In a conversation with Lecrae, Pastor Mike Todd addressed the public criticism he has received over the years. Drawing on the biblical story of David refusing Saul’s armor, the two reflected on Todd’s journey: “This don’t fit, bro,” Lecrae said. “But I promise you if you give me the sling and the stones, I’m going to get the work done.”
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
Todd says he’s been slaying Goliaths behind-the-scenes for years—through generosity, discipline and faithfulness. “The integrity I walk in can’t be Instagrammed. The faithfulness I’ve shown for years can’t be posted.”
Todd believes his hidden faithfulness is misunderstood by a culture that only sees the highlight reel. “I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I would use my whole life trying to prove to people who don’t actually care that I am something that I actually am.”
Todd says he regularly tells his church about his past struggles with pornography, lying and manipulation—not to glorify his past but to stay free and encourage others. “We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony,” he said, referencing Revelation. “Transparency is not a marketing tactic. It’s freedom insurance.”
The pastor also addressed criticism about his questionable outfit choices, stating that no one used to worry about what he wore when he was overweight. “I was almost 300 pounds,” he shared, “and God told me he said ‘I only can bless the ministry to the level your body can take it.’”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Ultimately, Todd says he wants his life to be a living testimony, not just his sermons or social media posts. “The way I love my kids, and the way I love my wife…that I actually live Scripture,” he said.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
