Skillet’s John Cooper Says Rock Stars Are Coming to Christ: ‘God Is Doing … Incredible Things’

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The outspoken frontman for Skillet says rock musicians are coming to Christ amid a “remarkable” movement of God within the industry.

John Cooper, the band’s lead singer, told ChurchLeaders he had just learned that another musician had become a Christian —news that followed other high-profile conversions that have drawn mainstream media attention.

“I just found out another iconic musician became a Christian yesterday. I don’t know if we were allowed to say it or not, so I won’t say his name, but I was lit up yesterday,” Cooper said.

Cooper’s comments come as several prominent rock singers have spoken publicly about their Christian faith. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan declared in a September 2026 podcast conversation that he is a Christian and described Jesus as “my Lord and Savior.” Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix discussed his conversion and recovery from addiction in a March 2026 interview, declaring, “I’m a full-blown believer now.”

Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, who died in February 2026, explained in a January 2025 interview that he felt called to tell concert audiences Jesus loves them. Creed’s Scott Stapp has also discussed recommitting to God and the importance of daily prayer and Scripture.

“God is doing all sorts of incredible things in this market,” Cooper said. “It doesn’t always look like the traditional Christianity.”

Cooper also emphasized that sanctification doesn’t happen overnight. He told the story of a well-known rocker whose newfound faith in Christ helped turn his life around following years of addiction, marital infidelity and other struggles. That rocker still uses coarse language —but has seen the rest of his life radically changed.

“I don’t think that Christ would hear that conversation and say, ‘My takeaway is the f-word,’” Cooper said.

He added: “Now, would I like the language to change? He knows I would. We've talked about it.”

Cooper said interest in Scripture is growing among musicians from secular bands on tour with Skillet. One approached him about starting a Bible study after deciding to follow Jesus, and a second asked to participate after learning about it, ChurchLeaders reported.

Cooper urged Christians to extend patience and grace to those beginning their faith journeys.

“Some of these guys, you're like, ‘The way he talks, I just had no idea he was a Christian’ —but then I find out behind the scenes, without anybody knowing it, he's led four other musicians to Christ, and he's the one that they're like, ‘Bro, I need to quit doing drugs, and I don't know what to do.’ And he's on a flight, and he takes them to rehab. And you're like, ‘Well, I'm not doing any of that — I'm just at home studying theology. And I'm better than everybody else?’”

Photo Credit: ©Skillet

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.