Nickelodeon Star Becomes Youth Pastor: ‘You’re Loved by God and You Were Born for a Purpose’

Nickelodeon star Kel Mitchell is used to performing for an audience. But now, he’s performing for an audience of one.

Mitchell was born in 1978 on the South Side of Chicago, and grew up wanting to be an actor, taking drama classes in high school.

His dream became reality when he starred in the Nickelodeon series All That from 1994 to 1999, the series Kenan & Kel from 1996 through 2000 along with the show Game Shakers from 2015 until 2019. Mitchell also recently took second place on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

He’s had a successful acting career, evidenced by the fact that he’s been nominated for two Emmy Awards.

But Mitchell wasn’t completely satisfied with the direction his life had gone.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Mitchell talked about his life, his acting roles and his decision to ultimately become a youth pastor.

“I’ve always known God,” Mitchell said. “Grew up in a church, but there’s a difference between knowing God and having a relationship with God. And I just got to a point in my life where I wanted to make sure that He was in everything that I do.”

He added:

You need to know that you’re loved by God and you were born for a purpose. When I figured that out, I wanted others to know that as well because He was always there for me in the ups and downs of my life.

And Mitchell has had his share of ups and downs, previously disclosing that he had struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. But Michell said that God had given him hope on his darkest days.

“He gives me this joy that I have every morning when I spend time with Him,” Mitchell told Fox News. “When I got the call to be a youth pastor, God spoke to me so clearly in my time of prayer. And I said, ‘Yo, I’m going to do it. I’m going to do it.’

“He’s been there for me. And I want others to feel this joy and to feel this peace. We want people to live. We want people to enjoy life. And I’m all about that.”

Mitchell is now a licensed Youth Pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center in Winnetka, California, where his biography states that when he is not acting or directing, “He speaks to youth on a weekly basis across the country encouraging them to Love God and follow their dreams.”

He has also recently released a 90-day devotional titled Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level up Your Faith.

Not everyone is called to be a pastor. In fact, most people aren’t. For most Christians who are called to work in the secular sphere, a part of our vocation is to bring the light of Christ and His teachings into the workspaces that we’ve been given the opportunity to impact.

And yet, we can all be grateful for the good and holy pastors who have impacted and influenced our lives.

Is there a pastor who has had a large impact on your life? Who comes right to mind?

Focus on the Family has recently launched a FREE online portal, The Focused Pastor, where pastors and church ministry leaders across America can access entire libraries of proven tools and resources designed to help lead your church more effectively. You can learn more about The Focused Pastor here.