here because of God's goodness...You know why we're celebrating me today? Cuz I actually believe in the Bible. I actually believe in God. I actually believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... I'm tremendously blessed. You, too, can be blessed. It's not hard. The only sacrifice is to ask God to do it through you, and you have to empty yourself so he can work through you." Watch a performance from 'A Night of Legends' by Melvin Crispell III below:

How God Confirmed These Kingdom Marriages and Why Many Young Christian Influencers Are Choosing Covenant Over Culture. While the World Says ‘Wait’—Young Christians Are Still Saying 'I Do' Photo by Benjamin King/ Shutterstock Let’s be real—marriage still matters, even if the culture doesn’t always reflect it. While it may not be as celebrated in mainstream spaces as it once was, the decision to get married is far from played out in the younger generation, and God is still in the business of writing love stories. According to a 2024 USAFacts report, the number of married U.S. adults is the lowest it has been since the Census Bureau began tracking this data in 1940. Fewer people choose marriage, and when they do, it’s often later in life. Many focus on careers, finances, and self-discovery before saying "I do." Among Black Americans, the numbers tell a clear story: just 33.3% of Black women and 37.8% of Black men are married today, down significantly from 1990. It's not just the numbers; we see it all across the media. In a world where mainstream entertainment promotes hyper-indpendence, promiscuity, and division between genders with trending 50-50 debates, the cultural narrative has slowly shifted away from honoring marriage. But numbers don’t capture the whole truth. Behind the statistics and the social media shenanigans, there’s a different kind of narrative quietly prevailing—a kingdom narrative. There is still a remnant of young believers choosing covenant over culture. While the world says,  “Wait,”  they’re saying,  “I do.”  Not because it’s trending, not because it’s easy, but because they’re boldly walking in obedience to God’s will. A Kingdom Kind of Love Across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, a growing number of young Black Christian influencers are letting their love stories point to God’s timing, not their own. They’re getting engaged. They're getting married. These couples aren’t just building relationships; they’re building testimonies. We sat down with several young Black Christian influencers   to discuss their   journey to marriage . They shared everything from how they met and how long they dated to how God confirmed their kingdom spouses and the wisdom they’d pass on to other young believers navigating modern relationships. RELATED: What to Do When You Have a Church Crush Their stories are full of prayer, discernment, and Holy Spirit confirmation. Each one reminds us that marriage isn’t outdated. It’s sacred, and it’s still happening within the kingdom. Real Christian Love Stories: Let's Get Into It! Courtesy of @yanisandgina Gina and Yanis Gin a (@ginab. xo) is a beauty and fashion influencer with over 128K followers, known for her elegant style and bold faith. Her fiancé Yanis (@yanisnyan), a lifestyle and travel creator with about 14K followers, brings authenticity and inspiration to his content. Together, they’ve built a relationship that not only reflects their love for each other, but keeps God at the center—both online and off. How They Met: Gina and Yanis first crossed paths on Instagram Live—completely by surprise. Gina says that looking back, she knows it was God-ordained. Yanis was unexpectedly added to the live, and what started as a spontaneous moment quickly turned into hours of conversation. “We talked about everything,” Gina shares, “from dating and mindset to our individual walks with God.” Not long after, Yanis reached out via DM, got her number, and convinced her to hop on FaceTime. “We ended up talking all night until we eventually fell asleep on the phone.” How Long They Dated: Three months later, on Valentine’s Day, Yanis officially asked Gina to be his girlfriend. “We dated for about two years and some months before getting engaged this past October,” h e says. “I proposed in Paris!” How God Confirmed It: “There were so many moments where I felt God confirming she was the one,” Yanis reflects. “But one of the clearest signs was how she inspired me to show up better, not just for her, but for myself and for God. She didn’t distract me from my faith. She drew me deeper into it.” Advice for Young Christian Couples: Yanis: " For the young Christian men out there: before looking for “the one,” let God refine you. Focus on growing your relationship with Him first, because that foundation will guide everything else—how you love, how you lead, and how you commit. When it’s the right person, she won’t compete with God—she’ll point you back to Him." RELATED: Christian Couple Calls for Citywide Prayer in Detroit Courtesy of @afrozuri_ Tierra and Jaren Tierra (@afrozuri_) is a beauty, natural hair, and lifestyle creator with over 96K followers, known for her transparency and bold faith. Her content often weaves in moments from her personal walk with God—something her fiancé, Jaren, shares deeply in his own quiet strength and support. Their journey reflects what it looks like to honor God in influence and intimacy. How They Met Tierra and Jaren met online through Instagram on September 13, 2020, and met in person weeks later. Even in their early conversations, there was something different about their connection. How Long They Dated After building a foundation of friendship, they officially began dating in August 2022. Two years later, on August 17, 2024, Jaren proposed. How God Confirmed It “Before I met Jaren, I made a list of the qualities I was looking for in a partner,” Tierra shares. “Over time, God kept reminding me of that list—and I realized he embodied everything I had prayed for.” But the biggest confirmation came when God called her to celibacy. “At first, I resisted,” she says, “but God made it clear that I was being disobedient. When I brought it up to Jaren, he was hesitant at first—but then God confirmed it to him too.” They’ve now been walking in celibacy together for nearly two years. “With past relationships, I tried to walk that path alone. But with Jaren, we’re doing it together. That’s when I knew he was the one.” Advice for Young Christian Couples “Keep God at the center. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s truly the foundation of everything. You both need to be able to hear God’s voice individually.” Tierra also emphasizes the power of boundaries. “Once we started truly living for God, we had to shift our habits—no more provocative shows, no secular music, and a lot more honesty when temptation came up. Practicing celibacy helped us realize our love was rooted in more than just the physical. It’s spiritual, emotional, and intentional.” Via @shaun_ray1 Myunique & Shaun Myunique Inez is a faith-based content creator with over 125K followers on Instagram, where she shares honest reflections, encouragement for believers, and insights from her personal walk with God. Known initially as @InstagramForBelievers, she now posts under @myuniqueinez, continuing the same mission of inspiring others through faith. She and her fiancé, Shaun, didn’t meet online. They met at church. What began with serving on the same ministry team slowly unfolded into something deeper, divinely timed, and God-led every step of the way. How They Met Myunique and Shaun met at their local church about a year and a half ago. Myunique was already serving on a team when Shaun decided to join, and ended up on the same team. “There wasn’t this big ‘love at first sight’ moment,” Myunique shares. “We honestly didn’t think much of each other at first—we were just serving.” But over time, something began to shift. Shaun received a clear word from God to support Myunique, though he didn’t initially know what that meant. After praying, it became clear: this wasn’t just about ministry—it was about life. “It wasn’t until the exact moment God said, ‘look up,’ that we really saw each other,” she says. “We realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company and had developed strong feelings. It was a love only God could’ve given us.” Courtesy of @myuniqueinez How Long They Dated The couple has been dating for about the same amount of time they’ve known each other—a year and a half—and continue to walk out their relationship with intentionality and faith. How God Confirmed It While they didn’t start with instant chemistry, both Myunique and Shaun had separate, Spirit-led confirmations that God was preparing them for each other.“For about six months before we met, God began preparing my heart,” Myunique says. “He told me that when I met the man I was called to be with, I would feel seen—something that had always been a deep insecurity for me.” She also received words from others that aligned with the timeline in which she and Shaun would meet. For Shaun, it was prayer and obedience that unlocked clarity.“We both had our own signs,” she adds. “It wasn’t about waiting for someone perfect—it was about choosing each other, intentionally, and recognizing God’s hand in that choice.” Advice for Young Christian Couples “As cliché as it sounds, focusing on the Lord first really is the foundation,” Myunique emphasizes. “ The enemy hates godly marriages—you’ll need deeper intimacy with God both individually and together. Love Him first, then each other. That’s how you prepare for marriage.” Courtesy of @keiasblessed Keia & K Sheezy Keia (@keiasblessed) is a Christian content creator known for her funny and relatable Christian videos. Her boldness, joy, and authenticity have garnered her a community of over 38K followers online. K Sheezy (@ksheezyyy) is a Christian rap artist from Sacramento who uses music to minister truth and light through storytelling and scripture-inspired lyrics. This incredible couple's relationship is centered on their faith. They're dedicated to encouraging others to walk in God’s purpose. How They Met Keia and K Sheezy met on July 20th, 2024, and their connection has been rooted in shared values and a heart for ministry. How Long They Dated They’ve been dating for 8 months and continue to pursue a Christ-centered relationship. How God Confirmed It Before Keia ever met or followed K Sheezy, she had a dream about him. That dream became her biggest confirmation, and several others followed, pointing to God’s hand in their relationship. Advice for Young Christian Couples “Stay in your Word, fasting, and praying—individually and together,” Keia shares. “It’s so crucial to keep God in the center of your relationship. If not, it’s not going to prosper.” Courtesy of @jonathanelijah_ Nya and Jonathan Nya (@n ya. imari) is a stylist and creative director with over 10K followers, known for curating bold looks with intentionality and grace. Jonathan (@jonathanelijah_) creates faith-based reels that inspire believers to walk boldly with God. They run a couples page (@writteninniblack) where they share honest insight into young Christian relationships and offer a window into their own testimony and journey toward marriage. How They Met Their story began in their freshman year at Florida A&M University in 2019. How Long They Dated After two and a half years of dating—and growing through college together—they got engaged in February 2025. How God Confirmed It Jonathan shares, “The signs that God gave me were definitely shown through how He used her to push me closer to Him. Although we were both lukewarm when we started dating, she stood by me through some of my hardest challenges in college. She was unknowingly introducing me to characteristics that would ultimately lead me to become the man of God I am today. It was definitely the Holy Spirit using everything for His good.” Advice for Young Christian Couples “You can’t do this without Him,” Jonathan says. “You definitely cannot pour into your significant other the way you need to if your cup isn’t overflowing from a strong relationship with God . The best thing any young couple can do when preparing for marriage is to consistently invest in their personal walk with the Lord.” Via @x.thatsorae. x Raven and Timothy Raven (@x.thatsorae. x) is a Christian influencer and model with about 5K Instagram followers. She uses her social media account to share lessons from her daily devotions. She’s also the host of the God’s Favorite Daughter Podcast . Her husband, Timothy, is part of a love story marked by prayer, obedience, and divine timing. How They Met Raven and Timothy met in April 2023 at a watch party for a boxing match. How Long They Dated They dated for about a year before getting engaged because God told them to wait a year. How God Confirmed It They both had their own signs from God. "I had been in relationships I wasn’t supposed to be in before, and every time I focused on my relationship with God, we’d drift apart," Raven explains, "But with him, every time I focused on God, we actually grew closer. That’s how I knew this relationship was different." The clearest confirmation came almost a year in, when a man in a grocery store began prophesying over them. He said that the things they were waiting to get in order before getting married wouldn’t align until after they got married, because “when a man finds a wife, he obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22) He also warned that the enemy wanted to separate them—but reminded them they were stronger together. That moment was an undeniable sign from God, and Timothy proposed the next day. Advice for Young Christian Couples Raven says, “Proverbs 3:6 says, 'In all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.' The closer you get to God, the closer you'll be to finding your God-ordained spouse." She encourages couples to trust His timing and not let others plant seeds of doubt that go against the promises God made. Raven also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a prayer lifestyle—both individually and together—because spiritual warfare is inevitable, as the devil hates godly marriages. Honoring God’s Design: The Bold Path to Marriage for Young Black Christian Influencers God’s Word often calls us to go against the grain, as Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."   These Christian love stories are incredible reminders to embrace God's divine purpose over what's popular. Being set apart leads to true fulfillment, as God’s ways are always higher and worth the wait. Marriage is a commitment that reflects a Kingdom narrative—valuing love, dedication, and obedience over societal norms. It’s about honoring God's Word, embracing His covenant, and standing firm in faith. For these young couples, stepping out of societal norms and trusting God’s plan led to His perfect will. As culture shifts, remember: marriage is timeless. If you listen to God’s voice, the best is yet to come.

As believers, we want our friends to encounter the same loving God we serve, but how do we help them get there? Here are three fun and easy ways to invite your friends to church! Schedule an After-Church Meal One way to invite a friend to church is to plan a hang-out where you attend a Sunday service together & then grab a bite to eat. Breaking bread goes all the way back to biblical times; sharing a physical meal after being fed spiritually is a bonding experience like no other. Maybe it's your favorite brunch spot, an at-home family dinner with friends, or a quick takeout. Inviting your friends to church with the added bonus of a great meal afterward , who can turn that down? Send Social Media Posts You can also invite a friend to church by sending them your church's latest Instagram or TikTok post. Church is now at our fingertips, and our friends are probably already on their phones, scrolling through social media. Sending them some of your pastor's previous sermons could help warm them to the idea of attending an in-person service. RELATED: 3 Social Media Marketing Strategies Churches Used This Easter That Actually Worked Bring Them to a Church-Related Event Church fellowships are informal ways of getting to know your brothers and sisters in Christ more personally . When your church hosts their next play, car wash, or seminar--instead of going alone, bring a friend with you! If attending a formal service seems too intimidating, you can take a more casual approach. Allowing your friends to experience your church in a relaxed environment helps them build connections on their first visit. Invite a Friend to Church For the Holidays This one's for the CME saints (Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter). Using a big, joyous occasion and holiday can create fond memories of church and energize them to become consistent churchgoers. If you don't want to wait until the holiday season, Churches typically host Sunday services throughout the year for members to invite nonmembers. Whether it's called “Bring a Friend to Church Sunday” or “Welcome Back Sunday,” this is a fun service where you'll find lots of new faces and opportunities to learn more about the church. The End Goal is Eternal Life Inviting a friend to church may seem intimidating at first, but remember the end goal: salvation and eternal life. We all know the famous saying, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it," so long as you lead with love and compassion, your friend will be grateful for your concern and care.

Many are familiar with the biblical account of King David's life, but you've never seen it portrayed like this. The Amazon Prime Hit Series House of David brings life to the powerful story of David, Israel's most beloved king. Photo by Nikos Nikolopoulos/Prime HOUSE OF DAVID follows the once-mighty King Saul as he falls victim to his pride. He loses his anointing, and God qualifies an unlikely replacement. At God's direction, the prophet Samuel selects an outcast teenager as the new king. The series shows Saul losing power over his kingdom as David finds himself on a journey to discover and fulfill his destiny. An imperfect yet earnest David navigates love, loss, and violence in the court of the very man he’s destined to replace. The show is creative yet historically accurate, which isn't easy to accomplish. Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford, who play David and Goliath, shared their thoughts about the show and the processes they underwent to embody their roles. Check out the full interview below:

This past Sunday, Rock City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, experienced a move of God. During church service, the Holy Spirit fell upon Senior Pastor Mike Jr., and all he could do was cry out, “Jesus!” What Led to that Moment Between Jesus and Pastor Mike Jr.?  Pastor Mike Jr. is preaching a series called “Proof,” named after his newly released single “Proof.” Pastor Mike Jr. approached the pulpit to begin his sermon as the praise team concluded ministering. He wrapped himself in his prayer blanket, opened his bible, and began to read the word of God. The atmosphere shifted when he turned to Psalm chapter 34 verse 3, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” He mentioned a shift in the spirit, and while encouraging his congregation to turn to their neighbor and shout “Jesus!,” he began to shout “Jesus!” 9 Minutes and 25 Seconds With every head bowed and every arm extended, praise team members, staff, and prayer warriors immediately jumped into action, covering him, comforting him, and praying in the spirit with him. His wife, Lady J stood boldly before him, petitioning Heaven for God’s intervention. In a room full of believers, Heaven heard their cry. For 9 minutes and 25 seconds, Pastor Mike Jr. could only utter the word “Jesus,” the name above every name. He later posted to social media, saying that was the first time he had felt God's power in that way. Via @pastormikejr on Instagram You could feel the Spirit of God whether in-person or tuning in online. Saints, it is important to be sensitive and obedient to the move of God. Speculations have been high about what caused this moment. Some say he was prophetically praying for protection against a fire emergency that later occurred in the building. Others say he felt a spiritual attack that he was fighting against. Pastor Mike later explained via Facebook what he believes took place: No matter what the case may have been, we know that he called on the right name! Let’s keep Pastor Mike Jr., his family, and Rock City in prayer as they continue to hasten to the call of ministry. Saints, let’s talk in the comments. Has there ever been a time when all you could do was call on the name of Jesus? RELATED: Pastor Mike Jr. Inspires on the Tamron Hall Show

They were born together, and now they're born-again believers! Twin brothers EJ and A'Kim recently dedicated their lives to Christ and were baptized at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Michael Tood is the pastor. via @Twiinndem on Instagram RELATED: A Record-Breaking 300+ People Baptized In One Day at The Potter's House The twins are successful entrepreneurs and TV personalities who have made appearances on major networks like the CW. Watch the clip from their baptism below: RELATED: Lecrae Gets Emotional After Daughter's Baptism

Faith is still moving in a big way! The Potter's House hosted Baptism Saturday on March 8th in Dallas, Texas, where over 300 people stepped into the water to be baptized . Courtesy of TPH Watch footage of the baptisms below : What is Baptism? For most Christians, after repentance (turning away from sin), the next step in one's faith journey involves getting baptized. Baptism is a water immersion and symbolic representation of being buried and resurrected. This is done to follow the teachings of the Bible and receive a new start from God. RELATED: Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church Who Should Get Baptized? Different churches have different teachings on baptism, and you should always ask your pastor or a trusted Bible teacher who knows you personally for guidance. Generally speaking, anyone who hears the word of God and believes it, and is ready to ask Him for forgiveness can be baptized. This can include young and the old, the rich, and the poor, and even celebrities. RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes A Licensed Minister in Training