Kel Mitchell found fame as a teen star but recently had a different calling. The actor, who was a staple on Nickelodeon during the ‘90s for shows like “All That” and “Kenan & Kel,” became a licensed pastor in 2019.

The 44-year-old is associated with the Spirit Food Christian Center in Winnetka, California, where he speaks to youth about the importance of relying on faith during tough times. He was previously involved with the Helps Ministry for more than 10 years. According to the Spirit Food Christian Center, the Emmy-nominated star shares his teachings weekly across the country.

“I’ve always known God,” Mitchell explained to Fox News Digital. “Grew up in a church, but there’s a difference between knowing God and having a relationship with God. And I just got to a point in my life where I wanted to make sure that He was in everything that I do. Because when I was trying to figure out everything on my own, I got into a lot of frustration and situations. And the thing about it is that a lot of depression comes from internalizing frustration, and you need to get it out. And you need to know that you’re loved by God and you were born for a purpose. When I figured that out, I wanted others to know that as well because He was always there for me in the ups and downs of my life.”

But while Mitchell was making audiences across the country laugh, he was privately facing personal struggles. Mitchell previously described how he was faced with depression and suicidal thoughts. He credited his devotion to God for giving him hope when he felt hopeless.

“He gives me this joy that I have every morning when I spend time with Him,” said Mitchell. “When I got the call to be a youth pastor, God spoke to me so clearly in my time of prayer. And I said, ‘Yo, I’m going to do it. I’m going to do it.’ He’s been there for me. And I want others to feel this joy and to feel this peace. We want people to live. We want people to enjoy life. And I’m all about that.”

Today, Mitchell said he’s found peace. He shares two children with his wife, rapper Asia Lee. Mitchell has two other children from his previous marriage to actress Tyisha Hampton, whom he married from 1999 to 2005.

In 2021, Mitchell wrote a book of daily devotionals titled, “Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith.” It’s described as a “90-day challenge to receive God’s blessings and become a blessing to others.” He’s hoping his words of advice will give comfort to those feeling the blues during the holidays.

“Your words have power,” he explained. “So, really speak those things that you want to see, those things that you want to manifest, that God is giving you in your heart. Don’t speak negatively about yourself. There’s a lot of negative self-talk out there. There are a lot of negative things that are on social media. You have to get up in the morning and get into a mode. You have to prepare for your day.”