Celebrity baptisms can give Christianity a boost

The waters of baptism are no longer confined to quiet church pools, they now flow across live-streams, timelines, and headlines, drawing millions into conversations about faith and whether the spotlight helps or hurts the cause of Christ.

The recent baptism of Olympic and World sprint champion Noah Lyles and his fiancee Junelle Bromfield has brought those questions into sharper focus. Their decision, which spread quickly across global media and social platforms, is being weighed by Jamaican church leaders, who see both promise and peril in the growing visibility of celebrity conversions. For some, it is evidence that the gospel is reaching new audiences. But for others, it raises questions about whether public faith can withstand the pressures of fame.

Bishop Dr Rowan Edwards, founder of the Lighthouse Worship Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine, said the visibility of high-profile baptisms marks a turning point, drawing new audiences to the gospel far beyond traditional church walls.

"The gospel is now reaching the famous that's a plus for Christianity," told THE STAR. "I don't see it as publicity. For young people, it's a pull toward the kingdom. It has a huge impact on the church community. It was not so in the past."

In Jamaica, the phenomenon is not new. Entertainers such as Papa San, Lady Saw (now Minister Marion Hall), and Stitchie all shocked music fans when they walked away from dancehall to embrace Christianity. More recently, younger gospel artistes and some social media influencers have built followings precisely because their conversions were highly public.

"When someone in the spotlight makes that step, young people pay attention in ways they might not to a pastor or a parent," Edwards said.

But while he views the trend as a breakthrough, others warn that the true test of faith comes long after the baptism. Pastor Shawn Wilson welcomed Lyles' and Bromfield's baptism but reminded Christians that authentic faith is not measured by headlines, but by endurance.

"For young people and fans, seeing someone they admire publicly choose baptism can be incredibly encouraging. It makes faith feel tangible in ways sermons sometimes cannot," he said. "Still, some will dismiss it as a stunt. Genuine faith is proven over time."

He pointed to Kanye West as a cautionary tale. The international star drew massive crowds with his Sunday services but later faced doubts about whether the initial passion was sustained.

"Christianity is not a sprint but a lifelong walk with Christ," Wilson said.

What makes today different is the digital age. Decades ago, baptisms were private church affairs, known only to those present. Now, they are live-streamed, clipped, and trending before the water has even dried. For some, that visibility magnifies testimony. For others, it amplifies temptation. Wilson said the challenges for celebrity converts are immense.

"Fame brings money, influence, and access to almost anything. But it also brings relentless pressures and expectations. The same platform that amplifies their testimony can just as easily magnify their weaknesses," he said.

He warned that the church risks losing its focus when it treats famous converts as trophies, rather than walking with them as fellow disciples on the same spiritual journey.

"They need mentors, accountability, and communities that show grace rather than idolisation," Wilson said. "The weight of the spotlight is already heavy. The church should be a refuge."

Wilson noted that the church often rushes to debate celebrity conversions, when the real response should be to lift them up in prayer.

"We should rejoice when anyone takes a step toward Christ, but especially when someone in the public eye does. Their witness can touch many. But they also need our intercession, because their burdens are often unseen," Wilson said, citing Galatians 6:2: " Bear one another's burdens."

Whether fleeting or faithful, Wilson acknowledged that baptisms of public figures leave an undeniable mark.

"Even if it seems momentary, God can use a single act of testimony to plant seeds in countless hearts around the world," Wilson shared.