We conducted this study in a nationwide sample of older Black Americans to determine whether religious involvement helps to reduce the negative impact of stressful life events. The major outcome measures were self-esteem and feelings of personal control. Three models of the stress process were evaluated empirically: the suppressor, moderator, and distress-deterrent models. The data provided support for the distress-deterrent model only. The findings from this model indicated that although life stress to erode feelings of self-worth and mastery, these negative effects were offset or counterbalanced by increased religious involvement.