Kanye West began publicly professing his faith in Jesus Christ and showing his Christian beliefs in the summer of 2019, which was the same time he released his 9th solo studio album, “Jesus Is King.” West has expressed his new found relationship with God as his main motivation for creating and performing his music. He has also expressed his gratitude and encouragement for not just other Christian artists, but also for pastors and church leaders. West has also said he has been influenced and inspired by Billy Graham, who was a conservative evangelist, and Pastor Joel Osteen, who is a popular teacher of the prosperity gospel. West has continued to speak and write about his newfound faith since 2019 and continues to be open about his journeys in and out of Christianity, as exhibited by his song “Closed on Sunday.”