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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.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few! Christian couple Deandre and Shaterra Webster coordinated a citywide prayer for Detroit during Resurrection weekend. Via Instagram @deandre.webster They asked all the saints, from any church or denomination, to join their ministry, Grace to Give Ministries, to pray for the city's well-being. The only requirement to join was that you love Jesus. The group met at Campus Martius Park at 2 pm on Saturday (April 19). Together, they lifted up prayers for individuals they met on the street and asked God to send healing, hope, and breakthrough to their communities. The event went so well that the couple plans on orchestrating public prayer events in multiple states across the country. RELATED : Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools

Sheryl Lee Ralph, a class act with beauty and grace, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today (April 16) in Los Angeles. Photo by Impress Agency / Depositphotos Ralph started her singing career at a young age in church choirs . From her role as Deena Jones in the 80s Broadway musical Dreamgirls, to the sassy yet sanctified Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, she's inspired viewers with her undeniable talent and wise words. Here are 11 Inspirational Quotes From Sheryl Lee Ralph About Confidence, Faith, and God. Photo by Jean Nelson/ Depositphotos "Sometimes, it's your day. Sometimes, it's not your day. But if it's a good day or a bad day, you got to thank God because you have a day." In an interview with Sisters , Sherly Ralph shared life lessons and wisdom she's gained over the years. R alph explained that she learned how to find her joy and make good choices even when life isn't fair. She recounted her father's teachings and expressed gratitude for how her parents loved her. She has taken that same love and shown it to her two children, Etienne and Ivy-Victoria. RELATED: Denzel Washington Reunites With His Beautiful Sunday School Teacher 'Faith is that blessed thing that makes broken wings fly." Ralph was honored at Variety's Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Awards. She gave a moving speech about the role faith has played throughout her career and sang a rendition of Vanessa Bell Armstrong's 'Faith That Conquers'. Don't give up...the best is yet to come and I'm here to receive it. "If you are not here tomorrow, something will change for someone." "Don't you dare get tired now, because the road has been built. Your crown has been paid for. Wear it." "People don't have to like you, people don't have to love you, they don't even have to respect you, but when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see." Ralph gave an empowering speech at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. After winning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, she delivered a motivational message. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency "Be good people, be kind people. Be Christian people, don't act like Christian people." After being stopped in the store by one of the congregation members, Sheryl Lee Ralph decided to pay a visit to The Temple of Praise in Washington, D.C. Although she was tired from traveling, she took the encounter as a sign that God intended for her to be there that Sunday. Life is not always easy, but believe me, you can handle it because God is on your side!" "Don't give up, because it gets greater--later." "Choose love over fear, and you will always find a way forward." Photo by Image Press Agency / Depositphotos "If it is meant for you, it will not miss you."

Jalen Hurts is winning on and off the field. In an  interview for the cover of Men's Health Magazine , the Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and 2024 Season MVP revealed that he and his fiancée, Bry Burrows, are now married. Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI The couple hasn't revealed the details of their union, but when discussing the relationship, Hurts clarified by stating, "You can call her my wife." Jalen Hurts and Bry Burrows met in 2016 while attending the University of Alabama and got engaged in 2023. Hurts often publicly proclaims his faith and believes in the importance of making God the center of everything he does . And it looks like he and Burrows plan to keep the Lord at the center of their marriage as well. RELATED: Jalen Hurts On Super Bowl 59 Win: "God Is Good." Photo by John Angelillo/ UPI It's reported that he walked into his Men's Health Magazine interview holding a pink Post-it in his hand, signed "B" for his wife, Bryonna. The message on the note read, " You are exactly where you are supposed to be. I love you. Follow God. I follow you."

Over time, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series has featured a range of musicians who helped make gospel music mainstream. All of the Gospel Tiny Desk concerts, sorted by year, are listed below:  Photo by Getty Images Brian Courtney Wilson: A Gospel Classic Deserving of a Revisit!  In NPR’s gospel collection, Brian Courtney Wilson’s 2010 Tiny Desk performance is a timeless treasure. This session, being more than 14 minutes long, features Wilson at the beginning of his now-thriving career. It's also the oldest gospel Tiny Desk Concert found on YouTube. Wilson performed a blend of traditional hymns and modern gospel, including  "All I Need"  mixed with " I Need Thee," "Oh I Need Thee ," " Do Not Pass Me By ," and "Already Here," his hit song . Since 2010, Courtney-Wilson has grown significantly as an artist after releasing several albums and securing his position in gospel music. More profound worship, moving storytelling, and even more advanced vocal techniques are all examples of how his music changed over time.  Is it time for NPR to bring Brian Courtney-Wilson back? Returning to Tiny Desk would give fans a chance to witness his growth up close and reintroduce his impactful sound to new listeners.  Tasha Cobbs Leonard: NPR's Comeback for Gospel Music!     The 2019 Tasha Cobbs Leonard Tiny Desk Performance was a comeback for gospel music on the NPR Platform. It was a major turning point for gospel, as it was the first Tiny Desk Concert during NPR’s peak for this music field. Three of her popular hits, “Break Every Chain,” “You Know My Name,” and “The River of the Lord,” were performed in her gracious set, which lasted more than 16 minutes. This performance was filled with great intensity of emotion, resonating with both gospel fans and newcomers. Many commenters expressed joy and gratitude for NPR’s decision to expand its audience and include a gospel artist, and the performance received widespread praise in YouTube comments and the media.  RELATED: Christian Music Wins Big! Here Are the 2025 GRAMMY Winners Kirk Franklin: Gospel Fans Love Them Some Kirk!  Among the most exciting performances in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series came from Kirk Franklin in 2021. In just 15 minutes, he delivered a great set of some of his most well-known songs, making it the most-viewed gospel performance in Tiny Desk history. He performed hits “Love Theory”, “Silver and Gold”, “Melodies from Heaven”, and “I Smile”, bringing his signature energy and genuine fire to this platform.   Released during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was a breath of fresh air amid national quarantine. The performance quickly went viral, racking up over 17 million views on NPR's channel. With the support of a stellar band and amazing vocalists, Franklin turned the session into a memorable moment of worship. RELATED: Kirk Franklin Joins the Set of 'Churchy" Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music: A Joyful Holiday Collab   In December 2021, Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music performed a soulful 20-minute set of gospel and Christmas songs on NPR’s Tiny Desk, allowing warmth and joy to flow into the holiday season. Their chemistry and musicianship created a joyful, cozy vibe that made the performance special for gospel fans.  Their setlist included seven songs:  Christmas Time Is Here ,  O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Mary, Did You Know?, Joy to the World, Movin' On,  and  Go Tell It on the Mountain.  A standout moment was their performance of  Movin' On,  a fan favorite and collaboration between the two artists. Their voices and verses beautifully underscored the song's message of hope and resilience. With more than 580,000 views and counting, the performance left a lasting impression on the Tiny Desk and gospel community.    Shirley Caesar: The Timeless Gospel Legend  The legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar made a stunning 13-minute appearance on NPR’s series in 2022, bringing her enduring voice and presence. Her set selection, which has over 220,000 views by far, featured gospel classics, demonstrating her timeless dedication to justice and faith.  The set included four songs:  It's Alright, It's Ok ,  I Remember Mama,   Armor Of God,  and  Take Your Knee Off My Neck.  Caesar's Tiny Desk performance was more than just music; it was a call to action and a time of worship!    Maverick City Music: A Spirit-Filled Experience  As the first Christian group to perform on the iconic NPR music series, Maverick City Music made news in 2022 with an incredible Tiny Desk Concert —and they definitely made it count ! The group, known for its lively and contemporary style of gospel worship music, delivered a limited but powerful performance that had a significant impact on both the live audience and viewers.  The group performed four of their hits, including “Man of Your Word,” “Million Little Miracles,” “Jireh,” and “Kingdom,” with a memorable moment as Kirk Franklin joined MCM 11 minutes in, adding his intensity to the set.   The group’s sincere devotion and the smooth blend of classic gospel with modern Christian music features have attracted over 3.6 million views on YouTube, proving that gospel music can reach far beyond the church walls and into the hearts of a global audience. Tamela Mann: A Testament to Faith and Strength   Tamela Mann’s Tiny Desk performance in 2023 was an amazing set of gospel power. She sang four of her very own ( Finished, Change Me, Take Me to the King, I Can Only Imagine ) during her 21-minute performance, which was touching. With this performance, Mann solidified her position as a gospel powerhouse.  With 464,000 views and counting, this Tiny Desk is a must-watch because of her impact on the gospel industry. She gave listeners an encouraging message after the last notes of  I Can Only Imagine  ended: “Let’s just hold on to faith, hold on to hope, hold on to joy, because it still exists in our society.”  Tye Tribbett: Everything Will Be Alright!  Gospel star Tye Tribbett’s incredible 18-minute performance on NPR’s series in 2023 had viewers on the edge of their seats! Tribbett’s performance was highly anticipated, and he did NOT let his fans down!  Tribbett delivered a medley of six songs, including “No Way”, “Get Up”, “Victory”, “Everything”, “He Turned It”, and “We Gon’ Be Alright”.   Fans were so excited to see a gospel veteran like Tribbett step onto the Tiny Desk stage; the numbers speak for themselves — the performance received 1.9 million views since it was released. From the moment he started, his memorable stage presence and unique vocals created an atmosphere of praise that went beyond the small space of the NPR studio.  Kierra Sheard-Kelly: Gospel Tiny Desk or a Sunday Service? Kierra Sheard-Kelly’s 23-minute anointed performance on NPR’s series   in 2024 showcased a set of 10 of her hits, showing her powerful vocals and devotion to gospel music. Her set included the songs   "You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet , "   "You Don’t Know , "   "Yes , "   "Love Like Crazy , "   "Praise Offering , "   "It Keeps Happening , "   "Indescribable , "   "Something Has to Break , "   "" "All Yours , " "Hang On , "  and  "Miracles . "   Sheard-Kelly's performance, with 785,000 views and counting, has truly stood out, showing how much the presence of God can reach through gospel music. “I don’t want to make this Tiny Desk a Sunday morning service” , she humorously stated, accurately expressing her ability to create a Sunday morning worship experience in NPR’s venue. But she did. This is a part of what makes her a force in gospel music.  Marvin Sapp: Absolutely Worth the Wait!   A master in gospel music, Marvin Sapp’s Tiny Desk demonstrated his decades-long influence. The 18-minute performance, released Feb. 2025, has already reached 1.2 million views and counting. Sapp sang exerpts from 12 of his songs: I  Believe, Not the Time Not the Place, Grace and Mercy, Perfect Peace, Shout Unto God, Here I Am, Praise Him in Advance, You Are God Alone, He Has His Hands on You, My Testimony, The Best in Me, Never Would Have Made It .   This performance was a moment of ministry as much as a demonstration of his vocal ability.   “What’s funny is, I saw some of y’all singing these songs, and y’all weren’t even born when I recorded them,” he joked at the end of his performance. After the show, he spent time talking and praying with the crowd, reaffirming that ministry always comes first for him.

Paige Bueckers is no stranger to gospel music. She's gone viral multiple times for expressing her appreciation for gospel songs like "Praise Him in Advance." Before being named the Dallas Wings' No. 1 pick at the WNBA 2025 Draft , Paige Bueckers listed her favorite Marvin Sapp songs for Essence Magazine. Photo by Cindy Ord/ Getty Images Bueckers was raised in Minnesota with her father after her parents divorced when she was three. Her father later remarried, and Paige's stepmother, Katie Houser, played an integral part in her upbringing and athletic development. Although Paige doesn't seem to be the typical consumer of gospel music, social media users have speculated that her stepmother helped foster her love for the genre. Essence magazine followers appreciated the platform, whose main demographic is Black Women, choosing to feature Paige. Commenters expressed their support for the athlete by writing things like, " We rock with Paige because Paige rocks with us!" "The Black Stepmom effect," and "My sister in Christ, Paige." Watch a clip from her interview with Essence on the WNBA 2025 Draft red carpet below: Do you agree with her list? Let us know in the comments!

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.