The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

He’s someone not many would normally associate with Sunday church services. But over the past year, superstar rapper Kanye West as slowly been building up a following for his church-like gatherings called simply “Sunday Service”. As he prepared for the release of his ninth studio album, “Jesus is King”, Kanye announced last month that he had recently converted to Christianity.

While fans and fellow celebs flock to his Sunday services by the hundreds each week, others are skeptical of the purpose behind these gatherings, likening them to concert events and fashion shows rather than a meeting of the faithful. Some have even compared the ‘Church of Kanye’ to a cult.

Earlier this month, Kanye told TV host James Corden on his Carpool Karaoke show that he reckons God rewarded his conversion to Christianity with a recent $68 million tax refund.

Despite the criticism from some quarters, however, the multi-Grammy Award-winning rapper is going full steam ahead with his new-found passion and teaming up with famous televangelist Joel Osteen to take his “Sunday Service” show to the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, this weekend. Kanye and a choir will perform at 7pm on Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Before the service, Kanye is expected to speak to Osteen about his “journey to faith”, according to church spokesperson Donald Iloff, Jr, who estimated that up to 45,000 members could be in attendance this weekend.

Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian-West, explained during a recent interview Elle what she believes to be at the core of the “Sunday Service” show.

“It’s honestly more like a healing experience for my husband,” the reality TV star said. “It’s just music; there’s no sermon. It’s definitely something he believes in -- Jesus – and there’s a Christian vibe. But there’s no preaching. It’s just a very spiritual Christian experience.”

She said it’s open to all faiths.

“Everyone that comes understands it’s just a really healing experience with an amazing choir and amazing messages about love to start off your week,” she said.

Kanye’s “Sunday Service” has made it to several churches around the United States and is said to have brought thousands to Christ.

Although many in the gospel and Christian community have embraced his vision, others have questioned whether the rapper’s “come to Jesus moment” is authentic.

“It is a little difficult to accept when you think about this past and how he has been so outlandish over the years,” said local Christian woman Whitney. “This man, I think, at one time or the other has even called himself king or Jesus. But if Kanye is really saved then I guess hats off to him. But I do not think I can really accept it all just yet.”

Whether Kanye’s transformation is one that holds water, the world at large will have to wait and see. But in the midst of waiting, one Bahamian Christian, Mandia, said people should give a new convert a chance.

“It is crazy the amount of criticism that Kanye has gotten. What is even crazier is that the criticism has come from members in the body of Christ,” she told Tribune Religion.

“Have we all forgotten where we came from? Our sins may differ from Kanye’s but they are still sins nonetheless. Those criticising Kanye for his ‘Sunday Service’ and doing his part to spread the gospel should really be ashamed of themselves. We need to give him a chance.”

In an interview aired by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Kanye shared that he had relatives who consistently prayed for him. He also said that God impressed on his heart to start the “Sunday Service” show.

“As believers we should be rejoicing at what is happening in Kanye’s life because if God can save, deliver and cause him to have a change of heart, he can do the same for the ones who are close to us,” said Tanya.

“I think the message God wants us to take away from all of this is that there is definitely hope for our unsaved brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, friends, boyfriends, wives and husbands. All of us have people in our lives that are unsaved. We must keep praying and believing God for their conversion as well.”

Christopher, who has been a Christian for 30 years, said Kanye’s redemption and use of pop culture to evangelise the world is “so like God.”

“God has always worked in unorthodox ways. Christians are just too set in their ways and do not believe ministry happens outside the four walls of the church. I truly believe that this is God’s way of shaking things up,” he said.

“Kanye West has a reach that many of our favourite televangelists do not have. He can reach people they would never be able to reach. So I say embrace the fella. Once he is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through his music what is the problem?”