Edward Barber takes step toward ministry as pastor in training

MANILA, Philippines, January 28 ------ Actor and TV host Edward Barber is entering a new season of his public life after a church ceremony awarded him a certificate as a pastor in training.

Favor Church shared an Instagram post over the weekend showing the ordination of new pastors and pastors in training during its recent Leaders Advance. Among the photos was Barber, pictured with church leaders laying hands in prayer. “Last Saturday, during our Leaders Advance, we ordained our new pastors and pastors in training — acknowledging the call of ministry on their lives and commissioning them for the work God has entrusted to them,” the church wrote in its post. “We honor their yes and heart for Jesus and Favor Church! Keep them in your prayers as they step into this season. We have an exciting year ahead, church!”

His inclusion among pastors in training aligns with his recent public statements about pursuing ministry while remaining active in the entertainment industry. Barber first gained attention in 2016 as a housemate on “Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7,” where he finished as the fourth Big Placer. He later became part of the popular on-screen pairing known as “MayWard” with fellow contestant Maymay Entrata.

He went on to star in several commercially successful films, including “Loving in Tandem” (2017), “Seven Sundays” (2017), “First Love” (2018), “Fantastica” (2018), and “Princess DayaReese” (2021). Beyond acting, Barber built a reputation as a polished host, serving as a VJ for Myx and hosting shows such as “iWant ASAP” and his digital program “Kwentong Barber.”

In recent years, however, Barber has spoken openly about a shift in priorities. His faith journey became public in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he appeared in interviews discussing personal struggles and spiritual reflection. In September 2020, he joined Kyle Echarri on a YouTube episode of “Real Talk,” where he described how faith helped him navigate a difficult period. A month later, he appeared on “Kapamilya Journeys of Hope” with Father Tito Caluag, sharing how he sought a deeper relationship with Jesus as his career slowed.

In May 2021, Barber posted a video of his Christian baptism on Instagram, calling it his “most meaningful post” and writing about learning to surrender burdens he could no longer carry alone. By 2024, he began explicitly framing his future around ministry. In a July 2024 interview on “BRGY” on TFC with Bianca Gonzalez, Barber recounted attending a small local church during what he described as his lowest point.

He spoke about receiving support from an Australian pastor who did not know he was a celebrity and said, “I really found my calling... in ministry.” Barber remains active in film and hosting projects, but has described his role in church as that of a lay pastor in training, focused on service and spiritual growth. Favor Church’s recent post marks his most visible step yet into formal ministry preparation, signaling a new chapter for a performer whose public life now increasingly intersects with his faith.

Source: manilatimes.net