About a month ago, I heard the news that actor Russell Brand had claimed faith in Christ and been baptized. The Christian radio DJs sharing the news said, “We’re praying for him and wish him the best in this new journey.”
There’s a certain buzz when a celebrity claims faith in Christ. There is also a skepticism: Is it really true, or is this just an emotional blip or publicity stunt? Last week, Brand reflected on his first month as a Christian in a TikTok video, saying:
“To repent means that you have to continually change and acknowledge that ‘I am in a battle against myself,’ that I need to surrender myself to an ever-present, internal and accessible Jesus, that mercy is something that’s given to me, been granted to me, that I live with through love, not something that I can sort of win or achieve by doing good deeds.”
He went on to preach a mini sermon on faith in Christ that, coming from a new Christian, was amazing. I felt encouraged by the enthusiasm Russell Brand expressed and was reminded that God can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time.
A faithful response
A few years ago, I examined how Christians should respond when Kanye West shared about his conversion experience and released a gospel album inspired by it. (Tragically, West has since renounced any perceived dependence on Christ.) I wrote:
“Part of the difficulty in knowing how to respond is that the Bible doesn’t really talk about celebrity conversions. We do know that it is difficult for a rich person to come to God and that the Bible speaks out against favoritism in the church. But beyond that, we’re not told how to respond when a high-profile person claims faith in Christ.”
Observing cases such as West’s can cause us to question the sincerity of high-profile salvation stories. Yet I don’t believe we’re called to cynicism.
I recently reread the story of Simon the Magician in Acts 8, where the well-known sorcerer becomes a believer. “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed” (vs. 13). A few verses later, however, God reveals to Peter that Simon is only interested in using the Holy Spirit’s power for his own gain; he is an imposter. Up until that moment, Simon the Sorcerer was traveling with the believers, accepted as one of them.
As humans, we simply cannot know people’s hearts or motives. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” When anyone, whether a celebrity or a friend, accepts Christ, we should celebrate and encourage that decision until we have reason not to.
Paul’s own conversion, which happens in the very next chapter of Acts, was high-profile. He was a known Christian-killer with whom many people wanted nothing to do. But Barnabas, an encourager, stood up for the unlikely new convert.
“And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:26-27)
Unlike Simon, Paul was a true convert, and Barnabas’ support allowed him to fulfill the new mission God had given him. When we encounter a new convert — even an infamous one — I believe a biblical response is to offer support, pray for the individual, and trust that the conversion is genuine. In doing that, Barnabas enabled a powerful new missionary and author of Scripture. You don’t have to put that person in your pulpit from day one; that may not be wise. But you can encourage him on his new path.
A cause for celebration
Personally, I find celebrity conversions inspiring. It’s moving to see God orchestrate events and meetings so that someone in a dark place has an encounter with Him and is freed from their sin. I should also have the same excitement when the kid at my church or my co-worker proclaims faith in Christ. With any conversion, there is the possibility that the seed of God’s Word has not fallen on “good soil” and only time will tell if the individual’s faith is genuine. But that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating a sinner who repents.
In Russell Brand’s case, I’m glad to hear that many people have jumped in to support him and welcome him to the family God. As a member of Christ’s body, he also has something to offer us — his testimony and eagerness to grow in the faith. In his video he explained:
“It’s a beautiful journey to go on. I know I’m just at the beginning. I know I’m just learning. I know there’s so much more to learn, and I’m so excited to learn more from you and for us to learn together.”
We’re all on a journey to grow in the grace and knowledge of God. When God sets a new person on the path of true faith, it’s a reason to celebrate.
Copyright 2024 Suzanne Hadley Gosselin. All rights reserved.
