Edward Barber ordained as pastor, embraces calling to ministry

Actor Edward Barber has quietly crossed a defining threshold — one that reshapes not just his career path, but the core of his purpose. Recently ordained as a pastor, Barber marked what he described as a long-felt calling finally given form.

The announcement was made by Favor Church Manila, which confirmed his ordination during a leadership gathering recognizing new pastors and ministers-in-training. Shared publicly through the church’s social media platforms, the moment symbolized a formal commissioning into service — an affirmation of what Barber said has been stirring in him for years.

Long before this milestone, Barber lived much of his life in the public eye. He rose to national prominence as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 and later became part of the hugely popular MayWard love team with Maymay Entrata. Their on-screen chemistry led to several projects, including the film Loving in Tandem, cementing his place in mainstream entertainment.

But even at the height of his fame, Barber admitted something felt incomplete.

“I really see my calling in ministry,” he once shared. “It was really a moment when I thought, ‘God, I have everything that the world is telling me I should want. I have the following, I have the projects, I have the money — and I feel so empty’.”

That inner shift has since translated into visible action. Barber now hosts a faith-driven podcast titled The Painfully Human, where he speaks candidly about belief, doubt and the complexities of being human — conversations that mirror his own spiritual journey.

While his ordination places ministry at the center of his life, Barber has been clear that it does not signal a complete departure from show business. Still, he acknowledged that his priorities have changed.

“I’ve seen hosting as my work, and I love it. I love the people with me,” he said. “But at the end of the day, if I have to choose between the two, I will probably choose the ministry.”

For Edward, the spotlight has not dimmed — it has simply shifted. From screen to sanctuary, his story now unfolds less around applause and more around purpose, guided by a conviction he says finally feels whole.