Chance the Rapper is opening up about his Christian faith, admitting that even after growing up in the Church, surrendering his life completely to God remains a work in progress.

During an appearance on Christian rapper Lecrae’s podcast, The Deep End With Lecrae, the Grammy-winning artist spoke candidly about his spiritual journey, the struggles that brought him closer to God, and why he believes Christians have a responsibility to put their faith into action.

“I say wrestle cuz it’s not yet a full surrender, but it is me trying to be closer to God,” Chance admitted.

The Chicago-born rapper, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, explained that faith has always been part of his upbringing. His great-grandmother founded the church he attended as a child, while his grandmother’s older sister established its vacation Bible school.

Despite those deep religious roots, Chance said his relationship with God didn’t become truly personal until he was around 20 years old.

He recalled a difficult period while living in Los Angeles, away from his family and surrounded by newfound money and independence. Although his music career was taking off, he found himself struggling personally.

It was gospel music, something he had grown up hearing in church, that helped him begin reconnecting with his faith.

Chance started listening to familiar gospel songs in the mornings, a practice that helped lift him out of a difficult season. Eventually, he returned to Chicago, reconnected with his family, and became involved in church again.

But his spiritual journey hasn’t been without challenges.

During the conversation, Chance acknowledged the tension between asking God for blessings and learning to trust Him through life’s difficulties. He suggested that obstacles can sometimes become opportunities to depend more fully on God rather than relying on personal success.

His reflections echo James 1:2–4, which reminds Christians that trials can strengthen faith, develop perseverance, and lead to spiritual maturity.

The conversation also turned to the Church’s responsibility to address injustice and care for people facing oppression.

While acknowledging the importance of personal holiness, Chance encouraged Christians to recognize that following Jesus also means taking action to help others.

“I think it’s collective work. I think it’s collective education,” he told Lecrae.

His comments reflect the biblical message found in James 2:17, which teaches that faith without action is dead.

For Chance, the journey of faith isn’t about claiming to have everything figured out. It’s about continuing to seek God, even when surrender doesn’t come easily.

And his willingness to admit that struggle offers a relatable reminder for Christians at every stage of their spiritual journey: Growing closer to God is an ongoing process, one that requires humility, perseverance, and a willingness to keep following Him.