The Church Podcast

Episode 047 – Creative Evangelization with Joe Melendrez

Written by 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 – soundscapes for focus, meditation, and rest
  • Voice memos for capturing lyrics and ideas on the go

Books He’s Reading

Ministry and Creative Projects

Connect with Joe

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Recorded on Riverside - HERE

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