Every now and then you hear of a celebrity who comes to faith in Jesus. Rarely is that celebrity as big as Kanye West.
Kanye is one of the most recognised names in music today. He’s sold 140 million records globally and has won 21 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most critically-acclaimed artists ever. Time has named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
West was raised a Christian but his beliefs have been the subject of ongoing speculation. Early in his career and sometimes since, he has identified as a Christian—though his lyrics, personal life, and sacrilegious claims have made many doubt that label.
“Kanye is one of the most recognised names in music today.”
His 2013 album Yeezus, for example, included a track entitled I am a God. Among the usual expletives, the song’s lyrics boasted, “I know he the most high / But I am a close high”.
But then around January this year, something shifted. Rumours were circulating that he’d had a genuine salvation experience. He was heard speaking unapologetically of Jesus to the media. Footage came out showing him host pop-up worship services around the USA.
And then last week, West released his latest album, Jesus is King.
The lyrics on this album couldn’t stand in starker contrast to his previous records. Gone are the obscenities and dark themes. In their place are soulful melodies of worship. If you know anything about the Kanye of the past, you really have to hear it to believe it.
After a call to worship in track one, the album’s second song Selah declares:
They say the week start on Monday
But the strong start on Sunday
Won’t be in bondage to any man
John 8:33
We the descendants of Abraham
Ye should be made free
John 8:36
To whom the son set free is free indeed
He saved a wretch like me
The same day his record dropped, two long-form interviews with West were published to Youtube (here and here), in which he discusses his mental health struggles, fatherhood, and his brand new born-again faith in God.
The night of his album’s release, he was asked by television host Jimmy Kimmel, “Would you consider yourself to be a Christian artist now?” West responded with hesitation, saying, “I’m just a Christian… everything.”
Given the egotism and hypocrisy of Kanye’s past, it’s understandable that all of this has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some followers of Jesus especially wonder if it’s all a passing fad.
There’s nothing wrong with healthy caution, but here are three reasons I’m excited about the conversion of Kanye West.
His Fans Will Hear the Gospel
As I write, Selah—the song quoted above—has had 16.2 million listens on Spotify in the six days since it was released. Another track from the album called Follow God has had over 28 million streams.
Add to this other streaming services like Apple Music and Google Play; all of the other songs on his record, all the listens that will happen in the months ahead, and all of Kanye’s interview grabs, and that’s a lot of Jesus on the airwaves right now.
Doubtless, some of the attention is just from curious Christian bystanders like me. But the great bulk of these downloads will be from diehard Kanye fans. For many, it will be the first time they’ve heard about Jesus in a clear and culturally-meaningful way. It’s any missiologists’ dream.
All this at a time when Christianity faces unprecedented hostility in the public square.
The last time you prayed for God to raise up labourers for the harvest, you might not have pictured the conversion of Kanye West. But that’s how God answered your prayer.
His Words are Backed By Actions
In both his public statements and his songs, Kanye is conveying more than spiritually soppy sentiments. He’s advocating for a whole new way of life.
As one journalist put it, West’s brand of Christianity “bears no resemblance to the vague spiritualism of Moral Therapeutic Deism that is often associated with celebrity conversions”.
Kanye’s ego is a shadow of its former self. He speaks of family prayer times and of being ‘cancelled’ by mainstream culture for pushing back against progressive ideas. He voices new views on abortion, and on teaching his daughter how to dress modestly in a materialistic and sexualised culture that he confesses he helped create.
All of this reflects a deeper discipleship that’s taking place in his life. A source close to Kanye has said this:
“Those who are currently ministering to Kanye and “speaking into his life” are… Gospel-preaching, God-fearing, ain’t-playing-around, Bible-believing Christians who share our common faith. These men are not celebrity-hounds… and are not enamoured with wealth or attention.”
His Conversion is Part of a Pattern
Kanye West is one of several celebrities in recent times who have had life-altering encounters with Jesus. Author Eric Metaxas tweeted this week:
These are encouraging signs for anyone with a heart for cultural renewal. Justin Bieber and Kanye West especially—who happen to share a friendship—have tasted the very best that the secular culture has to offer. And it has left them wanting. Now they’ve found Jesus, and their public life is reflecting that.
Keep praying, because God is hearing your prayers for revival. He always said he would:
“You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth.” Psalm 65:5.
For better articles than mine on Kanye’s conversion, check these out:
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This is so good Kurt. I am buzzing about this news also. Love what you’ve written and the stance you’ve taken. I get that people are skeptical…but our faith is not in Kanye sticking to his guns….it’s in God and the way He so powerfully uses broken people to make His name known and bring Him glory. Celebs are some of the biggest influences in our world and instead of wasting time doubting their authenticity…we should be covering them in prayer like you’ve said. Jesus is King and His kingdom is already here. Amen. So good.
Well researched fella, so keen to hear more of what God does in his life amen! Very true, we very rarely think of who the Lord will send when we pray 👍
So much Love!
As usual Kurt a well thought out blog, helping us to be measured and Godly in our response. And importantly seeing how God works in totally unexpected ways. Good for us to remember that and not be so surprised by how God answers our prayers.
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