A pastor based in California opened up about helping a barber with clown face tattoos go into ministry.
Pastor Joey Tellez of The Connection House Church in Whittier spoke to the Christian Post about his decision to disciple Richie Esposito, 38, who goes by the name Richie the Barber, into pastoral ministry following his conversion to Christianity.
“The biggest miracle is ultimately salvation, you know?” Tellez said. “And what I’ve seen in Richie minister is that people are getting set free, and it’s such a beautiful thing.”
The pair first connected on social media and shortly after Tellez baptized Esposito. Esposito then offered Tellez a position to play drums in his Christian punk band.
“We just hit it off playing music initially. And then I just started to speak into his life,” Tellez told the outlet.
Since then, he has allowed Esposito to speak on his pulpit numerous times.
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“I wanted him to share what God has done because, ultimately, it’s just been an incredible testimony for what the Lord continues to do in his life,” he shared.
John 7:24 says, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Esposito grew popular on social media due to his face being covered with clown makeup tattoos, along with his red hair, piercings, and silicon implants.
However, Tellez said he doesn’t believe his appearance interferes with the Gospel and his testimony will make a huge impact on the younger generation.
“I’ve seen a lot of people come to Christ through Richie’s testimony,” Tellez revealed. “A lot of young people who may feel that maybe they can’t go to a traditional church where they might feel like they’re outcasts.”
Additionally, Tellez said he believes Esposito’s appeal is for the younger tattooed and “punk rockers” of this generation who are “looking for hope and they’re searching for answers of love and compassion and empathy.”
Last week, Esposito posted a photo on his Instagram page telling his followers he would be studying to become a pastor with Tellez’s help.
“I’m studying to become a pastor. I finally got my first book. Pastor Joey is helping me study for my test [Joey Tellez] It’s gonna take a year but I’m dedicated to do this in Jesus name,” he wrote in the caption.