The Trap Chaplain: Reimagining Ministry for Authentic Connection
with Minister Crystal Saiyge
Traplain Crystal Saiyge represents a bold and fresh approach to ministry. Her unique title, inspired in part by Nicki Minaj’s Beez in the Trap, reflects her commitment to serving people in spaces often overlooked or stigmatized. “Chaplaincy is supposed to be where the people are,” Crystal says, “and sometimes, people be in a trap.” For her, the trap symbolizes not only physical locations but also emotional and spiritual states where people feel stuck or marginalized.
Crystal’s ministry challenges the often hollow phrase “meeting people where they are.” Too many ministries impose conditions or approach people’s realities with discomfort or judgment. In contrast, Crystal embraces humanity in all its complexity, acknowledging the joys, struggles, and pleasures that define life. Her theology echoes Jesus’ ministry among society’s marginalized, emphasizing a holistic, shame-free spirituality. This openness extends to sex positivity, music, and the everyday experiences that connect us as humans.
Her work bridges traditional Christian theology with insights from Buddhism, offering a deeply integrated perspective. She finds inspiration in Buddha’s journey from privilege to the raw realities of life, mirroring her own decision to step into unfiltered spaces. “I found a peace in myself where I know if I need something, it will reveal itself to me,” she reflects. This inner grounding allows her to carry sacredness into every encounter, whether in grief, joy, or mundane interactions.
Through initiatives like Church of the Bando, Crystal creates spaces that honor Black creativity, community, and spirituality. The term "bando," drawn from trap music, traditionally refers to abandoned spaces but is reimagined by Crystal as a hub of cultural and spiritual vitality. This church centers on Black cultural expressions, blending what I call “righteous and ratchet” as holy manifestations. “Some people’s exact version of holy is the ratchet,” she explains, challenging conventional ideas of what spirituality looks like.
As a pastor’s grandchild, Crystal experienced the pressure of institutional expectations that didn’t align with her gifts. Her seminary education and personal journey inspired her to build a ministry that values authenticity over conformity. Church of the Bando calls individuals to embrace their full humanity, celebrating Black identity while extending radical inclusion to all.
Crystal’s forthcoming book, Trap Rituals for the Souls of Black Folks, encourages Black communities to rethink traditional Christian paradigms, which often prioritize subservience to institutions over personal liberation. By connecting spiritual disciplines to Black identity and cultural liberation, she reimagines faith as a practice rooted in freedom and self-empowerment.
In her work, Crystal reclaims the sacredness of everyday moments. From trap karaoke nights to grief support, her ministry is about holding space for the whole person. She defines allyship as “unearned friendship to a different people group” and models this by fostering connection through mutual aid, community organizing, and intentional spaces.
Crystal’s ministry dismantles barriers, creating room for honest connection and self-love. “Loving your neighbor as yourself means you have to love yourself first,” she asserts. In a world often divided by shame and judgment, the Trap Chaplain offers a revolutionary vision of faith that thrives in unexpected places.
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