Allie Schnacky acknowledges that you might find it hard to believe when she claims Jesus Christ is genuine. She would feel the same way if her life had not been touched by God: if He hadn’t given her dreams and visions; if those visions hadn’t subsequently materialized; if He hadn’t performed miracles for her and her loved ones.
She understands that you may harbor doubts. Yet, before you dismiss her, open-minded reader, let her clarify her thoughts instead.
Or simply:
She acknowledges your potential skepticism. However, before you reject her, let me tell you more, thoughtful reader.
At least, she’s eager to elucidate it to me. Allie is seated opposite me on the porch at her family home, overlooking Lake Minnehaha in Clermont, Florida, a city situated 20 miles west of Orlando. Her hair is sleekly tied back, and her maroon nails and gold Oura ring catch the sun’s dappled rays. “From my childhood,” she begins, “I’ve harbored an intense passion for the Lord.
Today marks my first personal encounter with Allie, yet I’m no stranger to her message. Up until now, she has been a digital companion for me, much like she is for her 4 million TikTok followers, 1.68 million YouTube subscribers, and 875,000 Instagram followers. I’ve joined her in virtual Bible studies from her favorite coffee shops, listened to her sermons as part of Chosen and Free, her Christian young women’s ministry, and witnessed her inspire women to find love like hers with fellow content creator Austin Armstrong, a long-time friend of hers. I’ve followed along as she shared insights on recognizing spiritual attacks, how faith alleviates her anxiety, and the importance of connecting with people not just within the church, but in the places where they’re struggling.
***
Alone, Allie stands out as a significant faith-based influencer, part of an expanding group within the creator economy. However, she is also a segment of a larger and progressively influential family enterprise: JWLKRS Worship, a conglomerate of Christian content creators, musicians, and speakers led by Allie’s family, which includes her father, Lance; her sisters, Ella and Noelle; and her brothers, Noah and Colby, who is adopted, with an expanding group of other creators such as Armstrong, Mickala Williams, Tiffany Hope, and Kristin Marino, who is engaged to Noah. Collectively, they boast a following exceeding 30 million.
Beyond their social media presence, JWLKRS Worship (known as “J Walkers,” with “J” representing a well-known figure) and the Schnackys exert significant influence both online and offline. They function as a comprehensive entertainment company devoted to Jesus, comparable to the D’Amelios or the Kardashians in a Christian parallel world. They organize conferences attracting thousands, host a podcast, and have a strong presence on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. In 2023, they started producing music under the name JWLKRS Worship, and this year they made their first appearance at the Grammys as nominees for best contemporary Christian music performance/song. Last fall, they joined Maverick City’s popular worship brand on a 24-date arena tour, performing at venues like Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. They are currently working on a reality show with Propagate Content, a Los Angeles-based production-management firm. Allie and I are currently residing in three adjacent houses within the same gated community in Clermont.
Allie leans across the table, her face glowing, and her eyes sparkling with fervor. She holds her well-worn Bible close. ‘God has completely transformed my life,’ she says, ‘and I’m eager to spread this revelation as far as it can go.’
***
During the COVID-19 pandemic, JWLKRS Worship gained traction, much like many content creators did during that time. In March 2020, the Schnackys settled in to quarantine together at home in Clermont. Initially, it was Noah and Colby who began creating TikTok videos more frequently. At first, their content wasn’t centered around faith; instead, it showcased pranks and glimpses of their daily lives. “They simply started making videos for enjoyment since they had little else to do,” Allie explains.
At that point in her life, she found herself at a critical juncture. She had just graduated from high school and was pondering her future moves, yet she held no desire for a career in social media. To her, it seemed more like a dismal realm where one’s self-worth was quantified by the number of followers. “Social media,” she admits, “sent me spiraling in various directions.” Her brother was deeply engrossed in it, and people would often compare her to him despite his unwavering support — as if her worth was inferior because of a digital figure on a screen.
Without a doubt, Noah was the one who got a head start in this journey. Known as the eldest Schnacky sibling, he embarked on his entertainment career as a child actor and singer, creating a small but devoted fanbase before joining JWLKRS Worship. At a tender age, he signed with A3 Artists Agency, opted for homeschooling, and moved to L.A. alongside Lance; the rest of his siblings and their mother, Kim, who was a pharmacist, remained in Florida. (Noah and Lance proved to be an excellent father-son duo; Lance too caught the entertainment bug at a young age. Born in Minnesota, his family later moved to Orlando. His grandmother was instrumental in starting him off in acting during seventh grade, and as a high schooler, he was part of Universal Studios’ opening crew.)
Over time, Noah accumulated several minor roles on TV shows, one of which was on an episode of “How I Met Your Mother”. However, his major breakthrough occurred in 2018 when he independently released the country-pop single “Hello Beautiful”, which became viral. This success earned him a Teen Choice Awards nomination that year, and subsequently, a record deal with Nashville’s renowned Big Machine Records, most famous for signing Taylor Swift at a young age. (Noah parted ways with Big Machine in 2022 but intends to publish solo music under Recapture Records, the family-owned label that also distributes JWLKRS Worship’s music.)
In no time at all, Allie found herself walking the same path as her brother. At a particularly challenging period during the pandemic, it seemed like divine intervention came into play. One night, when she was in bed feeling hopeless and rejected, she says God spoke to her powerfully. “I was crying and feeling worthless,” she recalled. “But I felt so lonely… and that night, God touched me in my bed with a forceful presence. He said, ‘Allie, you are chosen by me.’ This moment released her from her fear of being rejected. “Since then, I have been able to tell others that they too are known and loved by God.
Empowered, Allie and her high school friend Carol Wilber decided to join their brothers on TikTok and start livestreaming as well. In no time, around 2,000 people tuned in each evening to watch this group. “We would inspire them spiritually, helping them find solace and joy amidst difficult times through our faith in God,” she explains, “because that’s what had sustained us.
Recognizing a significant demand for uplifting and embracing individuals, she explained, ‘people needed to feel part of a loving family.’ Thus, the JWLKRS Worship community was established.
The main members of the group – the Schnacky siblings and Armstrong – had originally met around a decade ago at church. In 2015, they established a youth group linked to them, known as JWLKRS. Creating content was just a natural progression for them. Once they started working together, their fan bases rapidly grew.
At just the opportune moment, this family found themselves in the limelight. The previous five years have witnessed an explosion of faith-based entertainment ventures that have captured the hearts of millions. One such example is the 2025 biblical series, House of David, streamed on Prime Video, which garnered a staggering 22 million viewers worldwide in the fortnight following its debut, as reported by Amazon. Additionally, movies like Sound of Freedom have also made their mark; with over $250 million at the global box office, it was one of the most financially successful films of 2023.
Additionally, several other creators have stepped forward to seize the opportunity. Among them is Sadie Robertson Huff, a podcast presenter and cast member on the A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty”; actresses Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, who co-host the highly rated faith podcast “Girls Gone Bible”; the artist Jackie Hill Perry, known for her work in hip-hop and spoken word, as well as writing a memoir about renouncing homosexuality after embracing Christianity; Reece Weaver, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who leverages her platform (enhanced by a significant role in Greg Whiteley’s Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts” about the squad) to discuss her Christian beliefs; and Jeanine Amapola Ward, an author and podcast host who offers traditional lifestyle content with a fresh, biblical perspective.
Madison Prewett Troutt is another figure to note. She’s a Christian author, podcast host, and former contestant on ‘The Bachelor.’ Interestingly, her family shares similarities with the Schnackys. In 2023, her mom, Tonya Prewett, along with others, established UniteUS – an organization that organizes massive worship concerts at American universities and baptizes numerous students during these events (Tonya declined an interview request for this article after reflecting on it).
Nevertheless, the Schnacky family and JWLKRS Worship stand out significantly due to the size and reach of their operations. While each individual’s faith may be private, collectively they strategically aim for a widespread impact, which is particularly relevant given the current political and cultural climate in America where Christianity has increasingly become part of mainstream society.
***
Lance Schnacky, the family patriarch, doesn’t mind whether you identify as a Democrat or a Republican, according to him.
Today marks my second day in Clermont. The Schnackys have recently completed recording the first episode of their upcoming podcast season, scheduled for release in August. Following the recording, I had my initial meeting with Lance. At 51, he is the head of the Schnacky family and maintains a youthful physique. His athletic form is accentuated by his tanned skin. He dons a fitted cobalt blue T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of white Nike Jordans. I asked him about their merchandise which includes a black snapback hat that bears a reference to President Trump: the phrase “MAKE AMERICA GODLY AGAIN” is emblazoned in bold white letters. When I enquired about this slogan, Lance summoned Noah over and explained it was his son’s idea: “Noah likes to stir up a bit of controversy,” Lance joked.
Noah enters the dining room and takes a seat among us, clad in a beige New York Yankees hat, a sage green Fear of God Essentials hoodie, and flashing a mischievous grin that hints at a secret unshared. “We don’t rely on any human,” he declares. “What we aim for is escaping the political divide between left and right. He’s referring to God, as he exits the room, “It’s above us,” he concludes, emphasizing that God has always been superior.
Lance emphasizes, widening his eyes and shaking his head, “I detest being labeled.” He continues, “When we’re wearing these hats, people often approach us. Sometimes they say, ‘I adore your hat,’ or they merely gaze at us. It’s unclear whether they mean to harm us or not.
Has Trump’s re-election in November affected the group’s viewpoint or approach in any way? For Lance, the response is negative. “I don’t place my faith in who sits in the White House,” he asserts. “There’s a larger narrative than our small realm, and it’s God’s story… everything else is just static.
However, the Schnacky family is quite active and their ventures span numerous realms, some of which are somewhat vague. JWLKRS Worship operates as a non-profit entity, yet each contributor derives income from various digital platforms. Alongside Recapture Records, there’s Recapture Management and Recapture Livestream, the family’s TikTok Live agency for faith-based content creators, all of which are profit-driven businesses. Furthermore, they have other business ventures such as a collaboration with an Israeli tourism firm and plans to create a comedy series in Nashville. Their income also stems from investments. Lance shares, “We generally prefer not to disclose our earnings, viewing money as a means to manage wisely, rather than something to pursue compulsively. Whatever resources God provides us — we strive to utilize them responsibly and with intention.
After completing the podcast recording, everyone in the living room starts tidying up. They pack away cameras, ring lights, and adjust the large sectional sofa to face the massive flat-screen TV. A big statue of an astronaut by Filipino American artist Jefrë, which had been used as a backdrop, is lifted and returned to its original spot in the house’s entranceway. Meanwhile, Allie squats at her laptop, uploading the newly recorded footage. Noah and some other content creators have already resumed their live streaming sessions.
The overall impact is overwhelming, much like what I presume living in TikTok’s Hype House during its peak period might have felt. Allie grasps this comparison when we first chat over the phone. However, she points out a significant distinction between other creator collectives and her family’s. “Most of these groups don’t have a genuine relationship with us,” she says. “There’s no shared history. There’s no loyalty.
She goes on to say, ‘We’ve been companions since we were little children.’ However, our lifestyle isn’t conventional like others. We abstain from alcohol and refrain from partying… often, folks can’t fathom why we choose this path.
I ask Allie what she feels is the most misunderstood thing about her family.
She pauses, then says, “People love to look at us and call us a cult.”
***
As a devout follower myself, I can attest that the Schnacky phenomenon is far from solitary. My millions of fellow believers and I are not just fans, we’re acolytes – dedicated supporters who live and breathe this faith. And it’s not just us; over 5,000 TikTok Live creators officially endorsed by Recapture Livestream are part of the Schnacky movement too.
During the same week, I cross paths with numerous other creators after our family moves to New York City for Recapture’s Winter Games. This event was a three-day live-streaming competition, held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, inviting the agency’s top 225 creators.
The competition revolves around clashes among content creators. During each clash, multiple duos simultaneously stream live on TikTok, inviting viewers to purchase virtual tokens using U.S. dollars. These tokens are later converted into earnings for the streamer. (As per TikTok, in the U.S., most LIVE creators can potentially receive up to 53 percent of TikTok’s revenue from selling virtual goods after deducting payments to app stores, payment processors, and any necessary adjustments as outlined in their terms and policies. However, according to Lance, Recapture Livestream does not take a portion of its creators’ earnings; instead, TikTok remunerates the agency directly for services it offers, such as promoting awareness of the app’s livestreaming function.)
The competitions reach their peak with an epic showdown between the top two contestants, happening outdoors in Times Square and streamed live on a massive 2,250-square-foot digital screen. (Regarding the cost of leasing this billboard for a 15-minute period, Lance opted not to disclose the information.)
I’ll show up at the finals event on Sunday, which is taking place at the Marriott conference room. On my chair in there, I find a set of stickers from Upward, a faith-based dating app that sponsored the event, with phrases like “Faith Over Fear”, “Prayer Warrior” and “Grow in Grace”. In the morning, Lance conducts a worship service, accompanied by a live acoustic performance from JWLKRS Worship, made up of Noah, Ella, Armstrong, and Hope. The crowd, mainly individuals in their 20s and early 30s from across the U.S. and Canada, are enthusiastically dancing and singing, gazing at the Schnackys and their group.
Subsequently, Allie switches to a professional mode, capturing content for Upward and chatting with a succession of creators about their personal journeys with Recapture and how it’s impacted their lives. Mattah Parker, a 25-year-old creator and model, then appears on screen, sharing her story of joining Recapture helping her settle medical debts from numerous surgeries to remove breast tumors, as well as managing ongoing Type 1 diabetes, a condition she was diagnosed with during the pandemic. “I’m quite holistic,” Parker explains, “and the idea of having to go to the pharmacy daily and see modern doctors was initially unsettling for me.
After wrapping up the shoot, Allie confides in Parker about how God has miraculously healed her ailments. Later, we form a circle as she prays fervently over Parker, gently placing her hands on our shoulders, imploring God to heal her diabetes. “God,” Allie petitions, “may no medication be needed for her body.” “God,” she continues, “let it only be you and your divine presence.
Following the semifinals, Nathan Stroble and Cameron Carroll remain as the only active livestreamers. At 10:30 pm, everyone ventures out into the frosty night air. The duo ascend to a platform at 46th and Broadway and start their competition. As their visages appear on the colossal billboard that looms above the Disney Store, the crowd explodes with excitement. Stroble starts passionately proclaiming the Gospel; both content creators holler into their smartphone cameras as donations pour in from viewers. TikTok’s live chat feature, now displayed on a massive scale, fills up with messages, such as “Hear God,” “Jesus adores you NYC!!”, and “JESUS CHRIST IS RULER.”
OR
After the semifinals, Nathan Stroble and Cameron Carroll are the final livestreamers standing. At 10:30 pm, everyone steps out into the chill of the night. They both climb onto a platform at 46th and Broadway and begin their contest. Their faces flash on an enormous billboard that towers above the Disney Store, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers. Stroble starts preaching the Gospel fervently; both content creators shout into their smartphones as donations from viewers come streaming in. The live chat function on TikTok, now displayed prominently, is flooded with messages like “Listen to God,” “Jesus loves you NYC!”, and “JESUS CHRIST IS KING.
In the end, Carroll triumphs and bounds into the throng who lift him high above them. Subsequently, Noah follows suit, with others close behind. The collective begins to sing “I Thank God,” a tune by JWLKRS Worship, jumping up and down. Curious onlookers pause to witness this spectacle as the Schnackys and their vast horde of creators shout the song’s lyrics at full volume, right smack in the heart of the universe.
***
In Clermont, there’s a peaceful hush as the sun sinks below the horizon. Allie and I have recently returned from a stroll with Gatsby, the family pet Bernedoodle. Once back on the porch, Allie ponders over her experiences; she finds it hard to comprehend how smoothly things have unfolded thus far, feeling incredibly lucky.
She begins by mentioning my presence, hinting at her intention to share God’s impact on her life. However, instead, she reveals that she had prayed for me even before I got here. Gazing out towards the water where a baby alligator resides, she clarifies that this isn’t an attempt to convert me but rather expresses a sincere belief that there is a special purpose in the way God has crafted me.
I ask her if she says this to everyone.
She explains that it’s not as if she encounters someone casually and immediately suggests they are meant to meet divine intervention,” she says. As twilight paints her face with a soft dusty rose tone, mirroring the shade of the Bible she plans to give me before I depart, she continues, “However, there was an unusual quality about you that stood out from our very first conversation.
At some point, she stretches her hand over the table and gently taps my arm, creating a brief connection between us. “I truly feel that you’re here with a purpose,” she states firmly. “A purpose that God will reveal to you soon.
The story you see was published in the June 18th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. If you want to stay updated and read more such stories, consider subscribing.
Read More
- Roblox: Project Egoist codes (June 2025)
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- How Angel Studios Is Spreading the Gospel of “Faith-Friendly” Cinema
- Jerry Trainor Details How He Went “Nuclear” to Land Crazy Steve Role on ‘Drake & Josh’
- Brown Dust 2 celebrates second anniversary with live broadcast offering a peek at upcoming content
- Comparing the Switch 2’s Battery Life to Other Handheld Consoles
- Maiden Academy tier list
- King Arthur: Legends Rise tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
2025-06-20 16:25