The Future List: 30 under 30 Christians who are changing the world

Bukayo Saka

Nicknamed ‘Starboy’, Bukayo Saka has lived up to his billing. A straight-A student turned footballing star, the west Londoner has become a fixture in England’s national team and a leader at his boyhood club, Arsenal.

Raised in a Christian household, Saka told pupils at his former school, Edward Betham Church of England Primary: “My faith is constantly being exercised.” He credits regular Bible reading and church attendance with deepening his relationship with God.

RAYE

Rachel Agatha Keen, better known as RAYE, is a chart-topping artist whose music blends R&B, jazz, dance and pop. The singer has spoken openly about how her Christian faith helped her through the darkest period of her life, even saving her from suicide. In her song ‘Hard out here’, she sings: “You start to wonder why I’m Christian / Without the Lord I’d take my life.”

“There’s a world in which, if I didn’t find faith again, I might not even be here,” she told the BBC. “It’s honestly pulled me out of a really dark place.”

There’s a world in which, if I didn’t find faith again, I might not even be here

In an interview with Louis Theroux, RAYE explained the significance of one of her tattoos, which reads “Psalm 91”. “It’s a protection prayer,” she said, quoting the opening verse: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” 

Sasha Gerry

Sasha Gerry was raised in a Christian family and can remember a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit when she was just nine years old. But by her teens, she was drifting. “Youth leaders never talked about real struggles like sex or drinking, so I thought I was a terrible person. Shame silenced me and I felt unworthy of forgiveness.” The breakthrough moment came with a mentor during her final year at university. “I felt safe opening up about my struggles, including sleeping with my boyfriend and feeling disconnected from God. She was kind, non-judgmental and prayed for me.” 

Later, at a leadership conference, Gerry had another profound experience with God. “I felt overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and started weeping uncontrollably. A woman I didn’t know prayed over me, saying words like: ‘You are washed clean, clothed in white, made pure.’ It was as if God was speaking directly to my shame and telling me I was free. When I left, it started raining heavily. I stood outside in my white dungarees, letting the rain drench me, feeling like God’s holy water was washing me clean. I took a selfie – it’s my favourite photo because it captures the day God set me free. I celebrate it as my ‘freedom birthday’ every year.”

Gerry went on to become a church leader aged just 24. She’s since created Freedom Feast – evenings of food and worship where women can share their stories and receive prayer ministry. “Freedom is available to everyone,” she says, “For years, I lived in shame, believing God wouldn’t forgive me. But I’ve learned that God is gentle and patient, peeling back the layers of our wounds and healing us. My passion is to help others experience that same freedom; to know they are sons and daughters of God, and to live unburdened by shame.”

Emily Beaney

Emily Elizabeth Beaney (known online as @stylingemilybeaney) is a London-based content creator who combines everyday gen-Z fashion culture with ethical style and her Christian faith. If you’re one of the nearly 150,000 people who follow her on Instagram or TikTok, you’ll already be familiar with her ‘What Christians are wearing’ videos, shot at Christian conferences and events around the world, regular fit checks and cool charity shop hauls. 

Previously listed as one of Premier Christianity’s ‘5 women setting the internet on fire for Jesus’, Beaney studied theology at university and previously worked in youth and student ministry. She also hosts Ribs and Knits, a Christian lifestyle podcast aimed at young women, tackling everyday issues such as dating, mental health and family life from a biblical perspective. She is passionate about using her platform to share her Christian faith and telling the world that you can follow Jesus and look good!

George Imafidon MBE

George Imafidon is an award-winning engineer and social impact leader from Peckham, south London, who is passionate about sustainability and innovation. Named Young Engineer of the Year in 2022, he is CEO of Motivez, an organisation that supports young people from underrepresented backgrounds to access science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities. Imafidon has also worked as a race engineer with Team X44, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s electric race team (which might just be the coolest job ever!). 

In 2023, Imafidon was recognised for his phenomenal work in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to young people in STEM. He was also named as one of the top Black entrepreneurs to watch by HSBC in 2023.

Elle Limebear

Singer-songwriter and worship leader Elle Limebear made history this year as the first contemporary Christian artist to sign with legendary music label Decca Records, home to The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Her latest track, ‘Give me joy’, based on the school assembly favourite ‘Give me oil in my lamp’, was the soundtrack of our summer. Daughter of Delirious? frontman Martin Smith and mum to three boys, she also co-authored a devotional, Say Goodbye to Anxiety (Authentic Media) – a theme reflected in much of her music. 

Joe Weller

From pioneering YouTube boxing to producing music, sketches and travel vlogs, Joe Weller has established himself as one of the most recognisable faces on YouTube, with more than 5 million subscribers. 

Beginning his content creation journey aged 17 under the name NuevaFilms, Weller initially shared short films that he wrote, directed and starred in, before turning his attention to videos centred on the popular football video game FIFA. His content soon expanded to include Q&As with fans, comedy and music videos accompanying his own rap songs. He is also widely credited with helping pioneer the YouTube boxing phenomenon, having fought fellow British YouTube star Olajide Olatunji, better known as KSI, in February 2018. More recently, Weller moved from exploring supposedly haunted, abandoned buildings to documenting his travels around the world. 

I have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is the best thing that has ever happened to me

However, his career has also been punctuated by periods of inactivity, including a seven-month hiatus from social media partly attributable to his struggles with mental health. Throughout his time in the public eye, Weller has spoken openly about his depression and anxiety. In February 2026, a chance encounter at a gym changed the course of his life. When a stranger asked how he was doing, Weller responded candidly, explaining that despite exhausting all the worldly solutions, including new age spirituality, psychedelics, fitness and travel, the peace he was desperately searching for continued to elude him. Her response was simple: “I think you would like my church.”

Weller took her up on the invitation, and despite initially feeling sceptical and out of place, he recalled: “Deep down, I felt like I was home.” Eventually an encounter with the Holy Spirit would begin his journey of faith. Through attending church regularly, researching Christianity and watching others share their testimonies, Weller eventually surrendered his life to Christ. On 7 June 2026, he publicly announced his conversion on Instagram. “Now today, I just want to say that I have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Josiah Pears

Eighteen-year-old Josiah Pears is having “a gap year to remember”, providing production services for Christian music heavyweights including Israel Houghton, CeCe Winans and Charity Gayle. The Kingdom Productions founder began working as a runner for global brands including Apple and Nestlé aged just 15 and has already toured Asia with Hillsong London. Few achieve their dream of travelling the world with Grammy award-winning artists, let alone as a teenager. We’re excited to see what comes next for this remarkable young talent.

Sekou

Known for a rich baritone voice beyond his years, Sekou Sylla has emerged as one of Britain’s most promising young soul singers. Raised in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, Sekou developed his passion for music in church, which he credits with shaping his distinctive voice. “Thank God that I went to church and I listened to all these people that were powerhouses because that is what developed the tone of my voice,” he said.

After gaining attention online, Sekou signed a record deal aged 16. He has gone on to perform at Glastonbury, support John Legend on tour and become the youngest-ever nominee for the BRITs Rising Star award in 2024.

His connection to church extends beyond its musical influence. “People go for the love of it, smacking their hands and feeling connected to the scripture. It’s important for me to take in that atmosphere,” he said, adding elsewhere: “I put God before anything.”

Ben Whittaker

Known for his flamboyant showboating, Ben Whittaker has become one of British boxing’s most recognisable personalities. Raised in the West Midlands by his English-Austrian mother and Jamaican father, Whittaker won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics before turning professional in 2022. Since then, he has established himself as a leading light-heavyweight contender.

Though raised a Christian, Whittaker renewed his commitment to his faith after accompanying his mother to church, eventually being baptised. Describing the experience as “emotional”, Whittaker says his Christian faith continues to keep him grounded. “You find purpose, you find your why. I’m still Ben Whittaker, the flashy and flamboyant person, but I am the true Ben as well. I know I don’t need to be the loudest in the room and let my boxing do the talking,” he said.

Jasmine Mitchell

Last year’s Great British Bake Off winner Jasmine Mitchell became only the second contestant in the show’s history to be named Star Baker five times. In an interview with Premier Woman Alive, Mitchell said she felt God’s presence in the Bake Off tent. “I think it was His grace that carried me through. Life got so full-on. I’d look at my week and think: I can’t possibly do all this. I’d pray that what truly needed doing would get done and every week, somehow, it would.

“Before every stage of the process, I’d pray: ‘God, if this is meant to happen, give me the capacity.’ It meant I could hold it lightly – if I didn’t get through, that was OK. But I kept feeling His presence through every round, every new challenge.”

Reflecting on her sudden fame, she said: “After week three, people started recognising me in the street, saying: ‘You’re Jasmine from Bake Off!’…It became quite overwhelming. I’ve adapted now.”

Earlier this year, Mitchell presented the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Sarah Mullally, with a housewarming cake at Lambeth Palace. The fig, honey and almond creation used honey produced by bees in the palace garden and paid reference to a fig tree planted in the grounds in 1556.

The pair discussed their shared Christian faith and experiences working in the NHS (Mitchell is a final year medicine student). Afterwards, the cake was donated to homelessness charity The Passage and staff at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Writing on Instagram, Mitchell said she hopes to continue both careers: “I can’t imagine dropping doctoring or baking. Training to be a doctor brings me so much joy and baking, escaping to the mountains and bringing people together around food helps me to re-charge. I definitely don’t know what my life’s gonna look like in ten years, or in ten days for that matter. So I’m going to do my best to keep living day by day. And who knows where I’m going to end up!”

Ben Adams

With nothing but his camera, a wooden spoon and his testimony, Ben Adams launched an online ministry that has now reached hundreds of thousands of people. When Adams first decided to record his testimony, he didn’t have a microphone handle, so he “stuck it on the end of a wooden spoon” instead, and @woodenspoonministry was born. “We live in a world that is breaking and dying. People are hurting, and I want others to experience what I have because I love them and I have compassion for them, because I know what that [hurting] feels like,” Adams told Koinesune magazine. “People need a message of hope, and that’s why I want to share with them the message of Jesus.”

Danielle Jinadu

Danielle Oreoluwa Jinadu is a content creator, disability advocate and TEDx speaker. Born with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, she had her first blood transfusion aged five and says she has been “in and out of hospital” all her life. Sharing stories from her own experience, she campaigns for greater awareness of the world’s most lethal genetic illness and the need for reform in how it is perceived and treated. 

Alongside her advocacy work, Jinadu is also known for her strong sense of style. She began documenting her looks on social media during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way of celebrating her physical body, rather than “seeing it as the enemy” due to her illness. Jinadu is also a trustee of

@streams.studio, a Christian media charity with more than 300,000 followers on Instagram, who create short videos designed to inspire fresh conversations about Christian faith.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

In 2020, diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix was crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the year, aged just 16, beating competition from a field that included footballer Jude Bellingham. Since then, she’s won a host of international medals, including a bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games.  Spendolini-Sirieix, the daughter of First Dates star Fred Sirieix, has spoken openly about her formerly “toxic and unhealthy” relationship with food and body image, and how her faith helps her handle life’s pressures. After her Olympic triumph, she shared Joshua 1:9 – “be strong and courageous” – on Instagram, adding: “This is more than just sport…I am proud to…glorify the name of Jesus.”

Eberechi Eze

The England player’s footballing journey has been one of perseverance and faith. Raised in Greenwich, south-east London to Nigerian parents, Eze experienced rejection from Reading, Fulham, Sunderland, Millwall and his boyhood club, Arsenal, all before turning 18.

I’m in this position to point people to God

“I remember the deflation,” Eze recalled of the setbacks he faced. “But all I kept asking myself was: ‘When’s the next trial?’” Following his release from Millwall, he was picked up by Queens Park Rangers, before moving to Crystal Palace in 2020. He spent five seasons at QPR, before returning to Arsenal in 2025. In his career so far, he’s won the FA Cup (Crystal Palace), Premier League (Arsenal) and Community Shield (Crystal Palace and Arsenal).

Unashamedly outspoken about his Christian faith, Eze has consistently credited God for sustaining him through the setbacks of his career. “I’m in this position to point people to God,” he said. “I’m just grateful that God chose me for this role.”

Olly Perkins

He’s only 25, but Olly Perkins has already built a successful drone business turning over hundreds of thousands of pounds, funnelled half of those profits to church planters in the Himalayas, represented Britain in sailing and written a self-published book, The Message of the Clouds, on how to predict the weather, which was later picked up by leading publisher Bloomsbury. 

Now he’s turning his attention to an even bigger ambition: raising up the next generation of Wesleys (church leaders), Wilberforces (culture shapers) and Huntingdons (wealthy Christians who fund ministry). Through his organisation, Fruitful Work, Perkins is encouraging young Christians to see their careers as an opportunity to make a difference for God’s kingdom. “It’s all about using our talents as well as possible,” he told Premier. “Money, skills, connections, resources, opportunities – how can we use them for God’s kingdom?”

Jeremiah Azu

In 2024, Jeremiah Azu made history when he became the first Welshman to run 100m in under ten seconds.

The world champion and Olympic sprinter later caused controversy by wearing a ‘100% Jesus’ headband at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. But Azu is just one of a growing number of sportspeople unashamed to be known as a Christian.

The son of a pastor, Azu remains heavily involved in his family’s church in Cardiff, where he has sung “as long as I can remember”. Speaking to the Church Times, Azu explained: “We sing a mixture of traditional praise and African worship songs, and mix it in with British, American and European songs…I feel free when I sing…I feel like I am having a really big one-to-one connection with God.”

After winning silver in the 100m at the European Athletics Championships this summer, Azu was being interviewed by the BBC when he unexpectedly turned to the camera and laughed: “Can I send a message to my youth group? I’m not going to be there tomorrow, sorry. Youth group is cancelled!” Even in the excitement of winning a medal, church was clearly on his mind.

Seruksessions

Balancing a career in medicine with his growing presence in the UK Christian music scene, Seruksessions, whose real name is Hosanna Serukenya, is part of a new generation of Christian musicians expanding the boundaries of the genre. Blending R&B, Afrobeats and hip-hop, his music goes beyond traditional expressions of worship to explore the realities and complexities of navigating life as a Christian in the modern world. To his near 66,000 followers, he has tackled themes of evangelism, celibacy and spiritual struggles offering listeners music that speaks to their everyday experiences.

Praise Lubangu

As well as managing artist relations for Christian record label Wings Music Group, Praise Lubangu is also making waves with her own music, which she describes as a blend of soul, R&B and indie. Her 2021 cover of ‘What a beautiful name’, released in collaboration with sxxnt, has been streamed more than 5 million times on Spotify. Three years ago, Lubangu founded Night of Parables, a series of live music gatherings for Christian creatives. We can’t wait to hear her next release!

Dr Belle Tindall Riley

Dr Belle Tindall-Riley is a writer, biblical scholar and editor of Mockingbird magazine. Her debut book The Sacred Ache examines a growing openness to the spiritual, the transcendent and the mysterious in our culture today. Belle has been praised for bringing a rare combination of theological depth, cultural attentiveness, editorial curiosity and wit to her writing. 

Seun Odubade

Seun Odubade founded Christian streetwear brand Azariah Collective in 2021 with little more than a desk in his bedroom and a big vision. What began during lockdown with designs for hoodies, T-shirts and tote bags has grown into a UK-based clothing brand offering affordable, high-quality fashion inspired by scripture. Odubade’s mission is simple: to spread the gospel through clothing that resonates with Christians and inspires them to wear their faith proudly, wherever they go, every day.

Natasha Duursma

London-based Natasha Duursma is a director of photography whose commercial work spans fashion, beauty and brand campaigns. Her impressive list of clients has included Adidas, Asos, Nike, Spotify, New Balance, Vogue and Google, with her work ranging from adverts and short films through to music videos. Her video for dub poet James Massiah (Charlie) was nominated for best cinematography at the UK’s Music Video Awards. 

JERUB

In March 2026, singer-songwriter JERUB made history when his single ‘Kumbaya’ became the first number one on the newly launched Official UK Christian and Gospel Singles Chart. Born in Nigeria, he moved to Nottingham aged ten and grew up listening to gospel artists including Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin. Despite being relatively early in his career, he has amassed an already impressive résumé, including opening King Charles III’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle in 2023.

Deborah van der Bij

Styling herself as “your big sis in Christ”, Deborah van der Bij

(@deborahbx_) is one of the internet’s most popular Christian bloggers. The half-Dutch, half-Ghanaian content creator covers everything from travel to evangelism, book reviews and fashion. During a recent interview with Premier, the influencer was asked whether she had any advice for women. She replied: “As women, sometimes there can be a competitive spirit which is not good. We have to support each other and pray for one another. If there’s a woman you admire, then say it.” 

Layna Shepherd

Born in England and raised in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, Layna Shepherd grew up in a Christian home. Her parents founded the popular Christian band Onehundredhours in the early 2000s. The actress trained at London’s prestigious School of Musical Theatre and New York’s Broadway Dance Centre and is already carving out an impressive career. She recently starred alongside Eva Longoria in the Apple TV series Land of Women, a comedy-drama about a wealthy New Yorker forced to flee after her husband incurs a $15m debt.

DC3

The Northampton-born Daniel Chenjerai is the youngest of three siblings born to Zimbabwean parents. Professionally known as DC3, it is not difficult to guess where his stage name comes from.

He first gained attention online during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, sharing a series of freestyles within an online community of aspiring rappers who supported one another. When restrictions eased, he began recording in studios and writing songs, gradually building a loyal following.

Six years later, the 19-year-old made history by becoming the first Christian artist to win Best Newcomer in the 30-year history of the MOBO Awards. He also became the first artist to win Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act on the same night.

Raised a Seventh-day Adventist and the son of a pastor, DC3 admits that rap music was not always viewed favourably in his household. “My parents would always say: ‘Why not Christian rap?’ and I just thought: ‘Nah.’ But last year, I made that change, and I saw the positive effect it had – not just on my family and how they view music, but also on other people. It showed them that Christian music isn’t just this cringy thing you don’t listen to.”

Today, DC3’s growing audience spans multiple platforms, with more than 130,000 monthly Spotify listeners, 100,000 YouTube subscribers and more than a million Instagram followers.

His music has also begun exploring more serious subject matter. His September 2026 single ‘Kunta in UK’ tackles questions of race, identity and faith, drawing inspiration from Alex Haley’s novel Roots (Doubleday) and its television adaptation. Accompanied by a cinematic music video featuring fellow Christian British rapper Stormzy, the track marks another step in the young artist’s expanding creative ambitions.

Xenia James

Xenia James is a digital evangelist, social media content creator, preacher and presenter. She has worked with Alpha Youth and is part of The Way UK, a pioneering digital project reaching thousands of young people with the good news of the gospel. She is also the presenter of the groundbreaking new Alpha series that will launch in 2027 and is forecast to reach tens of millions of people in the next generation with the gospel. 

Whether hosting a filmed Bible study on Philippians, or vox popping strangers in the street to ask them how they find peace, James loves to create content that explores life’s big questions. 

Mnelia

Before transitioning to Christian music, Mnelia, from north-west London, had already made waves in the R&B scene. A MOBO award-winner who has performed at Glastonbury and Wireless Festival, she took her career in a new direction in 2026, parting ways with her record label, going independent and deciding to dedicate her music to God’s kingdom.

Her first series of releases since the transition, ‘everything’s changed’, explores the transformation she has undergone since becoming a Christian, expressing her newfound faith through both music and visual art.

Laura Anderson

Climate activist Laura Anderson, better known as @LessWasteLaura, has amassed more than 100,000 social media followers by encouraging people to live more sustainably. An award-winning environmental scientist, she has been named among The King’s Foundation’s ‘35 under 35’ list and campaigned against disposable vapes. Raised in a Christian family in Scotland, Anderson believes that caring for creation is central to the gospel. She wants churches to take environmental issues seriously, arguing that climate activism presents a vital opportunity to share Jesus.

Evie Loose

Evie Loose’s ability to pen songs full of hope and honesty with intricate lyrics and symphonic melodies means she’s equally comfortable in Church and mainstream settings. After graduating from Cardiff University with a music degree, her debut EP Where to Next? received critical acclaim from BBC Introducing. Her live performances have been enjoyed by audiences at Creation Fest and Big Church Festival. Currently working as the worship and creative lead at St Dionis Church in Parsons Green, London, Evie continues to write music and share stages with artists including Elle Limebear, Lou Fellingham and Graham Kendrick.