Ministry While Under The Influence? Pastor John Hannah Shared His Experience Of Smelling Marijuana On Some Gospel Singers

There’s a conversation floating around right now, and if we’re being real—it’s not a quiet one.

John Hannah, pastor of New Life Church in Chicago, recently shared his experience visiting different churches… and noticing something that made him pause: musicians and singers showing up smelling like marijuana. 

Maybe that's why we don't feel the anointing on these songs anymore.

Now listen. This isn’t about being judgmental. This is about being honest.

Because a lot of us grew up in a church.

We grew up in a culture where holiness wasn’t optional. 

It was the standard. 

Especially if you were on the altar. And especially if you were a musician.

You didn’t just play before God. And you prepared for the anointing to show up.

So now the question is floating louder than ever:

Is it a sin for Christians to smoke marijuana? Or are we just calling everything “freedom” now?

Gospel music is about ministry not just music.

Here’s the truth nobody wants to say out loud:

This isn’t just about marijuana.

This is about Christian standards.

Because the Bible may not say “thou shalt not smoke weed” word-for-word… but it does say:

Be sober-minded

Be self-controlled

Don’t be mastered by anything

Your body is a temple

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

 

1 Corinthians 6:12 – “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” but I will not be mastered by anything.  

 

Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

 

And that’s where the tension comes in.

This is where it might get uncomfortable.

Because modern Christianity loves to say:

“Don’t judge me.”

 

 

 

But very rarely asks:

“Am I representing God well?”

 

And those are two VERY different conversations.

So… Is It a Sin?

Here’s the grounded answer: Maybe

But....Serving in ministry while under the influence

The church isn’t “too strict” for having standards.

And it’s not “progressive” for lowering them either.

Ask yourself:

Does this bring me closer to God