---
title: Episode 023 - Evangelization Through Encounter w/ Noah Gilchrist
description: Explore evangelization with Noah Gilchrist, emphasizing authentic faith, personal encounters with Christ, and innovative ministry strategies.
---

[The Church Podcast ](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast)

# [Episode 023 - Evangelization Through Encounter w/ Noah Gilchrist](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-023-evangelization-through-encounter-w/-noah-gilchrist)

 Written by [Christopher Wesley](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/author/christopher-wesley) | Apr 29, 2025 10:58:28 AM

In this inspiring and heartfelt conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with Noah Gilchrist, Director of Expansion at Damascus and a passionate missionary within the Catholic Church. Noah shares his powerful story of wrestling with faith, loss, and identity after his father's battle with cancer, and how a surprising encounter at a high school retreat set him on fire for Christ.

Christopher and Noah dive deep into the adventure of living an authentic Catholic faith, emphasizing the critical role of personal encounters with Christ, daily prayer, and community. They explore how Damascus cultivates a culture of bold missionary discipleship by focusing first on transformation within. Noah also shares hard-earned wisdom about the dangers of misplaced identity in ministry, the importance of letting Christ be the true hero of every story, and the need for innovation and risk-taking in evangelization today.

This conversation challenges leaders to think differently about mission, identity, and the urgent call to raise up a Church filled with bold, prayerful pioneers who live fully for Christ.

**Takeaways**

- Personal encounter with Christ must be at the heart of all ministry.
- Identity rooted in being a beloved son or daughter is crucial for sustainable leadership.
- Health and personal stewardship are vital to lasting impact in ministry.
- Bold evangelization is fueled by daily prayer and real relationship with Jesus.
- The faithful—not the staff—are the heroes of the Church’s mission.
- Authentic community and vulnerability can transform lives and revive parish culture.
- We must invite Christ into *every part* of our lives, not just the "holy" parts.
- Churches should raise up pioneers who are willing to take risks for the Gospel.
- Faith is meant to be an exciting, adventurous life, not a boring obligation.
- Media and music are powerful tools for reaching young people where they are.
- Failure is part of innovation in ministry—learn fast, stay humble, and adjust.
- The adventure of Catholicism comes from hearing God’s voice and courageously obeying it.

**CONNECT WITH NOAH GILCHRIST**

DAMASCUS WEBSITE: [www.damascus.net](https://www.damascus.net)  
LINKEDIN: [Noah Gilchrist](https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-gilchrist-b1aa0b170/)

**NOAH RECOMMENDS**

- **Ultimate Human Podcast** with Gary Brecka – for health optimization and longevity. [HERE](https://www.theultimatehuman.com/)
- **The Last Dance** (Netflix documentary) – lessons in perseverance, leadership, and excellence from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. [HERE](https://www.netflix.com/title/80203144)
- **Cold plunges, strength training, and daily health habits** tracked simply with Google Sheets for personal vitality and resilience in ministry.

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**Recorded on Riverside - **<https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley>[HERE](https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley)

**A Little From Our Sponsors**

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at [sockreligious.com](https://sockreligious.com/?ref=CHURCHPOD). Use CHURCHPOD and get 10% off your purchase.

GET CUSTOM GEAR for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit [4marksprinting.com/churchpod](https://www.4marksprinting.com/churchpod) for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit [HERE](https://parishgear.com/collections/marathon-youth-ministry?ref=mymgear) to see what we have.

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