Denzel Washington Gets Baptized, Takes Next Step as a Minister

Denzel Washington, the acclaimed actor and star of Gladiator II, celebrated a monumental moment in his spiritual journey last weekend.

Denzel Washington is now a minister. Credit: Kristy Sparow / Getty

A Transformative Step

On Saturday, December 21, the 69-year-old was baptized at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City. The event was live-streamed on Facebook by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York, allowing viewers worldwide to witness Washington’s heartfelt commitment to his faith.

• Baptism and Ministerial Licensing: Alongside his baptism, Washington was presented with a minister license, positioning him to be ordained in the future.

Credit: First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ ENY

“It Took a While, But I’m Here”

Speaking at the ceremony, Washington reflected on his spiritual journey, expressing humility and gratitude:

“In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here.”

The actor shared a story from his youth, recalling a prophetic encounter at his mother’s beauty parlor.

“She said, ‘Boy, you are going to travel the world and preach to millions of people.’ Fifty years later, look at God. If He can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you.”

Washington’s wife, Pauletta Washington, was present to support him, with the actor calling her his “loving, faithful wife.”

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8857838887637685

A Lifelong Faith Deepened

Washington’s faith has been a central part of his life. In a November essay for Esquire, he opened up about his spiritual upbringing and the growth of his belief:

“God is real. God is love. God is the only way. God blesses.”

He also recounted a pivotal moment at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, where he deepened his commitment to spreading God’s word.

“It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me.”

Credit: First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ ENY

Unwavering Purpose

Washington remains unfazed by any criticism of his public embrace of faith:

“I don’t care what anyone thinks… You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t say that in this town. But I’ll keep lifting God up.”

As he steps into his new role as a minister, Washington continues to inspire others, proving that faith and purpose can evolve at any stage of life.

Featured image credit: Kristy Sparow / Getty