In an exclusive interview with Charisma Media, Joe Kirby, founder of Off the Kirb Ministries and one of the most impactful Christian voices on YouTube, shared his powerful testimony, his passion for street evangelism and how God transformed his life from chasing fame to preaching the gospel to millions.
Kirby grew up in a Christian home in the United Kingdom, but like many young people, he rebelled against his upbringing. “My heart was like a bucket with holes,” he said. “I kept trying to fill it with girls, parties…but it all kept seeping out. It left me empty.”
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Though he feared death and hell, he resisted surrendering his life to God, largely because of his dream to become a world-famous actor. “I wanted to be in Hollywood. But I knew there’d be pressure to compromise—swearing in roles or doing inappropriate scenes. And I didn’t think I could follow Jesus and succeed in that world.”
The breakthrough came during a conversation with his former pastor, who challenged him directly: “Are you a Christian?” Kirby admitted he wasn’t. When he shared his fears about acting and Christianity clashing, the pastor said, “We need more Christians in the media.” That one line broke the weight of resistance in his heart. “It was like the last excuse was gone,” Kirby recalled. “I drove home really quick, got on the floor and just said, ‘Lord God, I’m tired of running from You.’”
/**/Although he fully committed that day, his understanding of the gospel deepened over time—especially through listening to other street preachers. “Hearing them share the gospel so clearly helped the pieces fall into place. It wasn’t just about fearing hell anymore—it was about the love of Christ, His righteousness, and the new life He offers,” Kirby said.
What followed was a radical shift. Introduced to street evangelism through a seasoned preacher named Vinnie Commons, Kirby discovered his calling. “It was terrifying at first—my knees literally knocked together—but I loved it. I felt like I found my purpose,” he said.
Kirby soon transitioned to full-time ministry, preaching across the U.K. and eventually launching Off the Kirb Ministries on YouTube. Initially, the channel featured street preaching clips, but a single video on Psalm 73 addressing temptations to return to the world unexpectedly went viral. From there, God began to expand Kirby’s reach.
Despite growing influence, Kirby has remained grounded. “I had to make a choice not to run ads on certain videos because they were showing inappropriate content. And I’ve shared openly about my own struggles, especially with purity. I want people to know there’s freedom in Christ,” he said.
That same transparency marked his family’s painful journey through loss. Joe and his wife Emma experienced the stillbirth of their daughter, Anna Grace. “It’s still raw. But one thing I’ve learned is how precious the local church is. The body of Christ carried us through,” he said.
The experience reshaped his ministry perspective. “I used to get caught up in views and subscribers. But losing Anna reminded me what truly matters—family, faith and helping believers grow in Christ.”
Kirby’s passion remains evangelism, especially in the last days. “I watch for signs like the moral collapse of society, technological advances that align with Revelation, and the growing apostasy in the church. But I’m not afraid. These signs aren’t meant to scare us—they’re meant to prepare us.”
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With urgency in his voice, he shared a final gospel appeal: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. On the cross, He took the wrath we deserved. And if you call on His name, you’ll be saved. You don’t earn it—it’s a gift.”
As Kirby continues to preach both in the streets and online, his message remains clear: Jesus is coming soon. Now is the time to get right with God.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
