The Gospel in Whispers: An MBS Student's Unique Ministry
In the world of online content creation, where the cacophony of voices competes for attention, Metro Baltimore Seminary student Christi Sabb creates solace with a whisper. Several years ago, she discovered an unexpected avenue for ministry: ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.
Christi's journey into ASMR began with a whisper, quite literally. Through a friend's YouTube channel, she discovered a world where gentle sounds could alleviate anxiety. “Typically, people use it to fall asleep or to de-stress.” Christi, a former teacher at a missionary school in Guatemala, saw an opportunity for the gospel in the dearth of Christian-oriented ASMR content. Though initially hesitant, she felt compelled to fill this void.
Sharing the Gospel Through ASMR
In October 2019, Christi launched her ASMR channel, whispering passages from the Bible and offering a sanctuary in a chaotic digital landscape. Her YouTube channel gradually gained traction, and she presently has almost 40,000 followers. “This is phenomenal,” Pastor Craig says. “It’s a digital outreach any pastor would love to have.”
At one point, she earned significant monthly income from ads on her site. “The incentive for content creators is to get the views, which earn money.” But she couldn’t control which ads appeared, so she turned off the monetizing feature. Without ads, “It’s better... it’s freeing. I’m not doing it with the wrong intention. I’m focused on ‘How can I make an impact?’
For Christi, ASMR's popularity stems from its ability to connect with viewers. She positions herself close to the camera and adopts a soothing demeanor so that “people feel you’re talking to them directly.” Her viewers find respite from stress, solace in scripture, and a conduit for spiritual growth. “People with certain disabilities say it helps them focus on the Bible.”
The Power of Connection
Christi's inbox brims with testimonies of transformation from around the globe. One viewer writes, "Thank you for your ASMR reading the Bible. You helped me get out of a dark time and get back in touch with the Lord." Another says, "I am dying of inoperable cancer... I am a pure heathen and am looking for my spiritual base before I go to the afterlife. I would like to learn from you." Others share prayer requests or answers to prayer.
She has faced criticism, both from within and outside her faith community. Some see ASMR as incompatible with Christianity, especially since some ASMR features New Age beliefs, witchcraft, or sexual content. But Christi keeps her messages centered on the Bible, and is careful to be modestly attired, “completely covered up.” She blocks inappropriate comments. Attacks on her character are painful reminders of the potential for misunderstanding or spiritual warfare.
Christi, a widow with a young son, is pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at MBS to ensure her ministry remains firmly rooted in the Bible. Pastor Craig encouraged her to join BALM's Church Planting and Renewal track because “digital evangelism is a rapidly growing way of spreading the message of Jesus Christ to the world. By taking advantage of new technologies, we can reach far more people than ever with the message of hope, love, and salvation.” She appreciates that both Pastors Craig and Stan are enthusiastic about her ministry.
In a world clamoring for attention, Christi’s ministry reminds us that sometimes, profound messages are delivered in unexpected ways—even through whispers. Her listeners find both relaxation and revelation—a testament to the gospel's transformative power.
