Pastor Dylan Novak has spent the last decade doing something truly distinctive: intentionally taking the Gospel on to a few of the most famous names in Hollywood.
Novak, founding father of the Celebrity Evangelist ministry, has personally shared Christ with greater than 2,000 actors, musicians and public figures — and his encounters offer a chance for these individuals to embrace truth.
He recently made headlines over a 2023 interaction he had with rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, an encounter that received renewed national attention after Osbourne’s death last month.
Novak told The Christian Post that he met Osbourne and his family at a convention two years ago and hung out sharing the Gospel with each member of the musician’s family.
He did his research beforehand and browse an old interview wherein the singer said he identified “more as Christian than anything” and wished he could higher understand Scripture.
So, Novak arrived on the event with a present: a New Living Translation Bible personalized with Osbourne’s name and accompanied by handwritten letters for every member of the family. This is what he typically does to indicate each celebrity that he cares enough for them to take the time to personalize every gift.
Novak said Osbourne’s response was truly warm and receptive, with the singer immediately thumbing through the Bible.
“Ozzy was very kind,” Novak recalled.
The pastor had positive conversations with the remainder of the family as well, including Osbourne’s son, Jack. Interestingly, just a few weeks later, Jack reportedly saw Novak at one other event and stopped him to disclose something deeply encouraging: the Bible Novak gave to Osbourne had made a big effect.
In fact, Osbourne ended up demanding the Bible and Novak’s letter after the autograph signing ended and before going to bed.
“He pitched a fit before he would go as much as his room, saying, ‘Where’s my Bible? I need my Bible!’” Jack told him, adding that the Bible had change into a fixture on Osbourne’s bedside table and a conversation starter with guests on the family home.
For Novak, it was a strong reminder that sharing the Gospel is about obedience, not guaranteed outcomes.
“Ozzy Osbourne heard the Gospel,” Novak said. “It’s incredible — and it’s due to the hassle we put in to follow what Jesus told us to do: go into all of the world and preach the Gospel.”
His Celebrity Evangelist ministry naturally requires him to step out and speak with individuals who have experienced the sway of fame and money — and that could be intimidating for some.
Yet Novak knows he’s making a difference and continues to remain the course.
“We can’t save anybody,” he said. “But we are able to point people to the One who saves.”
Rejection, Novak said, is usually a part of his ministry. Regardless, he strives for gentleness in his approach to celebrities. If someone refuses his kind-hearted and personalised presents or the Gospel message, he simply pivots and continues the conversation, leaving the door open.
Ultimately, Novak’s goal is to be certain that one and all — no matter how famous or powerful in a sophisticated sense — hears the Gospel message.
“It’s a really unreached … people group,” he said of celebrities, noting, though, that these people have massive sway and influence. “There are individuals who will take heed to their favorite celebrity quite a bit quicker than they’ll take heed to you or me.”
Novak told The Christian Post he hopes that his ministry will likely be fully self-sustaining over the subsequent decade, because it’s an expensive endeavor to attend these events and evangelize. In fact, a single weekend convention can cost hundreds of dollars, with individual meet-and-greet fees for every celebrity.
But those fascinated by supporting Novak can sponsor Bibles and help cover event costs by visiting the Celebrity Evangelist website.
