---
title: Episode 047 – Creative Evangelization with Joe Melendrez
description: Join our conversation with Joe Melendrez as we discuss creative evangelization through music, art, and intentional discipleship to sustain and inspire.
---

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

# [Episode 047 – Creative Evangelization with Joe Melendrez](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-047-creative-evangelization-with-joe-melendrez)

 Written by [Christopher Wesley](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/author/christopher-wesley) | Feb 10, 2026 1:51:45 PM

In this dynamic and deeply personal conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with **Joe Melendrez**, Catholic musician, speaker, and creative evangelist, to explore what it means to proclaim the Gospel through music, movement, and art. Joe shares his journey from a life-changing Teen ACTS retreat as a teenager to an international ministry that blends worship concerts, testimony, retreats, and faith-based apparel.

Together, Christopher and Joe unpack the creative process behind evangelization, the importance of participation over performance, and how intentional rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and self-care sustain long-term ministry. The conversation also addresses burnout, innovation in the Church, and why empowering young voices is essential for renewal.

### **Key Takeaways**

**From Encounter to Mission****  
**Joe’s story begins with a profound encounter with God on a Teen ACTS retreat that shifted his life from cultural Catholicism to intentional discipleship and missionary creativity.

**Creativity as Evangelization****  
**Music, dance, and art are not distractions from the Gospel but powerful doorways into encounter when they invite full participation of mind, body, and spirit.

**Participation Over Performance****  
**Joe’s concerts are designed as shared worship experiences, not shows—drawing people into praise, movement, testimony, and communal response rather than passive observation.

**Reading the Room and the Spirit****  
**Effective ministry requires flexibility and discernment. Being faithful to the Spirit sometimes means letting go of rigid schedules in favor of what people need in the moment.

**Caring for the Vessel****  
**Sustainable ministry depends on caring for the whole person. Daily routines, exercise, meditation breaks, and healthy sleep patterns are essential for long-term fruitfulness.

**Scripture Fuels Creativity****  
**Learning how to meditate on Scripture—especially through writing and reflection—has become central to Joe’s prayer life and creative process.

**Innovation for the Kingdom****  
**Joe expresses hope for a Church that embraces collaboration, creativity, and young leadership, making room for new voices while remaining rooted in Christ.

### **What Joe Recommends**

**Go-To Practices**

- Meditation and “brain breaks” (10–15 minutes midday or before key moments)
- Regular exercise as both spiritual and creative fuel
- A consistent early-morning routine focused on prayer, Scripture, and growth

**Scripture Practice**

- The SOAP Method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)
- Lectio Divina, especially writing Scripture by hand

**Tools and Resources**

- [**Endel**](https://endel.io/) – soundscapes for focus, meditation, and rest
- Voice memos for capturing lyrics and ideas on the go

**Books He’s Reading**

- [*Shot Ready*](https://amzn.to/4t9PHv4) by Steph Curry
- [*Beloved*](https://amzn.to/45DiMoB) by Francis Chan
- [*The Art of Spending Money*](https://amzn.to/4r99iu9)* - Morgan Housel*

**Ministry and Creative Projects**

- [*The Rosary Rap*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r19FJbbN6c) – a creative tool designed to help people pray
- [*Win the Day for Jesus* ](https://www.joemelendrez.com/ministry)– Joe’s retreat/course focused on routines and burnout prevention
- [God Swagg Apparel](https://godswaggapparel.com/) – faith-based apparel as everyday evangelization
- “[Spirit Filled](https://youtu.be/QvI7THeeTko?si=j8tbBVT9aVWboSvf)” – a song written during a conference gym session

### **Connect with Joe**

- Website and bookings: [joemelendrez.com](http://joemelendrez.com)
- Social media: @[joemelendrez](https://www.instagram.com/joemelendrez) (all platforms)

Elevate your podcast experience and support our mission to do church better. Visit[ thechurchpodcast.org](http://thechurchpodcast.org/) and join our community of dedicated listeners.

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

**A Little From Our Sponsors**

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