If you’ve spent any time on Christian Instagram or scrolled through Atlanta’s social scene lately, you already know the name. Dr. Karri Turner—now Dr. Karri Turner Bryant—is everywhere. But the question that usually follows her powerful sermons isn't always about the theology. It's about the man standing next to her. Pastor Karri Turner husband is the high-profile and often controversial Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. He’s the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
He’s an activist.
And honestly? He’s a lightning rod for conversation.
Their union wasn't just a quiet "I do" in a courthouse. It was a massive cultural moment for the Black Church. When they tied the knot in November 2024, it signaled a brand-new era for one of the most famous megachurches in the country. But for those who only know Jamal Bryant from his past reality TV ties or his viral protests, there’s a lot more to the story of how these two powerhouse ministers became a team.
How Jamal Bryant Became Pastor Karri Turner Husband
The road to their wedding was anything but predictable. For years, Jamal Bryant was famously single following his high-profile divorce from Gizelle Bryant of The Real Housewives of Potomac. People wondered if he’d ever remarry. Then, during a Sunday service in May 2024, he dropped the bombshell.
He didn't just announce he was dating; he proposed right there at New Birth.
He told the congregation that Karri made him a better man. He called her the "sun" that ended the dark season of his life. It was a vulnerable move for a man who is usually known for his sharp wit and political fire. They didn't wait long to seal the deal, either. By November 15, 2024, they were standing at the altar at the Waldorf Astoria in Atlanta.
A Wedding That Broke the Internet
Forget the traditional white gown. These two did things their way. Karri walked down the aisle in a custom, bejeweled pink jumpsuit with a massive ruffle train. Jamal? He was rocking a forest green suit with matching jewels.
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It was loud. It was bold. It was very "Atlanta."
The hashtag #BetOnBryants trended for days. People loved the transparency of it all. It wasn't just about the clothes, though. It was about two people who had both experienced the weight of public ministry and personal transitions finding a second chance. Karri wasn't just "the wife"—she was a doctor, a scholar, and a pastor in her own right long before the ring.
The Viral Dress Controversy of 2026
Even a year into their marriage, the spotlight hasn't dimmed. Just recently, in early 2026, the couple found themselves at the center of a heated "modesty" debate. It started when Karri wore a stunning flesh-toned gown with black lace detailing to the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball.
The internet, as it usually does, went into a tailspin.
Some traditionalists claimed it was "too sexy" for a First Lady. Some even called it scandalous. But here’s where the dynamic of pastor Karri Turner husband really shows up. Jamal Bryant didn't stay quiet. During a New Year’s Eve service, he took to the pulpit to defend his wife.
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"I bought the dress, and I like it," he told the crowd. "She ain't married to y'all. She's married to me."
He basically told the "modesty police" to worry about the millions of dollars they raised for HBCUs instead of the lining of his wife's dress. It was a moment that solidified their brand: they aren't here to fit into the old-school boxes of what a "pastor and wife" should look like.
More Than Just a "First Lady"
It’s easy to get caught up in the fashion and the viral clips, but Karri Turner Bryant is a heavyweight in her own lane. She’s a graduate of Morris Brown College and Emory’s Candler School of Theology. She earned her doctorate from Regent University.
Before she was the wife of a megachurch pastor, she was leading her own movements.
She often speaks about "The Sacred Third"—the space where women of faith can be whole, ambitious, and spiritual all at once. Inside New Birth, she isn't just sitting in the front row. She’s active in leadership and often guest-stars on Jamal’s podcast, Let’s Be Clear. They use that platform to talk about the messy parts of life: divorce, shame, and finding love again when you're over 50.
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The Blended Family Reality
Life isn't just sermons and galas. Jamal has children from his previous marriage and other relationships. Navigating a blended family in the public eye is a minefield. They’ve been candid about the fact that it takes work. Karri has had to step into a role that requires a lot of grace, especially given Jamal’s history with the RHOP cameras and the public scrutiny that follows him everywhere.
What You Should Take Away
The relationship between Karri and Jamal Bryant is a case study in modern ministry. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. They represent a shift toward a "grown and sexy" version of faith that prioritizes partnership over performance.
If you’re following their journey, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Support is a two-way street. Notice how Jamal defends her career and her choices as much as she supports his ministry.
- Labels are evolving. Karri has shown that being a "First Lady" doesn't mean losing your individual identity or your academic credentials.
- Expect the unexpected. This couple thrives on breaking tradition, whether it’s through fashion or how they address their critics.
If you want to stay updated on their latest work, the best place is their "Let's Be Clear" podcast or the New Birth livestream. They’re constantly dropping gems on how to navigate "second act" relationships without losing your mind.