Even though Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. is not widely accepted in the Christian community because of his unorthodox views and beliefs, Liberty University, the world's largest Christian institution of learning, recently gave him a warm welcome when he was asked to join its convocation and give a speech.
Wilkerson was thrust into the spotlight after he officiated the union of Playboy cover model and reality star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West back in 2014, according to Christian News.
Wilkerson does not always conform to traditional Christian values and has raised the eyebrows of many believers who hold strong and uncompromising ideals.
"I come from a different perspective. I don't think people are interested in a bunch of religion, like tell me what I can and can't do," he explained during the promotional video for his new congregation called "Vous Church." "But I think people are interested in having a relationship with a higher power."
The video showed the pastor getting a tattoo, lying on the beach with his bikini-clad wife Dawn Cheré, and planning to hold his first service at a bar.
The "Vous Church" website says that "whatever your age or life story, you are welcome! Our mission is simple: People are our heart and Jesus is our message. VOUS Church is a place for "VOUS", or in English...YOU."
Before Wilkerson's Liberty University visit, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was also invited to speak to the students. Trump professed his strong Christian faith, but many were quick to take offence when he used mild curse words and read "2 Corinthians" as "two Corinthians" and not "second Corinthians."
Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. came to Trump's defence on Fox News. "He may not be a theological expert, but when you look at the fruits of his life and all the people he's provided jobs, I think that's the true test of somebody's Christianity not whether or not they use the right theological terms," he said.
