Caleb McLaughlin, best known for playing Lucas Sinclair on Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, is opening up about a recent season of spiritual renewal that led him to pray more intentionally, step away from social media, and return regularly to church with his family.

In a candid conversation on the Podcrushed podcast, the 24-year-old actor shared that faith has always been part of his life, but that something shifted for him over the summer. “I’ve always felt the connection with God in my spirit from, I can’t even remember the day it started,” McLaughlin said. “It’s just always been a part of me, but it’s always been a different level to me now.”

McLaughlin explained that the busyness of life — especially life in the public eye — can sometimes dull spiritual focus. “You live your life, and you kind of get into the world a little bit,” he said. “Then you kind of stop praying sometimes. You’re like, ‘Alright, I’m praying before I go to sleep. All right, great.’ But then you have those moments like, wait, I need to pray and talk to God and ground myself.”

That realization prompted a reset. McLaughlin said he spent much of the summer intentionally reconnecting with God, attending church with his family and making the decision to delete Instagram and step back from social media altogether. “I went to church a lot with my family, and I deleted Instagram and got off social media and just started grounding myself a little bit more and talking to God more,” he shared. “It’s been really replenishing.”

The actor’s reflections echo themes he has spoken about for years — purpose, discipline, and staying grounded amid fame. Cast on Stranger Things at just 13 years old after starring in The Lion King on Broadway, McLaughlin grew up under an intense spotlight as the show became one of Netflix’s most successful series. Yet he has consistently credited his faith with keeping him centered.

In a 2022 interview with Essence, McLaughlin described acting as a calling rather than a personal ambition. “God has called me to do this thing called acting and the performing arts,” he said at the time. “I never wanted to do it — it just happened. I love it more than anything now.”

In recent years, McLaughlin has expanded his career beyond television, appearing in films such as Concrete Cowboy, The Book of Clarence, and Shooting Stars, an inspirational sports drama that focuses on friendship and community. Speaking previously about the film, he emphasized the importance of relationships and support systems. “Don’t forget about the people that love you and support you,” he said. “You’re going to need them at the end of the day when all else fails.”

McLaughlin is also set to star in the upcoming animated film GOAT, produced by Stephen Curry, scheduled for release in February. But amid new projects and ongoing success, the actor says his recent spiritual reset has been especially meaningful — a reminder that grounding himself in prayer, community, and faith brings a deeper sense of clarity and renewal than anything online ever could.