It’s easy to celebrate when high-profile people express faith in Christ. But what about when they falter? We should be slow to judge and quick to pray for them, says Billy Hallowell

Amid the allure and obsession of contemporary pop culture, Christians are increasingly falling prey to a dangerous trap: placing too much faith in well-known celebrities and public figures.

Sometimes, a search for cultural affirmation and spiritual encouragement can lead us to place too much weight on the Christian platitudes, statements, and behaviour of influencers and entertainers.

In some ways, this dynamic is understandable. After all, the Christian faith is often maligned, denigrated, misrepresented or ignored in mainstream media and Hollywood. So, when a popular person with a platform mentions Jesus, shares a Bible verse, or expresses a biblical allegiance, we get encouraged and excited.

To a degree, it makes sense for Christians to rejoice when we see others with massive influence espouse the truth. However, we also need to be discerning, taking care not to make celebrities our heroes, or even idols.

And when self-described Christian celebrities disappoint us, we must take a step back, breathe, and ponder a proper reaction. Unfortunately, many of us end up so “in” on Christian celebrities that we’re left shocked and horrified when they err, make a strange statement, or entirely abandon the biblical values they claim to hold dear.

The most recent example of this came a few days ago when Christian TV “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines cast a same-sex couple in their new show Back to the Frontier. The decision sparked immediate confusion and outrage among many Christians in America. Franklin Graham, for example, said, “While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word…God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”

Chip Gaines’ defence of the move has only added insult to injury:

Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never

It’s a sad sunday when “non believers” have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian💔 — Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) July 13, 2025

Long-time fans who viewed the couple as beacons of Christian values were suddenly asking questions — and rightly so.

It’s entirely appropriate to be concerned when public figures with enormous influence seem to veer off course theologically. However, it’s also an opportunity to step back and re-evaluate our own expectations.

We’ve got to stop building spiritual confidence on the shifting sands of celebrity culture

For years, Chip and Joanna represented a kind of ideal: family-oriented, down-to-earth, faith-forward, and successful. They stood out in a sea of celebrity chaos and found mainstream success as Christians who seemed unashamed of their faith.

When they came under unfair fire in the media in 2016 for purportedly attending a church that defends biblical marriage, evangelicals rallied around them. That’s probably one reason the reaction to this new show has been so swift and frustration-filled.

While we absolutely shouldn’t shrug off concerning theology or downplay the influence of public figures, how we respond matters. So, how should we react to Chip and Joanna and the other Christian celebrities who might let us down?

First, we need to remind ourselves that no matter how much we admire someone, they are not our foundation. Psalm 146 says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (v3) We’ve got to stop building spiritual confidence on the shifting sands of celebrity culture — even Christian celebrity culture.

Second, when a public figure says or does something that feels theologically off, we should seek clarity before casting judgment. Ask honest, humble questions. Be curious rather than condemning. It’s easy to assume motives or rush to conclusions, but we’re called to a higher standard — one that values truth and love.

Third, if it becomes clear that someone is genuinely embracing false or harmful theology, we need to pray. Too often, our first response is to take to our keyboards and attack. And while it’s OK to ask calm and collected questions, prayer should be our first posture.

Ask God to open their eyes, protect their hearts, and bring people into their lives who will speak truth. Our criticism should never outpace our appeal to God on others’ behalf. Speak the truth, do it in love, but cloak and coat it all in heartfelt prayer.

And let’s not stop there. Let this be a reminder to pray for Hollywood as a whole — for the influencers, producers, writers, actors and executives who shape our culture every day. Most are navigating a world that is spiritually confused and morally conflicted, and when situations like this unfold, we’re reminded of that the spiritual battle rages in all locations, but most notably in places of influence.

We’re seeing the beginnings of revival in the entertainment industry, which is encouraging. Let’s keep praying that it progresses.

Let’s also pray that Chip and Joanna respond to this moment with clarity and the right posture. I hope they do. But even if they don’t, this is a healthy reminder for the rest of us to be more cautious about where we place our trust – and more grounded in how we respond.

It’s easy to celebrate when celebrities reflect our beliefs, but let’s be sure we also take the time to pray for them when they falter.

Ultimately, we must never forget that Jesus – not any person, platform, or public figure – is the only source who never disappoints.