The 3 Most Influential Christian Women in the Media
There’s something about the celebrity lifestyle and the Christian faith that lead most people to assume that it’s impossible to combine both. It can be difficult to make both lifestyles work together, but it’s not impossible. For women, navigating the demands of a fast-paced position in the media while still holding onto Christian values can be even more complex.
Let’s just say that again: it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible! Here are a few examples of some celebrities who have created important and influential reputations as Christian women in media:
Carrie Underwood, Country music singer
Carrie Underwood has made a name for herself bringing pop-country music hits into the mainstream media. Despite her quick rise to fame after being one of the few break-out stars in American Idol, her faith seems to have only grown stronger. She has chosen to live in Nashville rather than New York City or Los Angeles, explaining at a Q Conference that “it’s easy to be a Christian in Nashville.” This isn’t surprising, considering that around one-third of all devout Christians state that it’s become more difficult to be a member of the religious community in the modern world. Underwood has become one of the most influential examples of powerful professional Christian women in the media; her catchy tune about getting revenge on a cheating boyfriend has been just as popular as “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
Kathie Lee Gifford, Today show personality
Kathie Lee Gifford experienced an interesting call to the Christian faith. It didn’t happen because of a near-death experience, or because she had a life-changing experience praying in a cathedral, or even because she witnessed a miracle. She decided to convert to Christianity after she watched the film “The Restless Ones” in a cinema when she was 12 years old. Living in Los Angeles and working in the media, she certainly experienced plenty of hardships and tests to her faith, but she never doubted that her beliefs were the main thing helping her develop a successful career. Now one of the most recognized faces on NBC’s Today show, Gifford never hesitates to talk openly on-air about how religion has helped her.
Serena Williams, Tennis player
Serena Williams, who has been ranked as the #1 women’s tennis player worldwide, is another important representation of professional Christian women in the spotlight. She and her sister, Venus, were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Serena has remained very devoted to her faith throughout her successful career as a tennis phenomenon. She chooses not to be one of the more prominent Christian women speakers in the media but she does not downplay the significance that religion has played in her personal and professional life.
If you look closely, you’ll find that there are many professional Christian women — and men — who serve as great examples on balancing a demanding lifestyle while still staying faithful. Around one-third of the world’s population identifies with the Christian faith and as many as 70% of Americans identify under a Christian faith; just because you can’t always see them doesn’t mean that they aren’t there!
With powerful women like these represented in Christian media outlets and fostering influential Christian mentorships, there’s never been a better time to be a Christian woman.