
Actor and TV host Edward Barber is embarking on a new journey in his life, one that combines his public life with his own personal walk of faith.
Over the weekend, Favor Church honored the ordination of its new pastors and pastors in training during its annual Leaders Advance. Edward was among those honored. A set of photos taken during the event captured the moment when the leaders of Favor Church laid hands on him in prayer to commission him for the spiritual work that lies ahead.
“Last Saturday, during our Leaders Advance, we honored those answering the call of ministry,” Favor Church posted on Instagram. “We celebrate their yes to Jesus and their commitment to serve. Keep them in your prayers as they step into this new season!”
Edward's status as a pastor in training is reminiscent of his own thoughts about faith and purpose. He first gained national fame in 2016 as a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7, he was soon part of the famous on-screen pairing “MayWard” with Maymay Entrata. His career flourished with hits like Loving in Tandem (2017), Seven Sundays (2017), and Princess DayaReese (2021)
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Even as his fame grew, Edward's interests slowly turned to spirituality. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he started sharing his experiences openly about his struggles and how spirituality helped him through them, culminating in his Christian baptism in May 2021, which he called his “most meaningful post.” In interviews on Real Talk and Kapamilya Journeys of Hope, he shared how spirituality helped him through tough times.
In 2024, Edward was already living out his life with a focus on ministry. In a moving conversation for TFC's BRGY with Bianca Gonzalez, he talked about how a small local church became a refuge for him during a tough time in his life, and how a pastor who was unaware of his celebrity status helped him find his purpose in serving God. Today, he still maintains his career in the entertainment industry while also being a lay pastor in training.
Favor Church's recognition marks a visible milestone in Edward's journey, signaling a promising new chapter where his public life increasingly intersects with his devotion to ministry.