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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

Jalen Hurts reflected on winning Super Bowl LIX in a post-game interview with Terry Bradshaw. When asked how it feels to be the MVP after receiving so much criticism, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback gave glory to God. Photo by Cal Sport Media/Alamy Super Bowl 59 was played on Sunday (February 9) at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Philadelphia Eagles claimed their victory against the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 40-22. RELATED: Jalen Hurts Announces Marriage to Longtime Love Bry Burrows A speechless Hurts continued to thank God and his teammates. "God is good. He's better than the highs and the lows. He said he's still processing the win but knows it was a team effort. "It takes everyone. It can't be about 'me'. It had to be about 'we'." #Saints, are you happy that the Eagles won Super Bowl 59?

Won't He Do It! After several days of shock and uncertainty, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders celebrated being drafted into the NFL. Photo by Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was expecting to "watch God show out" on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft. His son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was a projected 1st-round draft pick, and family and friends were left shocked when he was not initially selected. While waiting to hear Shedeur's name called, Shilo Sanders lovingly joked, "See bro, I don't even know what they gonna do  with me bro, because they ' re doing you  like this". Social media commenters speculated that it was an intentional act to send a message, given the recent controversy about his father's influence on Shedeur's football career. Due to his experience in the NFL and impressive track record, Coach Prime has been very vocal about his plans to guide the career of the 23-year-old athlete. It is speculated that he had a strong influence on the university's decision to retire Shedeur's college jersey, which some feel was a premature move. Others feel that the turn of events could ultimately be a good thing. Similar to Hall of Fame member Tom Brady, who was a 6th round pick, Sanders would eventually be selected and prove himself on the field. And they were right. Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 5th round as the 144th pick. Shilo Sanders signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Player Chris Jones Honors One of the Most Influential Black Women in His Life Faith in the Storm Fans were relieved to learn the fate of the athletes. But what stood out the most was the entire family's demeanor during the process. Although critics questioned his confidence during the draft, many believe that Shedeur's reaction to finally being selected as a 6th-round pick is a testament to his good character. He was just as excited and thankful to hear his name called at 144th as he would've been if it were called 1st. Coach Prime and his sons shared messages on their social media platforms that affirmed their faith in God. They never appeared to be distraught, angry, or sad — emotions that many onlookers were feeling, fearing that Shedeur would be overlooked and unable to return to college football. Shedeur Sanders & Shilo Sanders Give God Praise After learning the news, their father tweeted, "Thank you, Jesus." The entire family celebrated and clapped to church praise break music while livestreaming on Twitch. This story is a beautiful reminder that God can still bless the unexpected. In the words of Coach Prime, "God will continue to take us to where we need to be and where He wants us to go. We've already won." RELATED: Jalen Hurts Announces Marriage to Longtime Love Bry Burrows

Art and ministry collided on the set of an independent film called "Washed". Earlier this month, filmmaker Maurice Kennedy shared a clip of one of his cast members being baptized. Social media users were elated that a young Morehouse student could inspire baptisms on a film set. Atlanta Filmmaker Maurice Kennedy Gets Re-baptized at church. Via @godmademoe / Instagram There was a scene in the film that called for a pretend baptism, but the lead actor decided to take the leap of faith for real. Moe explains that one of his producers also decided to get baptized that day, and even his sound engineer, who doesn't know the Lord (yet), was deeply moved. The soon-to-be Morehouse College graduate created this film for his senior thesis and wanted to use it as a way to share the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Washed isn't just a film--it's a message for anyone who has ever struggled to believe that redemption is real." RELATED: Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church Maurice was also re-baptized in April of 2024. He shares that he was baptized when he was younger, but wanted to do it again now that he fully understands the weight of the decision. Now, he's using his passion and creativity to lead others to Christ. The graduating senior states that although he and his team went through "much spiritual warfare while filming, if it was all just for this moment, then it was worth it." RELATED: A Record-Breaking 300+ People Baptized In One Day at The Potter's House RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training

BMI celebrated John P. Kee at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Mike O’Neill, BMI’s president & CEO, and Catherine Brewton, VP, at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Getty Images for BMI As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his significant contributions to the genre and for seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary gospel music in a way that has resonated with listeners for many years. His impact on the church has been great. However, Pastor John P. Kee's influence can be traced everywhere: from rural neighborhoods similar to the one he hails from, across genres, and across the world at large. "There's No Me Without John P. Kee" Some of the biggest names in Christian music gathered to pay homage to the Prince of Gospel, affectionately known by many as "Uncle John." The room, dimly lit and buzzing with laughter and the sound of old friends catching up, felt more like a family reunion than a formal ceremony. It wasn't difficult for the gospel artists and executives to recount their fond memories of the legend and to share the ways in which he helped their careers and blessed their lives. Getty Images for BMI A Simple Song: Musical Selections at the Awards Musical tributes were given by vocal powerhouses Lena Byrd, who sang “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” Speaking of the anointing, it definitely fell when Kelontae Gavin and Jekalyn Carr gave their passionate renditions of “Never Shall Forget" and "Standing in the Need". Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia took us to church with their quartet-style mashup of "Lily in the Valley" and "He'll Welcome Me." The room went crazy when they transitioned to Lisa's hit single, "Jesus." Calling on Jesus while thinking about Him welcoming you into heaven is a surefire way to send the saints up in praise. Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence & Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an heartfelt performance of “Jesus Is Real.” The ceremony concluded with a legendary mic toss, during which Pastor John sang the opening line to his hit “New Life, " followed by Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks, and Marvin Sapp. 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards Throughout the afternoon, BMI recognized the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, including the BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA), and Jason Ingram. Getty Images for BMI During his acceptance speech, Ed hesitantly shared an issue that weighed heavily on his heart. Although nervous about how the message would be received, he asserted that the Holy Spirit had laid it on his heart to speak up if given the opportunity. He apologized for the racial discrimination he'd witnessed and even participated in over the course of his life. The crowd stood and showed him love in response to his vulnerability. Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin Tie For Gospel Songwriter of the Year Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin each wrote two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year and tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year. Kirk Franklin secured his fourth Songwriter of the Year award and was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love.” Over the course of his successful career, Charles Jenkins has won eight BMI awards, but this was his first time winning Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards. He was recognized for his hit songs “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” which was performed by Koryn Hawthorne. Watch the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Red Carpet Interviews: Gospel Industry Greatness Capitol CMG earned BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs. BMI is a global leader in music rights management. With over 80 years of service, it negotiates music license agreements and pays royalties to songwriters and publishers when their songs are performed publicly. Each year, it recognizes the publishers and songwriters of the most performed songs in Gospel music. See the full list of 2025 award recipients here: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/trailblazers-2025/

Churches across the country pulled out all the stops this Resurrection Sunday—not just with praise breaks and powerful sermons, but with scroll-stopping, soul-reaching content. From meme-worthy moments to Gen Z takeovers, ministries got creative with their digital evangelism, proving once again that God can use any  platform. Photo by SeventyFour / Shutterstock Here are three social media marketing strategies for churches looking to fill their seats and reach more people. 1. “We EXPOSED the truth about this pastor” – Clickbait for Christ You know how folks love a little tea. In a time where gossip gets more clicks than the gospel, some churches said, "bet"—and flipped the script. One tactic that stood out? Posting flyers around town with QR codes and clickbait headlines like “We EXPOSED The Truth About This Pastor” from Oasis Church LA and “The Truth About Mike Todd” from Transformation Church in Tulsa. (Which hit even harder considering Pastor Mike Todd’s sermons already have a reputation for stirring the pot and sparking conversation.) RELATED : Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church But when you scanned it? It led to a video inviting you to church to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ. Period. It was clever, timely, and honestly, kingdom work disguised as controversy. Why it Worked : Curiosity hooks are social media gold. These posts stop the scroll by mimicking viral drama, then pivot to deliver a meaningful message. It’s relatable, entertaining, and most importantly, effective. Marketing Tip : Use pattern interrupts and trendy formats to hook attention, then turn the spotlight to Jesus. 2. Gen Z Writes the Script This year, more churches have been turning the reins over to the ones who really run social media—Gen Z. There are all kinds of hilarious videos where church leaders are promoting Sunday service, but with a twist: Gen Z writes the script. From “Hey Twin” to “Clock it,” churches are tapping into the trend of using Gen Z slang and humor to make their content hit. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s doing a great job of making younger audiences feel seen and welcome. "It's giving saved and sanctified!" Why it Worked: It was culturally fluent. Gen Z didn’t feel like the target—they felt involved. By letting them bring their own slang, churches weren’t just trying to reach Gen Z—they were co-creating with them. That level of involvement makes the content feel relevant, fresh, and actually worth sharing. Marketing Tip: Don’t just post for the youth—collaborate with them. Let their voice, humor, and creativity lead the charge. When they feel ownership, the reach becomes organic. 3. “When you ask God for a sign…” – Meme Culture Meets Ministry Some churches have even hopped on the POV trend with captions like “When you ask God for a sign and now you're seeing them everywhere”—and the signs are literally people holding up their phones with invites to church this Sunday. It’s another smart way to use clickbait and trending formats to grab attention, rather than just posting sermon clips. The message is still the same, but the delivery? Way more creative. Why it worked: It played on relatability and humor. The “looking for a sign” meme is something so many people connect with, and churches used it in a way that was lighthearted but still powerful. It caught people off guard—in the best way—and made the invitation feel personal and timely. Marketing Tip: Use trends to speak to real emotions. When your content taps into common thoughts or prayers (“God, give me a sign”), it creates instant connection. Pair that with a clear call-to-action, and you’ve got content that’s both scroll-stopping and spirit-led. Social Media Marketing Strategies are the Church's New Tracts These creative campaigns prove that the gospel doesn't have to compete with the algorithm—it can work with it. Whether it’s through humor, trends, or a little clickbait, churches are finding new ways to meet people right where they are: on their phones, in their feeds, and in their feels. It's incredible to see churches get bold with their digital evangelism. When it’s done with purpose and creativity, social media becomes more than a platform—it becomes a pulpit.