I honestly can’t remember what semester in Seminary my friend introduced me to the Terrell show because…what is time… but at some point, it became the only thing I watched. Writing a thesis on ordination, doing my full time job, listening to Omar Sosa and watching the Terrell Show (repeat). It was a cycle of survival. But of course, my analytical mind began to notice all the ways that Terrell Grice is a pastor. Those of us who work in a ministry context can learn a lot from his ability to host people, honor where they are, listen to what lies beneath and allow space for one’s whole self to show up.
Now if you are interested in a really well written article about why Terrell is super duper awesome. I would suggest this article by TARISAI NGANGURA. This post will mostly be a theological version of fangirling.
To begin the journey, start with the Clark Sisters’ interview. Based on what I have cobbled together from interviews with Terrell, Jackie (the sister sitting in the middle) had recently lost her husband and she was not in the mood. It is clear that all of them are not quite sure why they are there, who Terrell is and if he even knows anything about them. By the time the interview concludes, you can notice the physical transformation of each, particularly Jackie. It isn’t that he forced her into joy, but rather he allowed her to show up where she was and feel how she was feeling. It is a beautiful thing to watch. By entering into a vulnerable space and sharing how their music was integral to his spiritual development, the sisters are no longer interviewees, but friends.
Next, I encourage you to check out this interview with Ledisi. I love it because she spends a lot of time fangirling on him. And I think her incites really exemplify why he is so popular.
In this last video, Terrell invites one of his fans to join him at the blue wall. About 11:00 minutes in after encouraging her to sing beyond her comfort zone, he invites her to stretch her voice even further by sharing her coming out story. In many church stories folks call this testimony. For me, testimony is not about sharing your business, it is offer story as a sacred space for communal growth. The one who hears the testimony may be any character in the story. Ideally the Spirit is then given space in this vulnerable hearing and speaking experience to transform what needs to be transformed; to give space for expansion; for spiritual/psychological/physical maturing…..
It is my greatest hope that I will one day have the honor of interviewing Terrell on these things, but in the meantime, I a wonderful youtube channel for endless rewatching and entertainment.
Here are some other amazing episodes that explore the intersection of ratchet-holiness.
Inayah Lamis – Definitely parental advisory
Jonahtan McReynolds – get your prayer clothe
Mali Music – I mean there is a piano and its Mali
Durand Bernarr – he is a singing fool and you should watch the multiple episodes he has.
Amber Riley – she is one of the only people to get all the songs!
Vincint – they are clearly friends, perhaps more???
And really – you should just look at his youtube channel
PSST: Lala Hathaway and Cynthia Erivo
Follow Terrell on all the things: @terrellgrice
Pursuing Call 