“Ray, if you could choose ten celebrities to evangelize, whom would you choose?”
That is an interesting question, and it’s one I’ve often given much thought. This isn’t because I am enamored with celebrities, but due to their sphere of influence. Millions, if not billions, pay attention to what they say, who they are with, and even what they eat and wear. For a famous celebrity to say, “I’ve put my trust in Jesus and have God’s everlasting life. Please read your Bible. There’s nothing like it”—that could be a light in the darkness for so many.
However, I always keep in mind that God shows no favoritism. The person who sweeps the floors of a fast food restaurant is just as important as those who sit at the top of the Forbes list.
But since I’ve been asked, here are ten people I’d love to share the gospel with—not because they’re celebrities, but because they’re human beings held captive by the fear of death, heading for a very real Hell if they die in their sins.
- Oprah Winfrey: She may be one of the most spiritually influential people on the planet, but she has embraced a New Age gospel that omits the cross and the call to repentance. I would love to sit with her and discuss the righteousness of God and the need for a Savior.
- Elon Musk: Brilliant man. I appreciate his honesty when he says he’s not an atheist but that he’s open to dialogue. He once said he’d like to be “saved” just in case. I’d love to discuss God’s Law with him and show why the cross wasn’t a backup plan—it was the only plan. I believe he wants to go to Mars because he has no idea why he’s here on Earth.
- Joe Rogan: He’s curious, thoughtful, and has a massive audience. I believe Joe is genuinely seeking the truth. I’d love to put a Ten Commandments coin in his hand and guide him through the same questions I ask on the streets.
- Taylor Swift: Her music influences the minds of millions. She speaks about love, pain, and truth. I’d love to share the true love of God, found in Christ alone.
- Richard Dawkins: I’ve often quoted him in our books and films. He claims to be a man of reason, but his worldview crumbles under the weight of moral accountability. I would be honored to show him that science and faith aren’t enemies—and that the God he denies is the One who gave him life and reason.
- Mr. Beast: He made bold declarations of faith in Jesus during his youth, but he clearly fell away as he gained fame. He’s brilliant and wealthy, but those things will mean nothing on Judgment Day.
- Tom Hanks: He’s one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. I don’t know where he stands spiritually, but I’d love to share the gospel with him because respectability doesn’t equal righteousness. I would hate to see him cast away.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Charisma, discipline, and leadership. He’s got all that. But if he’s not born again, he’s still on the broad road. I’d love to share how Jesus is the true Rock.
- Bill Maher: He has built a career mocking Christianity. However, I have witnessed tough atheists soften when the Law does its work. I would love five minutes with him and a Bible.
- Jordan Peterson: I have often heard him say that minute by minute, he is held captive by the fear of death. The Bible states that this is true for every human being. They are haunted by it (Hebrews 2:14-15). The gospel sets the captive free.
Again, I don’t care about celebrity status. I care about people. Each of these individuals possesses a God-given understanding of right and wrong. My prayer is that someone—whether it’s me or someone else—reaches them with the gospel before it’s too late.
And one other thought: each of these celebrities, as we say, puts on their pants one leg at a time. That maxim means they’re just ordinary people. However, there is a group of people who put their pants on both legs at once: firefighters. The Bible likens us to firefighters (Jude 1:23) because, when it comes to seeking the lost, we should have a great sense of urgency.
