Jonathan Roumie Urges Christians to Make Social Media a Tool for the Gospel
The actor who portrays Jesus in The Chosen urged a group of digital missionaries this week to continue spreading the gospel online, noting that evangelism in the 21st century includes instruments unavailable to Christians from yesteryear.
Jonathan Roumie made the comments during a video address to the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers in Rome, calling their work essential in a digital age when many people may never set foot in a church.
"As someone who's been blessed to portray Jesus in The Chosen, I've seen firsthand how a story shared online can touch a heart, soften a soul, even change a life," Roumie said. "You're doing the same, whether it's through a post, a reel, a comment thread, or a live stream—you're showing up in these digital spaces with the heart of Christ, not to preach at people, but to meet them, to listen, to engage, to start conversations that actually matter. So don't grow weary. Don't underestimate the power of what you're doing. This is holy ground, and your presence online—authentic, prayerful, joyful—that's part of God's plan to keep us talking about Jesus."
Roumie is a devout Catholic who said his faith has deepened during his time portraying Jesus in The Chosen.
Online outreach is what "evangelization looks like today. It's not just pulpits and church walls—it's Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, blogs, all of it," he said, according to Catholic News Agency.
"And you're stepping into that world with love, creativity, and authenticity."
Roumie was a relatively unknown actor until he landed the role of Jesus in The Chosen, a multi-season television series about the life of Christ that soared in popularity during the pandemic. Its sixth season, which will portray the crucifixion, is being filmed this summer.
"What you're doing is a mission. Period," he told the missionaries and influencers. "You're reaching people wherever they are, no matter what they believe or don't believe, no matter how much they understand or don't understand. And that openness, that willingness to connect without judgment creates space for real dialogue, for moments of grace, for Christ to move in surprising ways."
Roumie encouraged the participants to "keep being that light in the feed."
"You never know who's watching or listening or scrolling, and whose life might be changed just because you shared a little hope," he said, according to Catholic News Agency. "God bless you. I'm praying for you all. I love you and seriously, thank you for being out there."
Photo Credit: ©SWN/5&2 Studios
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 30, 2025.
