Sexy woman dressed as a pastor
The former pastor found stripping to be akin to a religious experience: “I had never felt more holy and sacred in my life,” she said of her first nude photoshoot.

Many people will change careers in their life, but few will do as drastic of a U-turn as Pastor Nikole Mitchell.

The product of a strict Baptist upbringing, Mitchell ended up at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. By 2016, she’d achieved her dreams; She was preaching weekly at the megachurch alongside her now ex-husband. 

But all the while, tugging away at the back of her mind there was always a taboo desire. “From a young age, I had fantasized about being a stripper,” Mitchell, 36, told the New York Post. “But I was indoctrinated to believe my desires and my body were innately sinful and bad.”

Mitchell’s life changed when she attended a raunchy theater performance that helped resurface some hidden urges from her past. She decided to quit preaching to pursue a new calling: nude modeling. 

Stripping was tantamount to a religious experience for Mitchell: “I had never felt more holy and sacred in my life,” she said of her first nude photoshoot.

Religious Rebellion

While Mitchell’s turn from pastor to stripper might seem extreme, it probably rings true for more people than you might think.

Mitchell grew up in an extremely religious household - so religious that even her religious leadership was inappropriate to her highly religious family. “I was taught that women aren’t allowed to lead and that women belong in the kitchen and with the children,” Mitchell says. Leading a congregation “went against everything I was told.”

Sexual repression and shame amongst the highly religious is an “epidemic” according to Psychology Today. “An entire generation of people are encountering crippling sexual shame and pain as they wrestle with their sexual desires and interests, in a world for which they were unprepared,” they say.

“Across the country, therapists are now seeing a tide of young people, feeling immense shame and pain about their sexual urges, desires and behaviors.”

Purity Culture

Coming to national prominence in the 1990s, “purity culture” defined the sex lives of millions of Millennials, the effects of which that generation is still grappling with today.

Purity culture - the promotion and idealization of waiting until sex until marriage - worked its way into churches nationwide and even was taught in public schools through abstinence only sex-ed.

Teenagers took purity pledges, avoided being alone in a room with someone of the same sex (lest they be tempted), and even crafted creative loopholes to ‘have sex’ without really having sex. We’ll leave those to your imagination.

Now in their 30s, millions of this generation still grapple with the shame they felt for simply having hormones, even showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. And even some proponents of the movement now reject it. Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a foundational text in the purity movement, issued an apology and walked away from evangelical Christianity altogether.

With all that pressure and trauma, is it any wonder some of that generation are coming into their sexuality with full force in their 30s?

That brings us back to Pastor Mitchell, who reports being happier now than ever before. Not only is she pursuing her passion, Mitchell is also now making a substantial income via an OnlyFans account where subscribers can pay to view erotic photos of her.

“Every person has the right to express themselves in whatever way feels good to them and this is how it feels good to me,” she says.

What do you think? As Mitchell's story demonstrates, trying to enforce sexual purity on young people can produce unintended consequences. With that in mind, how do you think churches should approach the topic of sex?

61 comments

  1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

    I'm sure most will look at this latest article to comment on as being totally ok. Others might point to Sodom and Gomorrah and say bad girl, God will judge you. However, would our thoughts and comments be different if this was a male priest doing stripping in his spare time at hen parties? Is there a different criteria for males than for females? Does our thought structure change? Just asking!

    🦁♥️

    1. Brien's Avatar Brien

      Lol, sorry my friend. I just happen to find the article ridiculous. Considering all of the child abuse that runs rampant through religious orders, stripping seems kind of mundane. Food for thought 🤔

    2. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

      I'd like to see her perform a church service naked, while dancing. Hopefully in time she'll open a church for strippers, where clothing will be prohibited. I bet that would really draw a huge crowd of goddess worshippers!

    3. Bishop Thomas's Avatar Bishop Thomas

      All I Can Say Is This: Even Though I Do not Agree With The Decision She Has Made, I Will Not Judge Her And No One Else Should Judge Her Either; For No One Has The Authority To Judge Anyone But God Himself! I Will Not Say What She Is Doing Is Right Or Wrong, Nor Will I Condone Or Condemn The Choice She Made. However, This Is What I Truly Believe And Will Always Stand Behind My Philosophy Of Life And Living! " Everyone Is A Unique And Unrepeatable gift From God Which Can Never Be Duplicated, There Will Never Be Another You; You Are A Most Precious, Priceless And Most Treasured Gift And Blessing From God To All Who Cross Your Path In Life, If God Thought Enough Of you To Bring You Into The World And Give you The breathe Of Life Then No One Should Need Any Other Reason To Consider You Their Friend Or to Love You, Forgive You Or To Accept You For Who you Are. If People Cannot Accept you For Who you Are, Rather Than Whom They Desire You to Be They Are Not your Friends To Begin With, Move Forward With Your Life And Give Them your Blessing; For Everyone Is A Child Of God And Everyone Is Created in The Image And Likeness Of God Therefore Everyone Should Strive To Always Find New Life In Christ And Always Live Before The Face Of God" If One Can Do This With Ones Choice Of Profession Or Vocation In Life And It Draws Them Closer To Christ, Then Who Am I To Judge! For They Have Made Their Decision And They Must Live With Their Decision And The Consequences Of Their Decision. However I Am Always Here For Those Whom Desire Spiritual Direction And Will Never Turn Anyone Away!

      1. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

        Thank you for your opinion Thomas, which I see is based upon a god, but particularly yours, being real. Possibly one day there might be living demonstrable evidence that god(s) are real. If that ever happens I’m sure you will be hoping that it’s your god, but if not I’m sure we could live with whichever god eventually shows up. In many ways I hope it’s not Ganesha, but I guess we’ll just have to accept whatever it looks like.

        Take care!

        🦁❤️

  1. Reverend Bob's Avatar Reverend Bob

    Indeed, it’s probably taboo to have a Baptist modeling in the nude. After all, it could lead to (gasp)...dancing!!! What!? God wants us to be happy in our time here on Earth? And if we are happy in a non Christian way, off to the Eternal Broilers we go! That totally aligns with this 2020 world.

  1. Minister Mike's Avatar Minister Mike

    Preacher turned stripper? So what? Like so many "headlines" this one is a non-story.

  1. Sidney Thomas Rimmington's Avatar Sidney Thomas Rimmington

    Americans obsession with sex is a national character flaw. Lack of self discipline leads to looting and other evidence of character weakness. We need to grow up and stop being stupid children.

    1. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

      Sidney, it sounds like you have a lousy sex life.

    2. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

      👆To be honest I’ve never viewed an obsession of sex as being a character flaw.👆

      I’m sure eunuchs don’t have a problem with self discipline in that area though. I’m sure you mean well though. Remind me not to invite you to any parties 🍷 🎉 🎊 🎈🍻 Just kidding Sidney ✌🏼 ☮️

      🦁❤️

  1. Christian's Avatar Christian

    Transmitting our Creator's Gift of Life is a serious responsibility for every generation of people. The only two tools we have against Sin & Death are True Love & Sexuality. You Will Die, and only your Love and children will remain. Yes, sexuality is sacred.

    With adult fertility only lasting 20 years, and healthy life spans of only 30 to 50 years - there is NO TIME to waste that power of Creation.
    Death Stalks all life forms > our Universal Invisible Companion... TIME begins and ends us all. So, sexuality is not to be forbidden, it is to be respected, not as a form of entertainment, but truly honored as Our Power of Creation to renew and change our world.

    So, as Believers in Free Will, all things are possible, but not all things are beneficial. "I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive. - 1 COR 10:23, NIV

    Actions have consequences. Choices have impact.

    What she may find helpful is to always make the best choices now, for her grandchildren's children. Always think out three generations into the future.

    Meditate upon your actions, decisions, and beliefs, staying centered on Do No Harm to self or to others, and to always be benificial and healing to self and all others.

    In this manner, you will liberate your mind from error, and find true life and freedom from harm.

  1. Lisa Alexandra Helmel Thomas's Avatar Lisa Alexandra Helmel Thomas

    We are all “beautifully and wonderfully made,” in all kinds of shapes, sizes and mindsets. Pastors are, first and foremost , human beings. Through her vocation, Rev. Mitchell has Found her true calling. I am not here to judge. I am a female chaplain studying to be a pastor, and I’m 58 years old. I’m also unafraid and unashamed of being naked in whatever context I might find myself, but thankfully for me I do not possess the youth or qualifications in body type required to be a stripper LOL. I’ll stick to my preaching and singing, but I honor this woman’s personal choices. She may reach people I could never dream of reaching. So that’s okay. Think outside the box, people!

  1. Avtar Adi Kaur's Avatar Avtar Adi Kaur

    This is a beautiful thing!!! She is beautiful!!! And, as I too, had to learn as a lay minister, that my sexuality is beautiful, and doesn't have to be hidden underneath extra material. Who wrote that women are to be modest, when we were born without clothing!!! I believe that God speaks to each of us, in a unique way, and the conversation between us, and the Most High changes, as we evolve. So, it's no one's business, to judge, when anyone comes to a crossroads, and interprets scripture differently, or drastically changes behavior, living their truth out loud. Minister Mitchell do you boo!!!

    1. flugo's Avatar flugo

      'ake': In God's Word is where you/'ll find that women are to modest: 1 Timothy 2:9. Do your homework, to preclude your embarrassing yourself!

  1. Paul Donaldson's Avatar Paul Donaldson

    WITH CHURCH SERVICES 'LOCKED DOWN",SO ARE THE CASH COLLECTIONS. I GIVE THE CREDIT TO THE PREACHER IN HER ATTEMPT TO MAKE ENDS MEET AND PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.

  1. William Richardson's Avatar William Richardson

    I wonder why so many become upset over someone showing their skin. Who am I to tell someone that he or she cannot dance, either clothed or nude? More power to this young lady for doing what she wishes and is not harming anyone? You go girl...... and I'd say the same to a male if they wanted to dance nude.

  1. Graeme Barber's Avatar Graeme Barber

    Do not judge unless you have committed no sin! Mary Magdalene was judged but not by Christ he welcomed her. There is no place in the bible that states you shall be married for you to have sex, it states that thou shall not covert thy neighbours wife. You do not have to like what someone is doing but must not deem them to hell.

  1. Graeme Barber's Avatar Graeme Barber

    Do not judge unless you have committed no sin! Mary Magdalene was judged but not by Christ he welcomed her. There is no place in the bible that states you shall be married for you to have sex, it states that thou shall not covert thy neighbours wife. You do not have to like what someone is doing but must not deem them to hell.

  1. John P Maher's Avatar John P Maher

    HEY LIONHART,JUST CLOSE YER EYES and EARS and DRINK YER BEER...............

    1. Brien's Avatar Brien

      I would be happy to have a beer or even a coffee with Lionheart. At least I would enjoy some intelligent conversation. 🤔

      1. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

        I'm not a beer drinker Brien, but I'd definitely enjoy spending a few hours with you and Lionheart sometimes, at a coffee house, and pass a flask between us, under the table, to spike our cappuccino with.

      2. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

        Now there’s an offer I wouldn’t refuse 🍻 or ☕️. I can also offer some humor 😇

        🦁❤️

  1. Douglas Robert Spindler's Avatar Douglas Robert Spindler

    Is the work of the devil? Does stripping pay more than preaching? I'm sure she's not the first preacher turned sex worker and won't be the last. Good for her for not being ashamed of the body God gave her. She's approaching 40, it will be interesting to see as her stripper career begins to sag if she will return to preaching?

    This could be a good business plan. She should use it to get her MBA.

    1. Ilmenheru Terikson's Avatar Ilmenheru Terikson

      Uhm dude you know strippers are not sex workers right? At least not at legit clubs. Pros and porn stars, who actually have sex as part of their work are sex workers.

      Nude models are just models, exotic dancers are just dancers. And nude modeling is not stripping so frankly I find this articles title abit clickbaity.

      Also mature models are super popular these days. So she is likely not in danger of losing a fan base any time soon, with her former profession adding to the taboo of her appeal, I suspect even her ex hubby is wanking off to her now days.

      1. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

        I wonder if we can persuade Nicole Mitchell to strip at atleast one member of the Trump family's funeral, which a strong premonition tells me is going to take place less than a month from now. Of course, as a staunch Republican, I'd even vote for Pence instead of Biden, and even Pence if he were running against Trump, even though I think Biden's a better man.

  1. Paul J. Fumero's Avatar Paul J. Fumero

    Bet she can pack the church if she preaches nakid...

  1. Rev. Howard Slayton's Avatar Rev. Howard Slayton

    Rev Hensley said there are three things: freedom, food, and sex!

  1. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

    Another way of doing that Christian is through intense sexual orgasm. However, stripping has nothing to do with love, sex, or even meditation, but seems like a good way for pretty people to make a lot of money, and provide entertainment.

  1. Rev. Jonathan Peebles's Avatar Rev. Jonathan Peebles

    it says she is a nude model now that is not a stripper so that is a bit of a stretch what do you expect from the New York post and yet others are missing that as well. It just depends on the type of poses but I am pretty sure from the looks of things it is not porn modeling but tasteful nudity...

  1. Carl Bernard Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Bernard Elfstrom

    I don't care what it is or what it leads to, but just hope this beautiful lady is successful at it. If I was that pretty I'd leave the ministry too, or preach in the my sermons sky clad!

  1. John Daly's Avatar John Daly

    I became a minister here to legally marry my daughter. That is the only reason I see this nonsense. U people that think a pastor turned sex worker is ok are demented and u highlight what a joke and a scam this entire ULC idea is.

    1. Christi Michelle Barnwell's Avatar Christi Michelle Barnwell

      You are legally married to your daughter?

      1. flugo's Avatar flugo

        Excellent!

    2. Nicholas J Page's Avatar Nicholas J Page

      John Daly You need to read your answer again. You say your a minister yet you think that our beloved church is a scam and joke.A male or female naked body should not be displayed to the public only for their spouse. Minister Nicholas Page UK

    3. Lawrence Evans's Avatar Lawrence Evans

      LOL! RIGHT!! I read his comment the same way! Thought to myself, You married your daughter and you think WERE DEMENTED?!?! Ha ha!

  1. David Steventon's Avatar David Steventon

    And who are any of us to stand in judgement. We all establish our personal values from the scriptures. I enjoy comfort knowing that each and every one of us will be held accountable for our actions on the day of judgement.

  1. JT of the plains's Avatar JT of the plains

    According to the NY Post, she is not only a stripper, but is also a prostitute. “I started off really timid like just topless photos, but now I’m at the point where I take personal requests and make videos very tailored to people’s specific desires,” said Mitchell...“I’m to the point where back in March I was actually going to be paid several thousand dollars to have sex with someone, and I was A-OK with that, but then COVID hit and that got cancelled.”

    I have concerns for her children, as it is already tough to be a pastor's kid, and then to have ones parents get divorced in such a public manner and to then have ones mother go from pastor, to stripper, and then becoming a prostitute.

  1. Tabitha's Avatar Tabitha

    You go, girl!

  1. Valerie Fuchs Kravette's Avatar Valerie Fuchs Kravette

    I see an awful lot of men parsing this, and not a lot of women responding. I'm an animist minister in Tucson, as well as a burlesque dancer. A lifelong perfomer, I went back onstage when my husband died...and the vehicle that was available to me was burlesque. In the last seven years, I've created a dozen acts, competed in festivals and competitions, traveled the country and met delightful, intelligent, and creative people. Quite a few of them consider their work a spiritual practice. As do I. Quite a few consider what they do healing work. By allowing themselves to be fully embodied and modelling self-acceptance onstage (and neo-burlesque attracts all bodies, not just the perfect ones) they give their audience permission to do the same. And they do it with humor, sparkle, a wink and a smile. Over half of a typical burlesque audience are women, for that reason. As an art it addresses the artificial and damaging division between body and soul, and helps those of all genders break down the barriers to their true essence...which I thought was one of the points of religion. (In terms of whether she's a sex worker or not, if she's getting paid, she is. I'm sure she's open to harassment and has to take the same precautions as any of us. As a community we support sex work in all its forms, as long as consent is present.)

  1. Ralph A. Lawrence's Avatar Ralph A. Lawrence

    If anyone thinks the Bible is anti-sexuality, read the Song of Solomon, aka Song of Songs.

  1. Wayward73's Avatar Wayward73

    We are all born naked. Its our natural state of being or Gods' will. Wearing clothes for any reason other than protection from the environment is blasphemy.

  1. BE's Avatar BE

    This approach to "christianity" is addressed in Jude 4

    "For some people have slipped in among you unnoticed. They were written about long ago as being deserving of this condemnation because they are ungodly. They turn the grace of our God into uncontrollable lust and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus the Messiah."

    BE

  1. Arch Bishiop Rev Robert E Wright Jr's Avatar Arch Bishiop Rev Robert E Wright Jr

    Well now she cant be come a pastor or a minister till she repents here sins and gets rebaptised nowing that she is good persion again but as long as she is doing this she wont make it to heven

    1. Michael Johnathon Schoenbaum's Avatar Michael Johnathon Schoenbaum

      There is only one baptism. She must repent and confess, but you can't be baptized twice.

  1. Wanda Ann Howell's Avatar Wanda Ann Howell

    thoses that are the sons of God are led by god our flesh must die or you will do backward flips control means life respect GOD and your self

  1. Lawrence Evans's Avatar Lawrence Evans

    Psst! We are ALL nekkid under our clothes!! GASP!!! WHAT TO DOOO!?!?! Perhaps, if more people stood as bare and naked before each other as they are in the eyes of their creator, We could finally accept that we are all Brothers and Sisters & that we need not fight and war with each other! If we did not hide our bodies needlessly from each other perhaps we will learn that we need not hide our hearts and minds form each other either. Imagine what incredible things we could create, if we stopped being jealous, guarded, self conscious, etc. If you wish to witness the happiness and joy of true communion (By this I don't mean sex, but rather just being around each other and enjoying each other's company) with your Brothers& Sisters....Gather NAKED! I assure you that after the giggles and misc. awkwardness passes you will experience a sense of peace and contentment and deeper bond to those brave enough to have journeyed to that level of openness with you! You will discover that it is difficult to put on airs and not be genuine when all present are bare, as they will be when they return to their creator. :)

    1. Heather Gwen Skatzes's Avatar Heather Gwen Skatzes

      What a unique and lovely response. I never thought of how many barriers could be broken by simply presenting ourselves as we really are, naked and flawed, yet surprisingly whole in all our beautiful glory! Talk about moving past what holds us back and moving into something far greater.

  1. Richard Lee Cornell's Avatar Richard Lee Cornell

    Having seen a traveling preacher setting up his tent who had a wife that stood out. She look as the girl found on any street corner at night in major cities. He was handsome dud and she was something a guy would sell his soul for. She had the moves, the looks and most of all the body. He brought the ladies in and she brought in the dirty young and old men. Just remember that most people age, some gracefully and like I not so well. The body she has at 18 if different then at 26 and very different when she is 40. She will age well or become a old crag.

  1. Curtis Allen Jones's Avatar Curtis Allen Jones

    First how can a woman be a pastor,,,,according to the qualifications layed out for us in 1 Timothy chapter 3 it says if a Man desire the office of a Bishop or Deacon, he desire a good work.....doesn’t say if a woman desires it so according to Timothy a woman does not the Qualifications of that office..also in 1Timothy 2: 11-15 a woman is not to teach or usurp authority over a man, so either Gods word is truth and the law or mankind just does what they want and for that they all will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgement....

  1. Michael Johnathon Schoenbaum's Avatar Michael Johnathon Schoenbaum

    What she's doing is against scripture.

  1. Minister Mike's Avatar Minister Mike

    Good lord, why is it that it's the religious zealots that lie the most? The photo in this article is NOT a photo of the stripper. Jaysus.

  1. Bruce Lee's Avatar Bruce Lee

    How are we to walk In the image of God, when now and days evil is considered good. I always knew this earth In Hell would tempt even the furthest reaches of distant under/uni verses.

  1. Kevin Joseph Kervick's Avatar Kevin Joseph Kervick

    The rebellion will last a couple of hours.

  1. William Arthur Morris's Avatar William Arthur Morris

    It will be interesting if a woman can begin a new venture in adult entertainment at age 40. Perhaps if she can arrange a daliance with President Trump she ca be seen in a few news cycles.

  1. Sean C. Aiken's Avatar Sean C. Aiken

    And this is what we have come too as a society. Scripture speaks of the "watered down faith". It is the norm and so sad..

  1. Alexander Clarke's Avatar Alexander Clarke

    Most women come standard equipped to "earn a living". Guys have to work because no one will pay them for their services.

  1. Michael S Cope's Avatar Michael S Cope

    You can't serve two masters...

  1. Carl A. Hankins's Avatar Carl A. Hankins

    I don't recall reading about how Exilerated and holy Adam and Eve were before they saw God in his White robe. I supposed they felt naked not looking like the person they looked up to. That's probably why she said the devil made them eat the fruit to change the subject like women do. But since they conspired about it he just said he was moving his house elsewhere. But being the good God he is. He looked in on them every so often just to find they were having a hard time digesting knowledge. But that pastor should have known better.

  1. Angela T. Sheets's Avatar Angela T. Sheets

    I’ll answer that with a scripture.... 1 Corinthians 6:9 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,”

    Anytime we justify our reasons for committing a sinful act to convince ourselves it’s ok to do ....we are under deception and influence of the enemy . It’s one thing to feel Holy with your nude body . But do that in the privacy of your own room . The world doesn’t need to see it . That just displays a cry for attention . As for people with pent up sexual desires...that’s called temptation and it comes from the enemy . Renewing of the mind and taking every thought and urge into obedience with God’s words and commands is what stops temptation. It’s discipline. You have to love Jesus MORE than the sins! 🙌

    1. Alisa Kay Gill's Avatar Alisa Kay Gill

      I am so sorry you feel this way. But on that note, who are you to judge anyone? Are you without sin? And who says the only right religion is yours? Not your God, he never said any one religion was right and correct. Not that I can recall. But feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

  1. Alisa Kay Gill's Avatar Alisa Kay Gill

    WAY TO GO!!!! I am a former stripper. And I can tell you from experience that it can sometimes feel like a higher being is calling you to it. Most of my co-workers were women just like the one in the article. They were told that ANY sexuality was a sin. Why is it only women seem to be taught that? I mean I know most would say that was taught to all the sexes but let's be real, the guys were then told that they were "cool" if they slept with a ton of girls. Just where did y'all think these girls were gonna come from? Just saying.

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