Montell Jordan, whose R&B album and single “This Is How We Do It” topped music charts in the 1990s, now finds his identity in God and in serving others. Jordan and his wife, Kristin, are the founding lead pastors of Atlanta-based Master Peace Church, “a house church providing virtual ministry to transform living rooms into houses of worship around the world.”
During an interview with Vlad TV, Jordan describes how God has transformed his life and provided unique opportunities for ministry and outreach.
Montell Jordan: God Is ‘The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me’
Montell Jordan, 54, grew up in the church and used his musical gifts in worship from a young age. But during college, he began seeing the “lure of the world.” For example, he might earn $100 for a week’s worth of church performances, but after singing one song in a nightclub, “people would come up and lay $300 at my feet.” Eventually, Russell Simmons signed Jordan to Def Jam.
Although Jordan was married to Kristin, his manager, the record label wanted that kept quiet to attract more fans. Their marriage endured infidelity, bankruptcy, and miscarriage, but Jordan says God “reconstructed” the relationship.
By 2011 Jordan stepped away from music and touring to learn about serving, leadership, and identity. He realized he is first and foremost a “son of God” and that music doesn’t define or make him; instead, he defines and makes music.
“I became the Montell that God loves most,” says Jordan, describing his move to full-time ministry. “I still tour, but I am a pastor. It’s what I do.” The advantage of continuing to tour, he says, is that it “allows me access into the world of people who may have been lost like I was.” Not only does he get to pastor other artists on tour, but he becomes “a pastor to the unpastored and an influencer of influencers.”
Jordan now has opportunities to “go into places that are outside of the church” and share “how God can transform a man’s heart.” He adds, “I get to make an introduction to the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Me Doing Marriage Ministry ‘Makes No Sense’
Before launching a virtual church, Montell Jordan served as worship leader at an Atlanta megachurch. He and Kristin also wrote “This Is How We Do It: Making Your Marriage a Masterpeace,” and their goal is to help save 1 million marriages. They have a retreat center for couples and conduct virtual ministry with them.
The irony isn’t lost on Jordan. “It makes no sense that an adulterer can help other marriages,” he says. “Or that women want to know how my wife said yes to staying and how God restored us.” Referencing 1 Corinthians 1:27, the pastor says their situation proves that God “will use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”
