John Crist, the Christian comedian, has opened up in regards to the bleakness he felt following a scandal that forced him to step back from his successful comedy ministry.
In a recent candid conversation on the Whoa That’s Good podcast hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff, he also talked in regards to the redemption he experienced through Jesus’ grace.
Once a rising star in Christian comedy, Crist built an enormous following within the 2010s along with his clean, church-centred humour, drawing on his upbringing in a big home-schooling family in Atlanta, where his father was a pastor.
By the time he moved to Nashville, Crist had grow to be a household name within the faith-based entertainment world. But behind the viral videos and sold-out shows, he now admits he was quietly unravelling.
In 2019, Crist abruptly cancelled his comedy tour after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, including claims of inappropriate relationships and exchanging show tickets for sexual favours.
While Crist disputed parts of the accusations, he admitted to “sinful” and “destructive” behaviour, and it also emerged that he had been battling addiction.
The controversy led him to step away from the highlight, enter therapy, and start what he describes as an extended and painful path toward personal and spiritual healing.
Crist revealed to Sadie throughout the podcast interview that in 2019, he hit a breaking point and struggled with suicidal thoughts, convinced his life had no future. Since then, he has worked on rebuilding his faith.
After rehabilitation and a lengthy break from social media, Crist returned in 2020 to what he described as an “unbelievable amount of affection” and “undeserved support” from fans and fellow believers, he told Huff throughout the podcast.
The overwhelming grace he received, he said, “flipped my whole faith,” difficult the performance-based church culture he had grown up in.
Now sober for over 4 years, Crist says he’s learned to value vulnerability and accountability over perfection.
“It’s so significantly better on this side. It’s so way more free, and you’ll be able to be in a relationship with someone who does know you and knows all of your secrets,” he told Huff.
Huff, referencing Hebrews 12:2, encouraged listeners to pursue healing along with the Lord.
“There is a hope of heaven and that the Holy Spirit goes to assist me right away. He might be the strength in my weakness,” she said.
Crist’s return to the stage along with his “Emotional Support Tour” was met with sold-out shows across the US and his YouTube content continues to rack up views.
Regardless of all that, he says he’s more at peace now even when some people don’t like his work.
“Everybody knew every thing about me, they usually were like, ‘We love you,” he recalled.
Elsewhere throughout the podcast, he reflected on what he sees as renewed interest in Christianity. He says that peers, especially Millennials and fellow performers, are starting to re-engage with Christianity and that although many individuals could also be cynical about Christ, he finds it significant that they’re still talking about Him.
Crist stays cautious about positioning himself as a job model, though.
“I’m not here to be like, ‘I’m fixed, follow me,’” he said, although Huff maintained that his life serves as a robust testimony.
